MSC Ocean Cay - MUST KNOW before your cruise!

[@christiet.]

This has been the best video I’ve seen so far! Thank you so much for being so detailed. This video answered every question I had about Ocean Cay.

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

Thank you so much! I am glad that you found it helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@anythingroam2423]

If Built in 2019 everyone is doing a WONDERFUL job of maintaining and growing it. That looks like A LOT of hard work has gone into making it a wonderful vacation. Cant wait to be there in march!

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

It actually began as an industrial dumping ground so they really have done a fantastic job in creating this location. The beaches are very nice. Have a great time and thanks for watching!

[@Brittanggg]

I’m going in March too, woo hoo!

[@CruiseMonkeys]

Lovely to see Ocean Cay looking more established! We visited in January 2020, a couple of weeks after it opened and the trees were still in supports and etc, knew it would look fab once established. Would love to go back there! The light house bar was our favourite, but unfortunately due to a storm incoming, we had to depart at 5pm so didn't get the spectacular evening on the island. We must go back :)

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

Thanks Gents for watching and commenting! I wouldn't say MSC is quite there yet but much better than when I was there early last year upon the startup after shutdown. Too bad that you did not get to stay overnight since that is a big plus. They have greatly improved their service here in the states and I hope they continue to improve. So happy that you found me! Love your videos!

[@gaillewis8265]

Just was there mid January. Loved it. Very relaxing. We got off the ship as early as we could and got an umbrella, chairs, small table, and beanbag chairs in a great location (no extra charge for umbrella). Beautiful beach areas. Clear blue water. The lunch buffet was great. Only 15 minute wait in line, lots of shaded tables. Enjoyed being on the beach after dark. Lighthouse show was short but nice. Can't wait to go back.

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

It sounds like you had a great time! If you are looking for a beach day, this is a great place for it. Glad to hear that the umbrellas are no charge. I assumed that the large fixed ones were first come first serve. Thanks for watching!

[@mikecarmo5551]

Hey! What beach did you guys stay by!?!?

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

@@mikecarmo5551 not sure if you were asking me or Gail but I like North beach facing the lagoon or Bimini Beach facing the open ocean. Both are across the bridge past the Ocean House where the Yacht Club guests have their private area. Sunset beach is very quiet and is beyond the lighthouse but there are few amenities over there.

[@teehawk75]

This video was very detailed and full of information. I will visit Ocean Cay for the first time in January and I am so excited!! Thanks for sharing your knowledge of Ocean Cay!! 😃

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

So glad that you found it helpful! It is a really nice private island. I enjoy the lighthouse bar / lounge area. It is actually pretty private and not as crowded as you might think. The cabanas around the rear lagoon I found to not be the best value for two people. I hope you have a great day and hopefully evening too! Thanks for sharing and for watching!

[@amberthomas4839]

Thanks for this video. Super excited to take my niece in March. Our sailing includes overnight in Ocean Cay so I’m looking forward to the light show

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

That is the best way to see this island in my opinion. I was just there and we left at midnight this time. The beach party was not well attended and the lighthouse show was shorter than this visit. I did do the buffet on the island this time and it was better than onboard the ship. Things seemed to be fresher and the lines were not as long. Thanks so much for sharing and for watching!

[@whobdis77]

I like the idea of an overnight stay. We are usually RC people and they have great private island but you have to get back on the boat earlier than I would like. We are going on 2/16. I expect that bar by the beach at night is pretty crowded. We'll see.

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

Coco Cay is awesome but I agree that you don't get enough time there. I hope that you enjoy Ocean Cay! It is all about the beach. Surprisingly, that beach bar service was not that bad during the lighthouse show and dance party. Thanks for watching!

[@billross9744]

Thank you so much for making this video and sharing this! My friend and I will be taking this MSC cruise and we will journey to Ocean Cay marine reserve for two days I believe come this April for her birthday. She sent me this video and I am so happy to have seen it because you cover a lot of the elements that I wanted to know about. Thank you so much!

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

Glad it was helpful! I would recommend that you attend the beach party at night and find yourself a great beach spot during the day. I liked Bimini Beach the best. Also check out my full MSC Meriviglia review on my channel for additional information. Enjoy your cruise!

[@brendalogan6281]

Truly one of the best videos i've seen of this island. I just found your channel and I am subscribing!!! Thank you thank you

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

I really appreciate that. I do have a few MSC Ship reviews on the channel. Unfortunately, I am not a fan of the food in the MDR or buffet, but the ships are very well designed, entertainment is really good and the specialty dining is superb. If you have it in your budget, I highly suggest the specialty dining package or even the Yacht Club for a truly upgraded experience. Thanks for watching and for subscribing!

[@BasicBartender]

Great Video , thank you so much for sharing your experience

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

Thank very much and thanks for watching!

[@adamxcix1620]

Awesome video thanks

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

Glad you enjoyed it! I really hope it was helpful. Thanks for sharing and for watching!

[@warriorempress5899]

Heading that way in March! Thanks for the info!

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

Hope you enjoy it! Have a great cruise and thanks for watching!

[@ponderosapondhomestead4344]

Thanks for telling us about the buffet on the ship being open. We want to go on the cruise next winter.

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

The buffet on the island is pretty much the same with maybe some jerk chicken added. They are both avg quality. What’s nice is that you can take a beach break with air conditioning by going back on the ship. Nice to have lots of choices!

[@pamelafox227]

GREAT VIDEO…..thank you. A friend and I are going on a 7 night cruise in October and we’re going to be here on this island for 2 days . Looking forward to it. 🌴🍹

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

I am so glad that you enjoyed it! That lighthouse bar was really nice. I wished I found it earlier in the day to grab a prime spot under an umbrella as a solo traveler. Enjoy your time there and make the most of the nighttime beach party! You don't get this on many other cruises! Thanks so much for watching!

[@lizna3431]

Been to OC twice overnight since last year and LOVE it. cannot wait to go in couple of month

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

Good for you! Overnight was a fun experience. Enjoy! Thanks for watching!

[@raisafrancisco7323]

I liked your video. I was in this island in September, going back for Spring break. I saw in your video all the places that I did not see when I visited. Very informative and I am ready to explore in my next visit. Thanks for the information.

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

I am so glad that you liked it. This was my 2nd time there and there were several new areas that I missed on my first visit too. There a a couple spots I have in mind for next time! Thanks for watching!

[@Chris-10541]

There is a multi-part documentary on Tubi about the construction of this island called " Building Paradise Island"....if your into that.

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

I will have to check that our for sure! Thanks for sharing!

[@brcgreene]

I just returned. Our Tim at Ocean Cay was cut short due to weather. Thanks fir the video of the lighthouse night show and beach party.

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

What a shame. The evening was a great experience. Very different than other cruise lines for sure. Thanks for watching!

[@santaortega2198]

Love it , thanks you and love your cap

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

You’re welcome 😊

[@brendalogan6281]

This was a really great video.Thank you so much. I will be there solo in two weeks and I was wondering because I have a little difficulty walking distance...can you share a bit about the trams

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

So glad that you liked the video! I was solo on this cruise and the tram is good but not great. You will have to wait at the staitons for a bit and there is one dedicated to the Yacht Club guests but they are pretty steady. You can get around very easily with the trams. The lighthouse bar will be a walk since I do not think that the tram stops there. Getting to the far side of the island is best by tram. Have a great cruise and thank you for watching!

[@catlover4331]

Interesting about the umbrella because we pre ordered one to rent for $14.

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

That may be a new change! Thanks for sharing that you were able to preorder. Also, thanks so much for watching!

[@udmba86]

Well done video. Thanks for not jerking the camera around at light speed. Very informative.

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

Thank you so much! Check out the other two MSC video links at the end of the video if you are sailing MSC soon. Thanks so much for watching!

[@DanielleHultberg-ph3ll]

Excellent video! You have made me super excited for our overnight in March! If you have the drink package does that cover the bars on the island?

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

I am so glad that you found it helpful! You will have a great time with your overnight. The drink package does work at the bars on the island as well. The Wi-Fi packages also extend to the island, you just need to connect to the island Wi-Fi once you exit the ship. Sometimes you must log out of the island Wi-Fi once back on board and log back into the ship Wi-Fi. Have a great cruise and thanks for watching!

[@SuccessfulPath9]

We’re going on seaside soon! What would you recommend for couples to do at the island.

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

I would say that if the budget allows, the beachside cabanas can be a very nice treat for two. We did it once and it is a relaxing home base with lounge chairs for sun as well as the covered area for shade. There are minimal spaces on the island providing shade. Relaxing at the lighthouse bar is also very nice. Most afternoons, they will have a guitarist or saxophone player providing live music there. IF you are there still in the evening until midnight or even overnight, sitting on the beach around one of the bon fires before the light show and beach party is also relaxing and a special component that you just don't get every day. Have a great time on your cruise! Thanks for watching too!

[@sparksnmagic8695]

wonderful review!!!

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

I am very glad that you enjoyed it! Thanks so much for watching!

[@debralieberman832]

Great video! Now I want to go.

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

Thanks Debra! It is a nice private island and I enjoyed it much more than my first visit. This is absolutely a beach day with not much more to do, but the beaches are nice with the drink package extended to the island and WiFi is available if you have the ship package. The beach party at night was something very new to me and was a fun experience. Thanks for watching!

[@_-ANNE-_]

Thank you for this great tour! A few questions: do you bring towels from the ship or are they available near the beaches? And is it possible to get some sort of sack lunch from the boat to bring to your spot on the beach and not worry about lines?

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

I'm glad that you enjoyed the video tour. I do not remember any towel stations on the island. You should be given pool towels in your cabin the night before. They also normally have tables as you exit the ship to the island. I would make sure you have a beach bag or backpack in order to take the towels, sunscreen and other items you might require. There are grab and go sandwiches and snacks in the buffet but if you head out early, they might not be available. I don't think they will hold up under the hot sun. Most of the food trucks have the basic burgers and snacks that are free. The other food trucks do have an added fee for the more upscale items. I actually went back on the ship for lunch and there were no lines in the buffet. Otherwise, the lines are not that bad but plan accordingly. Have a great time and I hope that you get to experience the evening events on the beach!

[@_-ANNE-_]

@@seemoreseascruises3791 Thank you for the info! 👍

[@jonhoffmeister8254]

Great Video, I see your Indiana hanging on the wall. Alumni here. still live in Bloomington

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

So glad that you enjoyed the video! Yes, I am an Indiana alumni. I went back to Bloomington earlier this year. It was great to see campus. Thanks for watching!

[@NewYorksFinest1]

Great video. Will be there in Sept for 7 days

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

Thank you! Have a great cruise & thanks for watching!

[@essoltan3340]

Will be there on May 1. Thank you for a very informative video. Should we purchase the excursions before getting on the ship?

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

I always book excursions before the sailing. Spots fill up quickly so grab your spot before they sell out. Thanks so much for watching!

[@Roosters-rants1977]

Great video. So well done. I have a friend going that sent this video and I'm super impressed on how you put these together

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

Wow, thank you! I hope you like my other videos on the channel too! Thanks so much for watching and the comment.

[@johnnyv5995]

Well done! Thank you so much.

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

Thank you so much! I am glad that you enjoyed it and thanks for watching!

[@JorgeZunigaGuiltres]

Thanks for sharing your tips

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

My pleasure 😊 thanks for watching!

[@deannawesson-mitchell667]

I’m traveling with older folks who have some mobility issues. Does the tram take you everywhere you would want to go? Does it operate regularly?

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

It actually does a pretty good job of taking you anywhere. There are several tram pickup locations around the island and my advise would to place yourself near one of these stops. Also get our umbrellas and mats prior to heading to the beach. Beach wheelchairs are also available at the welcome center just within the main gates off the ship. Just tell a crew member that you are in need of one either onboard at Guest Relations or as you exit the ship. They will escort you to the area where you can collect one. Have a great time and I'd love to hear about our experience! Thanks for watching and I hope you have a great cruise!

[@brendagerdeman7853]

I am going on a cruise in June and we will have 3 days here. Question I see on the app a umbrella rental but the beach chairs are those just for anyone I do not see on the app

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

I am pretty sure that the chairs are free but the umbrella & float maps are an extra fee. We had a cabana the time before last and it came with chairs, water, ice and mats. They are pretty pricey though.

[@vinabradford8614]

Great video. First time with MSC in December. Which room number did you have? I want to book a room that will be on the island side.

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

I am so glad that you enjoyed the video! I am not sure what cabin I had but book on the starboard side. This will be the right hand of the ship when looking forward. The ships always dock facing that direction. Thanks for watching!

[@christyhatton109]

So is the starboard side the light house side?

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

@@christyhatton109 Yes. Starboard will be facing the island.

[@pierrenj79]

Great video ,can you go back and forth to the ship any time you want?

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

Yes! You can go back onboard throughout the day but all aboard time is 11:30 pm. They open it back up in the morning until 11:30 am. There is no food on the island for dinner so most people go back on board and then come back out for the beach party.

[@conniehonig495]

Does the tram take people around the island?

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

Yes! There are several stops around the island and the main pick-up is just inside the gates from the ship. Each stop has seating for those who are waiting to board. There is an exclusive yacht club tram and other general trams so make sure you check.

[@guitarpt62]

Great video thank you!

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching! I have a full review of the ship on the channel too!

[@dannypereira8671]

Hi there and thanks for the great video. Did you know beforehand that you would be staying overnight at Ocean Cay? I’m going on a 7 night cruise and Ocean Cay is our last stop. I just checked my itinerary and it says that our ship leaves the island at 8:00. That’s a bit disappointing because I would love a late stay. Did your itinerary specify an overnight or was it a nice surprise? Thanks in advance for the help.

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

I did know before the cruise that we would have an overnight stay. The itinerary will state that at the time of booking. The ship will leave at noon the next day. They seem to be shying away from the overnights on recent sailings. They are normally found on the 4 night itineraries. Thanks so much for sharing and for watching!

[@dannypereira8671]

@@seemoreseascruises3791 Thank you for replying and thanks again for the video.

[@grayblanchard]

I have 2 almost back to back msc cruises. The 4 night on seashore overnights at OC, but the 7 night on Meraviglia does not.

[@veronicahanne5787]

Did you find that there was a lot of natural shade or do they need to improve that?

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

I do not feel that there is much natural shade at all. Many of the palm trees are not fully mature so gabbing a cabana or beach umbrella is a must. The dining pavilion is covered so there is shade in that area. The lighthouse pavilion also has sofas with umbrellas partially providing some shade. Bring your sunscreen! Thanks for watching!

[@guitarpt62]

The day at Ocean Cay did not look super crowded in the video. How full was the ship on your cruise? Thanks!

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

The island was not that crowded. The most crowded was the lighthouse beach. I think that the ship was at least 80% or above. This is a big island for only one ship in port.

[@boatlover1875]

We enjoyed two visits including an overnight on a back to back cruise. I really like the island. I found food and bar service to be better on most of the other cruise line islands though. FYI, Cay is actually pronounced "key" for some reason unknown to me.

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

It is a really unique experience to stay at a private island overnight. I think that I had a lower capacity cruise so the wait times on the island was not too bad. I can see if the selected beach area was crowded, that those small bars could get very crowded. I found the best service was at the lighthouse bar. Living in South FL we always have to be careful between Key and Cay. They are normally interchangeable for no particular reason. Thanks for the correction! I really appreciate it. Even Coco Cay is called Coco Key sometimes. I actually think that Key is the proper pronunciation. Thanks so much for watching!

[@donnaelliott5772]

Are the drinks at the bars expensive on the island?

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

Without the drink package (which does transfer to the island) the drinks are anywhere from $9 to $14. It does add up and you will pay around an 18% automatic gratuity as well. If you have the drink package, the gratuity is included.

[@catlover4331]

How does the renting a umbrella work? Do you pick it up or do they deliver it?

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

In the video you will see a building as you make your way to the dining pavilion which has floating mats and umbrellas. I would assume that you will have a confirmation of purchase as either a ticket in your stateroom on the app, or on a list at that building where you pick one up. Make sure you print out your rental confirmation before you sail just in case! Always a good idea to confirm at the excursions desk or guest relations day one. There is also a welcome center as you enter through the gates. They can direct you to the location.

[@edw5208]

What is the shuttle situation? Is there a way to get around cay without walking far? I have people with mobility challenges.

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

There are several shuttles. The main shuttle station is just to your left as you enter the welcome area. I show this in the beginning of the video. There are covered areas with benches at the drop off points around the island. The paths are paved and they have beach wheel chairs available. The Yacht Club guests have their own shuttle that take them to the far side of the island where they have a private club house and beach. I think if you ask the driver, the shuttle should be able to drop you off between stops but not 100% sure on that. I hope that helps! Thanks for watching!

[@dkgilmorejunkie]

Being a solotravel im often sketchy about leaving my stuff alone going swimming - are there storageboxes etc options?

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

I travel solo sometimes as well so I get it. There are lockers available for rent (price unknown) throughout the island. Most are located near the tram stations or some of the bathrooms. I have seen some reports that they are not available sometimes so maybe invest in a water proof wearable pouch for phone, etc. Thanks for watching!

[@kendallstirling9126]

How were the shells if you saw any? Could you keep them? Will be on first cruise in February here.

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

That is a really good question, Kendall. This is actually a man made island that was used for dredge dumping and MSC took it over and drastically cleaned it and refined it. The sand is very powdery and smooth. I did not notice many shells but I didn't go into the ocean this time. In our past private island experiences, if you find shells you normally can keep them as long as they are not alive (like a live conch for example). I would bring a small storage bag with you and just pop them in a zipper area of your backpack when boarding the ship. We normally grab a small piece of dead coral or a few shells to bring back with us. I have never had a problem. I just keep them out of site in my backpack. A tip with dead coral or shells is that make sure you put them in a 3 parts water / 1 part bleach solution for a few hours when you get home.

[@tjparrish5639]

You can not keep any shells from the island. Security checks when you get back on the ship...There is a giant pile of shells by the entrance from people trying to keep shells.

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

@@tjparrish5639 Thanks TJ. I normally don't collect shells on the beach, but just a rock or one nice shell that I keep and mark with a sharpie when I get home. A bag of shells will be confiscated. You are absolutely correct! Thanks for the input.

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

@@tjparrish5639 Thanks TJ! You are absolutely correct. Gathering shells on the beach and bringing them onboard is not allowed. I should have stated that we sometimes grab a rock or a nice flat shell and bring it back with us and mark the location and date with a sharpie at home. One or two will not get confiscated by security unless it is a conch shell or a large piece of coral. Both can have parasites or living organisms in them. Thanks for calling that out!

[@JessLuvnNicky]

I was on the second boat that docked their in December 2019. It was beautiful then 😍. Going back next month. Looking forward to seeing it again years later!

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

I was there on their inaugural restart in Aug of 2021 and it was a complete disaster. The crew were thrown into that situation with very little training. This last time was so much better and the beaches are beautiful. Enjoy your cruise and thanks for watching!

[@aprilneal2007]

I haven't seen anything about hammocks. Im ordering pocket hammocks and bringing my own.

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

I really have not seen this much on any cruise but I don't think that you'll find much of an opportunity at the Island. The trees are not that close together and they are not mature. The grounds crew will probably have issue with it but feel free to try. Other private island with much more mature palm trees provide hammocks and are readily available. Good luck!

[@vincentnnyc]

where do you get the rental umbrella? and if you are going from beach to beach, do you need to carry the umbrella with you?

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

In the video I show a large hut / building with the umbrellas and the float mats stacked. It is near the main dining pavilion. If you go from beach to beach, you will have to carry your umbrella and mats with you unfortunately. I do recommend the umbrellas since there is little shade on the beaches. Have a great time and thanks for watching.

[@vincentnnyc]

17:54…is this the only area where u can pick up the umbrella? Anywhere else? Also do you need to return the umbrella to this area or you can leave it anywhere on the beach?

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

@@vincentnnyc Yes, that is the building. I also think that there might be a spot on the first protected beach as you get off of the ship. I unfortunately have never rented the umbrella during my three visits so I am not sure about the return policy. I am assuming that you need to bring it back but confirm that upon rental.

[@CoraatLive]

Hi thank you for this instructive video. I travel alone and I need help for mobility, is there on the island the possibility to rent a scooter for peoples who need help in moving back and forth?

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

I do not believe that there is scooter rental availability on the island. The island is fully accessible with paved paths and beach wheelchairs are available. Standard wheelchairs are only available during embarkation and debarkation. Most scooters that are found on cruise ships are rented from service providers that work with the cruise lines. Depending on the cruise line, these can be delivered to the cruise terminal or brought by the guest. We brought a wheelchair for my mother while sailing Royal Caribbean and we also rented a knee scooter from a service that was in our stateroom upon embarkation. I hope that helps! Here is a link to the MSC special needs section of the website www.msccruises.com/en-gl/Manage-Your-Booking/Special-Needs.aspx

[@CoraatLive]

Thank you, I appreciate

[@foundationforbuilding-scar2060]

Thank you

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

Thanks for watching!

[@charlesavent1758]

Can you ride the tram to each beach or do you have to walk

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

Yes. The public tram will take you around the island making several stops. There is a special tram that goes to the Yacht Club Ocean House only so make sure you get on the correct one.

[@adrianszabo4690]

What is the best place for snorkeling at Ocean Cay?

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

I have personally not done snorkeling at Ocean Cay during the two times visited. I will say from being in the water on the lighthouse beach and in the main lagoon (South Beach), neither have much to look at other than white sand. BTW - I have experienced this same thing at Half Moon Cay by Holland America / Carnival and Princess Cay and other Islands. Coco Cay by Royal does have a great snorkeling area. I did see many people snorkeling on Sunset Beach just past the lighthouse on the Ocean Side. The lighthouse beach and South Beach BOTH have nets that keep large fish (sharks) from entering the bay so the fish and coral is very limited. I understand that there are excursions for snorkeling that may be better than trying to do it on your own. Good luck and thanks for watching!

[@helloyall4355]

Would be nice to see the dancers like RCCL has.

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

They just had a tiny steel drum band at the beginning and play music throughout the island with Bose speakers along the paths.

[@helloyall4355]

@@seemoreseascruises3791 That's good enough for me. I know their island is pretty new. Thanks for sharing your video with me.

[@pdallen5801]

Does anyone know how much to rent cabanas, chairs, umbrellas? Do you rent through guest services on the ship, through the app or both?

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

The cabanas start at $250 for the day for most cruises and the umbrellas are $12.99. You can reserve a cabana through the website as well as at the excursions desk and then check in at the cabana table near the dining pavilion. Each cabana comes with an ice chest and bottled water. The beach umbrellas are rented on site as you make your way to the beach at the building shown in the video. The beach chairs are free, the umbrellas are not. Hope you have a great cruise!

[@catlover4331]

Says we will be on the island from 7 am to 5 pm. Not sure about an evening event. My cruise obviously doesn't have that.

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

That's too bad. I liked the laser light show on the lighthouse and beach party. It's a nice island with good beaches. Have a great time!

[@catlover4331]

@@seemoreseascruises3791 We are on the new ship Seascape traveling April 30 to Porto Rico and Dominican republic both of which we have never been to. You gave some great recommendations for the island and appreciate you sharing it.

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

@@catlover4331 I'm very happy you got some good tips! San Juan, Puerto Rico is one of my most favorite ports. It is very walkable and so many things to explore and see. Either of the fortresses are great, del Morro and San Cristobal. They are managed by the US National Park Service so the $15 entry gets you access to both. This is the United States so cell service is available if you are from the US. I also recommend Catedral San Juan Bautista (Cathedral) and the hotel across the street, Hotel El Convento, a former 17th-century convent. We always stop in there for a drink at the bar in the central courtyard. There are also many small shops, cafes and bars. The walk down the main street to the fountain is also amazing. There are many KZbins on each of those so take a look! Mofongo is a national dish made of crushed plantains which is really great if you have a chance to enjoy some. Enjoy your adventure!

[@sabynfarina86]

Do you get cell phone service on the island ?

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

You do not from US carriers but if you have the Wi-fi package, you get a signal and your package transfers to the island.

[@helloyall4355]

It doesnt look way to crowded, unless i missed seeing any.

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

It was not crowded - with one ship in port at a time, it can handle the numbers. The buffet lunch does get crowded though.

[@joannekelly2578]

Are there beach wheelchairs?

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

Yes, there are beach wheelchairs available by request. Just contact guest services or the welcome center just inside the gates.

[@djjenifer8143]

I don't know how they get the pronunciation from the spelling but MSC is very particular about branding but Ocean Cay is pronounced Ocean Key. And weirdly, the seafood restaurant on the ship is pronounced Ocean Cay (K). Strange and true. 😂

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

It is so interesting how that word is used differently. Coco Cay vs Ocean Key..... I hear them pronounced differently all the time. Thanks so much for the comment and for watching!

[@djjenifer8143]

@@seemoreseascruises3791 Do you have any rumors on what that construction project is that's going on in the middle of the island? It would be awesome if it was a water park or an animal show venue. I was just there in January and have been curious ever since

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

@@djjenifer8143 I would love to know as well. I was trying to see from my balcony the entire time I was there. I walked around it but it does not seem have much structure to it. I asked one of the workers who was watering some new grass and he said it was just a maintenance and storage area. Just like you, I think there is more to this. There is a maintenance and garage area just behind the island keeper apartments. I'll keep my ears open!

[@AssassinCreep2552]

Not as nice as royal Caribbean island. But it's cute. Get rid of diesel food trucks

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

It took Coco Cay several years to evolve into what it is today, but I agree. The food trucks are an interesting idea but they are loud and smell. I predict that they will also evolve. The island makes for a very good beach day but that is about it. Thanks for watching!

[@edw5208]

Solar would be nice

[@jeancariker911]

We were on the Royal Caribbean island when it was first starting. It was a beach & food was brought off the boat & set up on long tables. I think this was 30 years ago! The Miatre-De was on the island. Our 8 year old daughter had been stung by a tiny jellyfish & he was taking the time to calm her down. He had her laughing within a few seconds. One of our servers in the dining room was named Stanley & had children he hadn’t seen in months! He showed us a picture of his family. Our girls were 6 & 8 - it was my 40th birthday celebration. What a difference 30 years can make with an island for a cruise ship! 😊 We’d been to many fabulous beaches & snorkeling trips. I was not at all impressed with their island in 1993. 😂 Loved the ship & crew but never thought the island thing would catch on. 😂 I was wrong! 😂

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

@@jeancariker911 I have been to most of the private islands and I first started in 2010 so you have seen the evolution for sure. Even in the last 12 years CoCo Cay has exploded and every line now views these as a must have. They make a lot more money from keeping everyone in a controlled setting. This also limits their exposure to late guests (pier runners) and crime in ports. Ocean Cay will get better and Holland's & Carnival's Half Moon Cay really needs a pier. Those that extend the wifi and the drink packages to the island provide a good value to their guests. I don't think this is slowing down with the recent announcements of Royal Caribbean and Carnival both building private clubs in Nassau. Disney is also quietly building another stop in the Bahamas. Keep on Cruising Jean! I'll see you on a private island beach sometime soon!

[@trikator]

How much is the seadoo rental?

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

I believe that they are $109.99 per jet ski up to two guests. Depending on time of year or what comes with you fare package there might be onboard credit available to help pay for that or discounts based upon the level of cabin. Thanks for watching!

[@tonyintrevado8960]

I really hate this CLASSING of guests (Yacht Club) for MSC that is growing among cruise lines! Major part of relaxation is NO competition, all equal.

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

Great comment, Tony. In full disclosure, I have participated in that with Celebrity with the Retreat on the Edge and Solstice Class ships with the entry level Sky Suites. The Edge is more like Yacht Club or Haven on NCL so I get it and point well taken. I really don't like this trend either since it is going back to the Cunard class levels. I know they need to make money and all of that, but give me a bigger stateroom with better dining for the much larger price, but don't section off the ship because of it! The Retreat on Celebrity, the Yacht Club and the Haven are all getting bigger and I agree the CLASSING of guests needs to step back instead of moving forward. Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching!

[@laura.a.peters]

LOL... it is pronounced KEE, not KAY. :P

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

I completely agree with you! I live in S FL and it is correctly pronounced KEE, however if you speak to anyone at MSC they will pronounce it Cay. Royal Caribbean does that same thing with Coco Cay and it is generally acceptable (right or wrong) to pronounce it either way. Thanks for the comment and for watching!

[@mpena9441]

I am definitely no a very beach person. My husband book this cruise as a surprise for my birthday and so far I can tell you that I hate it. It just look so boring. No too much to do or see. I can't really see myself trapped on a island for almost 5 days. I will boring as hell.

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

There are not a ton of activities on the island but it is very walkable. The lighthouse pavilion is also nice with comfortable seating with umbrellas if you want to read a book or chill with the sounds of the ocean surrounding you. BTW, the drink package transfers to the island as does Wi-Fi. Staying onboard is always an option so you will have the pools to yourself or see if there are in port day specials at the Spa onboard! It's your birthday cruise, right?! I stay on ship when we go to Nassau and it is great having an almost empty ship to myself. I hope you have a good cruise and enjoy the vacation! Thanks for watching!

[@mpena9441]

@@seemoreseascruises3791 Thank you so much for the recommendations ! 😊