MSC Group’s Cruise Division has revealed plans for Sandy Cay, a new private island destination in The Bahamas that will open in 2028 for guests sailing with MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys.
The new development will sit alongside Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve and is being positioned as a quieter, more exclusive retreat within the company’s growing private destination portfolio.
Announced on 13th April 2026, Sandy Cay is being described as a more secluded counterpart to Ocean Cay, with a focus on a lower-key beach escape and a closer connection to the natural setting of the Bahamas.
MSC said the island takes its name from its aragonite sands, which are known for their bright white appearance, and will offer a more intimate experience while still aligning with the nature-led ethos the company has attached to Ocean Cay.
The project gives MSC a second private island-style destination in the same Bahamian waters as Ocean Cay, broadening the options available to both its contemporary cruise brand and its luxury brand, Explora Journeys. Guests from both lines are expected to get their first chance to visit Sandy Cay in 2028.
Ocean Cay Upgrades Will Arrive First
The Sandy Cay announcement follows MSC Cruises’ earlier confirmation that Ocean Cay itself is set for a further round of enhancements, due for completion in late 2027.
Those plans include new guest facilities, extra dining venues, fresh beach concepts aimed at both families and adults, expanded relaxation areas and new conservation-focused experiences. MSC has also said the island’s pier will be extended so two ships can call at the same time.
Taken together, the Ocean Cay upgrades and the launch of Sandy Cay show MSC investing heavily in its Bahamas offering as competition around cruise line private destinations continues to intensify.
Private islands and beach clubs have become an increasingly important part of Caribbean deployment strategy, giving cruise lines more control over the guest experience ashore while also helping them differentiate their itineraries.
This appears to be the direction MSC is now pushing further, especially as it expands in North America and continues building out its luxury business.
A Bigger Bahamas And Luxury Push
The timing also fits with broader expansion across MSC Group’s cruise brands. Explora Journeys has repeatedly said it expects to have six ships in service by 2028, the same year Sandy Cay is due to debut, which means the private island could become an increasingly important part of the luxury line’s guest proposition as capacity grows.
For MSC Cruises, the move adds another high-profile Caribbean asset at a time when the line is continuing to strengthen its presence in the region.
Ocean Cay has already become one of the brand’s signature destinations, and Sandy Cay looks set to build on that by targeting travellers who want something more exclusive and less developed in feel.
While MSC has not yet shared operational details such as which ships will call at Sandy Cay first or what facilities will be included on the island, the announcement makes clear that the company sees its private destinations as a major part of its future offering at sea and ashore.
More details will no doubt emerge as the 2028 opening approaches.
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