MSC Group’s Cruise Division formally broke ground September 28 on Sandy Cay, the luxury private island it is building in The Bahamas next to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Construction is already well along, and the destination is on track to open in 2028.
Bahamian government officials joined MSC executives and project partners for the ceremony, which the company framed as a signal of its long-term investment in the country.
Sandy Cay was first announced in April 2026 and will be reserved for guests of MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys. The pitch is quieter than a typical cruise-line island: five beaches, a wellness-and-relaxation emphasis, private retreats, dining, and a service level pitched at the luxury end. MSC says the island is meant to complement Ocean Cay rather than duplicate it, carrying over the reserve’s nature-first approach.
Ocean Cay is getting upgrades in the meantime. MSC plans additional dining venues, separate new beach concepts for families and for adults, more space to unwind, and new immersive experiences on the island, which has become a fixture of its Caribbean itineraries.
The end result for advisors is two private-island options within the same MSC ecosystem: Ocean Cay for the broader family and nature crowd, and Sandy Cay for clients paying up for a more secluded, higher-touch stop. Booking details for Sandy Cay have not yet been released.
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