MSC to Deploy 7 Ships in U.S. and the Caribbean for Summer 2028

MSC to Deploy 7 Ships in U.S. and the Caribbean for Summer 2028

MSC Cruises recently revealed its plans for the 2028 summer season in North America and the Caribbean, which includes itineraries onboard seven ships.

According to a press release, the deployment is highlighted by the first full year of service of the MSC World Atlantic.

After entering service in late 2027, the new World-class ship will continue to sail from Port Canaveral during the summer, offering seven-night cruises to the Caribbean.

The World Atlantic will be joined in Central Florida by the MSC Grandiosa, which will offer a series of three- and four-night cruises to the Bahamas.

MSC is also deploying two ships in PortMiami during the 2028 summer, with the MSC World America and the MSC Seaside.

The MSC Seascape will continue to sail from Galveston on seven-night itineraries to the Western Caribbean, while the MSC Poesia returns to Alaska for the third consecutive summer.

MSC also announced plans to operate the MSC Opera in the Southern Caribbean during the summer of 2028, with additional deployment details set to be revealed at a later date.

According to the company, the itineraries will be highlighted by overnight stays in its private island destination of Ocean Cay, as well as the debut of Sandy Cay.

“We’re always looking for opportunities to give our guests new ways to experience MSC Cruises’ mix of European style and American comfort, and our Summer 2028 Caribbean itineraries are a great example of that,” said Lynn Torrent, president of MSC Cruises North America.

“We have sunny getaways available for everyone, whether they’re looking for a quick weekend in The Bahamas, a family vacation aboard one of our fantastic World Class ships, or a bucket-list journey through the gorgeous Southern Caribbean. Plus, guests can look forward to the new experiences we’re building in key destinations like Ocean Cay, Sandy Cay and Catalina Island—all aimed at ensuring they have the best beach days possible,” she added.

MSC Cruises to Upgrade Ocean Cay with Extended Pier

MSC Cruises to Upgrade Ocean Cay with Extended Pier

MSC Cruises has announced upgrades to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the cruise line’s private island in The Bahamas.

The island will receive new facilities to enhance the guest experience and an extended pier to accommodate two ships calling simultaneously, due for completion in late 2027.

Ocean Cay opened in late 2019 and became a guest-favorite destination on MSC Cruises’ Caribbean itineraries.

The cruise line transformed the former industrial site into a private island destination.

Guests visiting the island from late 2027 can expect new restaurants and bars, a dedicated adults-only beach, a fully equipped family lagoon and more cabanas available to rent.

Four new dining experiences will be added to the island, bringing the total to seven venues.

A signature specialty restaurant will be added alongside new buffets and food market options.

Seakers Cove Family Beach will receive an upgrade with new experiences, including a kids’ playground, a splashpad and a ropes course with water elements. The area will also feature ping-pong and foosball.

Paradise Sands, an exclusive retreat for adults, will allow adults to relax by day before the space then transforms into a spot to sip cocktails and let loose at sunset.

The new MSC Foundation Shifting Perspective Experience will invite guests to explore marine conservation through hands-on experiences, from coral restoration to interactive exploration of ocean ecosystems.

Ocean Cay was designated a Hope Spot by Mission Blue in 2023, recognized as an area of key importance in supporting biodiversity and safeguarding sea life.

Construction work has begun on extending the pier to accommodate two ships.

Currently, one vessel can dock directly at Ocean Cay, but the pier extension will allow two ships to dock simultaneously.

Work continues on developing a second private island destination adjacent to Ocean Cay.

This island, known internally as Little Cay, will offer pristine beaches and luxury facilities.

MSC Confirms Construction of Second Island in Ocean Cay

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.