MSC Group Expands Private Island Portfolio

This sponsored content was created in collaboration with a Skift partner.

Private islands are becoming one of the cruise industry’s most strategically important assets, reshaping how cruise lines design the full guest journey. With the global cruise sector expected to welcome over 37 million passengers in 2026, operators are navigating another year of record demand. 

This rise in demand also comes with higher guest expectations. Luxury travelers are increasingly looking for curated, low-friction experiences that combine privacy, convenience, and a connection to nature. Private islands are playing a growing role in helping cruise lines meet these expectations by shaping the onshore part of the trip to match the guest experience onboard.

“Our private island destinations allow us to deliver a fully integrated experience from ship to shore, with greater control over every touchpoint, including dining, entertainment, service, and guest flow,” said Rubén Rodríguez, CEO of MSC Group’s North American Cruise Division. “This high level of operational control helps us create an immersive experience for our guests, who increasingly value exclusive, turnkey stays where everything is taken care of.”

Much of the investment is concentrated in the Bahamas, which saw a record 12.5 million visitors in 2025, with cruising accounting for 87% of arrivals. Visitor numbers increased 11.4% year-on-year.  

MSC Group’s Cruise Division is now extending its presence there with the development of a new private island located a few minutes’ boat ride from Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Previously referred to internally as “Little Cay,” it has now been officially named Sandy Cay and is expected to open in 2028. 

Scaling the Private Island Model

“We’ve seen consistently strong demand and guest satisfaction for Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, which has validated our long-term vision for private destinations,” said Rodríguez. “The development of Sandy Cay is a natural evolution of that strategy. It expands our offering and introduces more differentiated experiences while maintaining the quality our guests expect.”

The two islands also share a similar origin story. Ocean Cay was built on a former sand excavation site and transformed into a marine reserve, while Sandy Cay — named in reference to both its sandy origins and Ocean Cay’s history — is being created from turning natural sandbank materials into a new island one-third the size of Ocean Cay.

Where Ocean Cay has centered on a beach and nature-led experience, MSC Group’s Cruise Divisions is positioning Sandy Cay as a more secluded, luxury extension, with a focus on quiet and a closer connection to the surrounding environment. The island will sit within the same crystal-blue protected waters as Ocean Cay, just 65 miles from Miami, making it accessible for sailings from both Miami and Port Canaveral.

Formed from aragonite sand, known for its signature brightness and fine texture, Sandy Cay is being developed as a distinct counterpart to Ocean Cay, while staying closely rooted in the natural setting and character of the Bahamas.

“Rather than offering more, Sandy Cay brings something different — a refined sense of comfort with a strong connection to nature, where every detail reflects a careful balance between elegance, authenticity, and restraint. Personalized service and a deeply tranquil atmosphere will come together to create an experience driven by the freedom to slow down and be fully in the moment,” Rodríguez said.

Reinvesting in Ocean Cay

MSC Group’s Cruise Division is also continuing to invest in Ocean Cay, which remains the anchor of its private island experience. Opened in 2019, the island is positioned as a marine-focused destination, with conservation work playing a central role in its identity.

A new round of upgrades, scheduled for completion in late 2027, will introduce additional guest experiences and diversify how guests use the island.

“Our continued investment in Ocean Cay reflects our commitment to improving the guest experience while preserving the island’s natural beauty,” Rodríguez said. “Upcoming enhancements include new restaurants and bars, a dedicated adults-only beach, a fully equipped family lagoon, additional cabanas, and more.”

The additions include four new dining venues, bringing the total to seven, and expanded food markets. The company is also adding a new marine conservation experience to the island tied to the MSC Foundation’s work on coral restoration and ocean education.

A redesigned Seakers Cove, Ocean Cay’s dedicated family zone, will introduce more family-focused attractions, including a playground, splashpad, ropes course, and other activity spaces, while a new adults-only area, Paradise Sands, will provide a quieter alternative. More cabanas will also be added, increasing the number of private spaces available to rent.

Supporting Growth and Segmenting the Experience

These updates allow MSC Cruises to accommodate more guests while preserving the distinct character of different parts of the island. In practice, that means serving different sectors within a single destination. 

The company’s North American cruise division continues to expand its range of offerings across guest segments, including more premium experiences through MSC Yacht Club and Explora Journeys. Sandy Cay forms part of that expansion, extending its higher-end destination offering. The focus is on expanding the range of experiences within a single destination by offering more choices for different guest types.

“Looking ahead, we anticipate continued segmentation of experiences, with separate areas for families, adults-only guests, and more luxury-focused experiences,” Rodríguez said. “Private destinations make that possible by giving us the control to design and deliver those experiences at scale. We see them becoming a core strategic asset in the evolution of cruise itineraries and the industry overall.”

To learn more about MSC Cruises, visit msccruisesusa.com