Cruise firm creates new luxury private Caribbean island

WorldTravel
14 Apr 2026 • 9:15 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Cruise firm creates new luxury private Caribbean island

  • MSC Group has unveiled plans for a new private island destination in the Bahamas, named Sandy Cay, for its cruise line guests.
  • Sandy Cay, described as a "luxury private destination" formed from a natural sandbank, will offer a more secluded experience compared to their existing island.
  • The new island will be accessible to passengers on Caribbean sailings with MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys.
  • MSC's current private island, Ocean Cay, which opened in 2019, has recently received updates including new dining, family games, adult-only beaches, and an augmented reality marine conservation programme.
  • This development aligns with a trend among other major cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, and Disney, which also operate their own exclusive private islands.

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