MSC Confirms Construction of Second Island in Ocean Cay

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MSC Confirms Construction of Second Island in Ocean Cay

MSC Cruises confirmed it is building a second private island destination adjacent to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

According to a recent press release, the development is part of a larger expansion and enhancement project planned for its private destination, which is located near Bimini in the Bahamas.

MSC said that the yet-unnamed island will “stay true to the ethos of Ocean Cay, offering an experience that connects guests to nature, pristine beaches and the beauty of the ocean.”

The company added that the destination, which is known internally as Little Cay, will be equipped with “luxury facilities and water features.”

Further details of the new private island destination, including an opening date, are expected to be announced in the future.

In addition to confirming plans for a second island, MSC announced a series of enhancements to Ocean Cay.

After opening in 2019, the private island will introduce an extended pier in late 2027, allowing it to welcome two vessels at the same time.

Ocean Cay will also undergo updates to its guest areas with the creation of a new adults-only area, Paradise Sands, as well as additional dining venues.

In addition to its first specialty restaurant, the destination will welcome more buffet and food market options.

Guests will also be able to book a greater variety of cabanas, which are said to offer “even more choice and luxury relaxation.”

MSC is also upgrading the Seakers Cove Family Beach with a range of new experiences, including a kids’ playground, a splash pad and a ropes course with water elements.

The area will feature ping-pong and football activities, as well as all-age tournaments and interactive games.

The company will also introduce the new MSC Foundation “Shifting Perspective” Experience, which is described as an invitation for guests to explore marine conservation through immersive experiences.

In related news, MSC is also reportedly investing $450 million to build a new cruise port in Grand Bahama Island.

MSC Cruises Unveils Yacht Club Experience at Miami Grand Prix

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MSC Cruises Unveils Yacht Club Experience at Miami Grand Prix

MSC Cruises will unveil a new MSC Yacht Club experience for the 2026 Miami Grand Prix from May 1 to 3, according to a press release.

The all-new hospitality centerpiece will deliver elevated luxury and immersive design for guests across five decks of a lifelike yacht and is set to become the highlight of the Marina on the inside of Turns 5 to 9.

“MSC Cruises’ partnership with Formula 1 continues to grow and evolve, and the MSC Yacht Club at the Miami Grand Prix is a perfect expression of who we are as a brand—combining innovation, luxury hospitality and world-class experiences in one extraordinary setting,” said Suzanne Salas, executive vice president of marketing, e-commerce and sales for MSC Cruises.

“Formula 1 represents the very best in performance, spectacle and international appeal, which makes this the perfect venue for MSC Cruises to offer fans the seamless blend of European style and American comfort guests enjoy onboard our ships.”

The MSC Yacht Club will become the highlight of the Marina presented by MSC Cruises at the Miami International Autodrome. The lifelike super yacht will measure 264 feet in length, have a width of 96 feet and will be 50 feet tall at its highest point.

Positioned at one of the circuit’s most dynamic sections, the MSC Yacht Club will place guests directly alongside one of the most exciting corners on the track’s layout, delivering dramatic views of up to five turns.

The MSC Yacht Club at the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix is inspired by MSC Cruises’ luxury ship-within-a-ship onboard experience, also named the MSC Yacht Club.

The Miami Grand Prix version will feature five levels totaling 32,000 square feet, with each deck offering a different guest experience.

At the heart of the experience is a culinary program curated by Bagatelle, the hospitality brand. Bagatelle sets the tone for dining throughout the weekend.

“From the very beginning, the Marina presented by MSC Cruises has been one of the defining features of our race,” said Katharina Nowak, president of the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix.

“In creating the MSC Yacht Club, we wanted to elevate that iconic space by providing something even more immersive, refined and connected to racing.”

The structure is the event’s biggest new offering since 2023 when a new Paddock Club building was constructed.

The reimagined Marina presented by MSC Cruises will also feature a new general admission area with an elevated viewing platform inside Turn 7.

Royal Caribbean Remaining Quiet on Next Ship Class

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Royal Caribbean Remaining Quiet on Next Ship Class

Royal Caribbean is remaining quiet on its next ship class of ships, which will be known as the Discovery class.

The company ordered two Discovery-class vessels for 2029 and 2032 deliveries from Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France on Thursday, with an option for more.

“From the business perspective, we are really excited with the innovation, creativity, and the kind of product that we’ve now created with Discovery. It really is going to be a game changer,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International.

“Just as Icon was introduced, and kind of changed the game, Discovery is going to do exactly the same thing. We are really looking forward to sharing more details about Discovery with the marketplace, but we’re not planning on saying much about it today or in the next couple of months,” Bayley added.

He also refuted widespread social media coverage, most of which has rumored the new class of ships to be somewhat smaller.

“The many of the assumptions that are currently out there in social media, etcetera, in terms of size, capacity, etcetera, etcetera. Are probably, it’s fair to say, inaccurate.”