MSC Group’s Cruise Division has officially broken ground on Sandy Cay, a new private island destination in The Bahamas that is scheduled to welcome MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys guests beginning in 2028.
Located next to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Sandy Cay is being developed as a separate, more intimate luxury destination centered on beaches, relaxation, wellness, nature and personalized hospitality. Construction and site work are already underway.
The project also comes as MSC prepares additional upgrades for neighboring Ocean Cay, including new dining venues, family and adult beach concepts, expanded relaxation areas and experiences connected with marine conservation.
Sandy Cay Is Scheduled to Open in 2028
MSC marked the latest stage of the project with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by company representatives, Bahamian government officials and other project stakeholders.
Attendees included Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division, and Philip Davis, prime minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
Sandy Cay was first announced in April 2026. Although the September groundbreaking represents an important development milestone, MSC says construction and other site work were already underway ahead of the planned 2028 opening.
The destination will be reserved exclusively for guests traveling with MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys.
Sandy Cay Will Sit Next to Ocean Cay
One of the most important aspects of the project is its location adjacent to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC’s existing private island destination in The Bahamas.
Rather than creating another version of Ocean Cay, MSC is developing Sandy Cay to provide a distinct experience.
The company describes the new island as intimate and elevated, with a greater emphasis on luxury, wellness and relaxation while maintaining a connection with the surrounding natural environment.
The two destinations are intended to have their own character while sharing an emphasis on Bahamian surroundings, environmental stewardship and hospitality.
What Will Guests Find on Sandy Cay?
MSC has provided an early outline of the experience planned for Sandy Cay, although detailed venue names and individual amenities have not yet been announced.
The destination will feature pristine beaches and clear waters, with spaces designed for guests to relax and spend time in the island’s natural surroundings.
MSC also plans curated experiences, dining, private retreats and attentive hospitality.
Wellness and relaxation will be central to the concept, positioning Sandy Cay as a secluded island escape rather than simply another port call during a Caribbean cruise.
The supplied announcement does not provide details about specific restaurants, beach clubs, pools, water attractions, pricing or whether individual experiences will be included or carry additional charges.
MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys Will Both Visit
Sandy Cay is being developed for two cruise brands within MSC Group’s Cruise Division.
Guests aboard MSC Cruises will have access to the island, while travelers sailing with luxury brand Explora Journeys will also be able to experience the destination.
The shared destination strategy allows MSC Group to use Sandy Cay across two different cruise products while maintaining its focus on a more elevated experience at the new island.
Specific ships and itineraries scheduled to call at Sandy Cay when it opens in 2028 were not included in the announcement.
Ocean Cay Is Getting New Experiences Too
MSC’s Bahamas investment is not limited to building Sandy Cay.
The company is also planning additional developments at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
Upcoming changes include additional dining venues and new beach concepts designed separately for families and adults.
MSC also plans to expand areas dedicated to relaxation and introduce new immersive experiences intended to help guests engage more closely with marine conservation.
The announcement does not provide opening dates for the individual Ocean Cay additions or further details about what each new venue or beach concept will include.
Two Private Island Experiences With Different Personalities
Once Sandy Cay opens, MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys guests will have two neighboring Bahamas destinations within MSC Group’s portfolio.
Ocean Cay will continue evolving with additional dining, beach and conservation experiences, while Sandy Cay is being positioned as a more secluded luxury escape emphasizing relaxation, wellness, private retreats and the natural surroundings.
MSC says the destinations will remain distinct rather than becoming extensions of the same experience.
That distinction could matter for cruisers comparing future itineraries. Depending on how MSC deploys its ships, a call at Sandy Cay may offer a noticeably different style of private-island day from a visit to Ocean Cay.
MSC Continues Investing in The Bahamas
The groundbreaking is part of MSC Group’s longer-term destination development strategy in The Bahamas.
By developing Sandy Cay next to Ocean Cay while simultaneously upgrading the existing destination, the company is creating a larger portfolio of shore experiences for both MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys.
MSC says its goal is to connect the onboard cruise experience with destinations ashore while celebrating the natural beauty, culture and character of The Bahamas.
For travelers, many details still remain to be revealed. MSC has not announced the first ships scheduled to visit Sandy Cay, its inaugural itineraries or the specific restaurants and experiences that will be available.
What is confirmed is significant: construction is underway, Sandy Cay is scheduled to open in 2028, and the new private island will give MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys guests a second distinct destination alongside an upgraded Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
Source: MSC Cruises
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