MSC Cruises Unveils Sandy Cay Private Island for 2028 Debut

MSC Group’s Cruise Division has announced plans to add Sandy Cay, a new “luxury private destination” in The Bahamas that will sit next to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve and begin welcoming guests in 2028.

The project is intended for passengers sailing with MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys, and comes as MSC points to strong performance at Ocean Cay, including high guest satisfaction ratings and sustained demand, as a key driver behind expanding its private-destination footprint.

Sandy Cay: a second private island call next to Ocean Cay

MSC has positioned Sandy Cay as a more secluded alternative to Ocean Cay, designed to complement the existing private destination while offering a quieter experience. In its announcement, the company described Sandy Cay as having aragonite sand and a calmer, more “elemental” atmosphere.

Lynn Torrent, president of MSC Cruises North America, tied the new project to Ocean Cay’s results and MSC’s broader growth in the U.S. market. “The success of Ocean Cay helped validate our long-term vision for private destinations,” Torrent said.

Torrent added that the new island is meant to widen what MSC can offer in the same area as it adds capacity from U.S. homeports. “Adding Sandy Cay allows us to expand capacity while offering guests more variety and more tailored experiences,” she said.

While MSC has not yet released a detailed list of venues or activities, the company has said additional information will be shared later, including via social media. Torrent said the new destination will have “its own soul and DNA,” while maintaining the relaxed Bahamian feel that guests associate with Ocean Cay.

What MSC is upgrading at Ocean Cay ahead of Sandy Cay’s debut

Ocean Cay, which opened in 2019, is a key stop on many MSC Cruises Caribbean itineraries and has also been used as a base for marine-focused initiatives connected to the surrounding environment.

MSC has already outlined a new round of enhancements at Ocean Cay that are intended to expand capacity and broaden the range of experiences available during calls. Planned additions include new food-and-beverage concepts, redesigned beach areas, expanded relaxation zones, and new offerings meant to better serve different traveler types, including families and adults.

Infrastructure upgrades are also part of the plan. Luca Garritano, MSC Cruises’ chief revenue and sales services officer, called Ocean Cay “a cornerstone of our Caribbean itineraries,” and said the pier is being extended so two ships will be able to berth at the same time once the project is completed.

MSC has also linked parts of its programming at Ocean Cay to marine conservation engagement, including hands-on, conservation-focused experiences and interactive activities for children.

How Sandy Cay may appear on itineraries

MSC has said Sandy Cay is expected to become a call on Caribbean itineraries operated by MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys. The company has not yet published schedules showing which voyages will visit Sandy Cay after it opens, nor has it said whether the island will be used as a stand-alone call, paired with Ocean Cay visits, or a mix depending on itinerary design.

What MSC has made clear is access: Sandy Cay is being developed specifically for MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys passengers, with first guest visits planned for 2028.

Dominican Republic plans include redeveloping Catalina Island near La Romana

In a separate destination initiative, MSC Group’s CTL Maritime (identified as CLT Maritime in a separate announcement) is collaborating with Casa de Campo Resort & Villas to redevelop Catalina Island in the Dominican Republic into a cruise-focused leisure destination. Catalina Island is located off the coast of La Romana and is known for crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches.

MSC’s redevelopment plans call for new dining venues, including open-air beach pavilions, along with shaded seating areas with panoramic views. The redesigned destination is also set to include a water sports center, private cabanas and daybeds, plus practical infrastructure such as changing areas, showers, and restrooms.

MSC has said other cruise lines will have access to Catalina Island, and the company has framed the project as one that will comply with local environmental regulations. The redevelopment also comes as the Dominican Republic’s cruise market grows, with the country seeing more than 1.1 million cruise passengers in 2026 alone.

The Catalina Island plans coincide with what MSC described as its first year-round Southern Caribbean itineraries, supported by MSC Opera homeporting in La Romana beginning in November 2026.

North America deployment and other destination projects

MSC has also pointed to ship deployment plans as it expands its Caribbean and regional offerings. Garritano said MSC plans to deploy seven ships from North American ports for winter 2026-27, including Miami, Galveston, Port Canaveral, and La Romana. For summer 2027, MSC’s North American lineup is expected to include six ships.

“Our strategy is to keep growing in a balanced way. We want to cover all cruising regions and offer our guests a wide range of options in terms of embarkation ports and destinations,” Garritano said.

Beyond Sandy Cay and the Ocean Cay upgrades, MSC has also announced another land-based project: CTL Maritime plans to acquire and redevelop part of the Grand Lucayan Resort on Grand Bahama into a beach club concept intended for MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys guests.

MSC has framed the rollout of additional Ocean Cay features as the next milestone in its private-destination strategy, followed by Sandy Cay’s planned debut in 2028, while details on Sandy Cay’s on-island amenities and itinerary integration remain to be announced.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When will Sandy Cay open to cruise guests?

MSC Group has said Sandy Cay is scheduled to begin welcoming MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys guests in 2028.

Where is Sandy Cay located, and how is it positioned compared with Ocean Cay?

Sandy Cay will be in The Bahamas, adjacent to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. MSC has described Sandy Cay as a more secluded, luxury-focused complement to Ocean Cay, with a quieter, more “elemental” atmosphere and aragonite sand.

Has MSC announced what amenities Sandy Cay will include?

MSC has shared early concept positioning for Sandy Cay but has not yet detailed specific facilities or experiences. The company has said additional information will be released later.

Will other cruise lines have access to Sandy Cay or Catalina Island?

MSC has said Sandy Cay is being developed for MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys passengers. For Catalina Island in the Dominican Republic, MSC has said other cruise lines will have access, including TUI Cruises, Costa Cruises, and Marella Cruises.

What amenities are planned for the redeveloped Catalina Island destination?

MSC’s plans for Catalina Island include dining venues such as open-air beach pavilions, shaded seating areas with panoramic views, a water sports center, private cabanas and daybeds, and upgraded infrastructure including changing areas, showers, and restrooms.