When we develop our private island destinations, including the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Portuguese Island and Pomene, we always give a strong preference to employing local staff to build and maintain shore operations.

Cruise passengers spend an average of US$101 per day during shore visits (Cruise Lines International Association, 2019)

We aim for all tour operators used by MSC Cruises at our frequent destinations to be certified to a GSTC certification programme, or to be engaged in the process.

During 2020, there was to an increase in avian wildlife and the return of many bird species, including breeding pairs, as well as an increase in migrating populations. Waterbirds including herons, egrets and oystercatchers and are now frequently spotted and there have also been occasional sightings of birds of prey, including osprey and kestrels. 

The waters around Ocean Cay are designated as a Marine Protected Area (MPA) which means commercial fishing is restricted and other measures are in place to protect and enhance biodiversity. Our efforts to remove significant quantities of scrap metal waste from the waters around the island has resulted in dramatic improvements in the local ecology and marine life has become more diverse. Now sea turtle sightings are common.

We monitor the coral of the island and have seen increased productivity with numerous species recorded including grunts, jacks, hogfish, angel fish lobsters, crabs, shrimps and moray eels – a positive indication of a healthy reef. 

Visit the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve website.