MSC Divina Passengers are first to step ashore on MSC Private Ocean Cay Marine Reserve - VIDEO
c: MSC ConradSchutt
On Thursday, December 5th, 2019, with a few weeks delay, MSC Passengers were finally able to visit the Exclusive Private Island Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve
As part of a multi-faceted restoration strategy, the company has transformed the island from what once was an industrial sand excavation site into a stunning tropical destination and has worked with environmental engineers and other experts to revitalize the surrounding ocean beds, marine life and endangered coral.
The environmentally-sound development of Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is a unique feat and it took nearly three years to complete an island destination capable of delivering the best possible guest experience as well as meeting the company’s uniquely ambitious environmental targets.
7,500 tons of scrap metal were removed and throughout the clean-up process, a team of expert divers and marine biologists carefully removed individual hard coral colonies from debris on the ocean bed and relocated them to an approved location outside the construction area. Actions were taken to create a biodiverse and sustainable environment and more than 75,000 plants and shrubs were planted across the island.
In the coming months, MSC Cruises will also introduce a Conservation Center on the island, which will serve as an active base for coral education and research.
The natural, unspoiled beauty of the ocean and beaches is at the heart of the Ocean Cay experience, and the eco-friendly and sustainable practices on the island as well as designating the surrounding waters as a flourishing marine reserve are built around MSC Cruises’ commitment to protecting, restoring and conserving it.
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All four of MSC Cruises’ North America-based ships – MSC Armonia, MSC Divina, MSC Seaside and MSC Meraviglia – will call at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve on different days.
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