--- title: MSC Breaks Ground on Sandy Cay Ahead of 2028 Bahamas Opening description: MSC Group has broken ground on its new Bahamas private island, with a 2028 opening planned alongside further upgrades at Ocean Cay. image: https://blog.swblack.com.au/hubfs/MSC%20Breaks%20Ground%20on%20Sandy%20Cay%20Ahead%20of%202028%20Bahamas%20Opening.png --- [![S-W-Black-signature-logo-undertag-white-high-res](https://blog.swblack.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/S-W-Black-signature-logo-undertag-white-high-res.png?width=250&name=S-W-Black-signature-logo-undertag-white-high-res.png "S-W-Black-signature-logo-undertag-white-high-res")](https://swblack.com.au/) Search toggle - [Home](https://swblack.com.au/) - [Cruises](https://cruises.swblack.com.au/) Cruises - [Cruise Finder](https://cruises.swblack.com.au/) - [Cruises from Sydney](https://www.swblack.com.au/cruises-from-sydney/) - [Flights](https://www.swblack.com.au/airfares/) - [About Us](https://www.swblack.com.au/about-us/) - [Blog](https://blog.swblack.com.au) [Follow us on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkK3yOX5wHTHwm-FDUMq2TQ) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/swblack_travel/) [Follow us on Facebook](https://m.facebook.com/61555934000311/) [![S-W-Black-signature-logo-undertag-white-high-res](https://blog.swblack.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/S-W-Black-signature-logo-undertag-white-high-res.png?width=250&name=S-W-Black-signature-logo-undertag-white-high-res.png "S-W-Black-signature-logo-undertag-white-high-res")](https://swblack.com.au/) - [Home](https://swblack.com.au/) - [Cruises](https://cruises.swblack.com.au/) Cruises - [Cruise Finder](https://cruises.swblack.com.au/) - [Cruises from Sydney](https://www.swblack.com.au/cruises-from-sydney/) - [Flights](https://www.swblack.com.au/airfares/) - [About Us](https://www.swblack.com.au/about-us/) - [Blog](https://blog.swblack.com.au) Search toggle [![S-W-Black-signature-logo-undertag-black-high-res](https://blog.swblack.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/S-W-Black-signature-logo-undertag-black-high-res.png?width=250&name=S-W-Black-signature-logo-undertag-black-high-res.png "S-W-Black-signature-logo-undertag-black-high-res")](https://swblack.com.au/) - [Home](https://swblack.com.au/) - [Cruises](https://cruises.swblack.com.au/) Cruises - [Cruise Finder](https://cruises.swblack.com.au/) - [Cruises from Sydney](https://www.swblack.com.au/cruises-from-sydney/) - [Flights](https://www.swblack.com.au/airfares/) - [About Us](https://www.swblack.com.au/about-us/) - [Blog](https://blog.swblack.com.au) [Follow us on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkK3yOX5wHTHwm-FDUMq2TQ) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/swblack_travel/) [Follow us on Facebook](https://m.facebook.com/61555934000311/) Search toggle What are you looking for? Search # MSC Breaks Ground on Sandy Cay Ahead of 2028 Bahamas Opening 30 Sept 2026 ![Picture of S.W. Black Travel](https://blog.swblack.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/S.W.Black%20social%20media%20kit%20template_profile%20picture%2001.jpg?width=40&name=S.W.Black%20social%20media%20kit%20template_profile%20picture%2001.jpg) [S.W. Black Travel](https://blog.swblack.com.au/author/s-w-black-travel) ![MSC Expands Sandy Cay](https://blog.swblack.com.au/hubfs/MSC%20Breaks%20Ground%20on%20Sandy%20Cay%20Ahead%20of%202028%20Bahamas%20Opening.png) [**MSC Group**](https://www.msccruises.com/int) has marked a major step in the development of its new private island destination in The Bahamas, holding the official groundbreaking ceremony ahead of a planned 2028 opening.  MSC Breaks Ground on Sandy Cay Ahead of 2028 Bahamas Opening 10:26 The [**ceremony brought together representatives**](https://www.mscpressarea.com/en_INT/press-releases/msc-groups-cruise-division-marks-groundbreaking-ceremony-for-sandy-cay-in-the-bah/) from MSC Group's Cruise Division, Bahamian government officials, and project stakeholders. Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Group's Cruise Division, and Philip Davis, prime minister of The Bahamas, were among those attending. Construction and site works are already underway. Once complete, the island will serve guests sailing with both **MSC Cruises** and **Explora Journeys**, creating a new private destination beside Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. The development also arrives as MSC Group prepares further changes for Ocean Cay. New dining, beach, and relaxation concepts are planned for the established destination, giving travellers two neighbouring projects to follow in The Bahamas. ![MSC Private island](https://blog.swblack.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/MSC%20Private%20island.jpg?width=795&height=451&name=MSC%20Private%20island.jpg) [Image courtesy of MSC](https://www.msccruises.com/int/our-cruises/destinations/caribbean-and-antilles/bahamas/ocean-cay-msc-marine-reserve) ## The 2028 Opening Moves Closer with Construction Underway The groundbreaking provides a visible milestone for a project first announced in April. Site work has already progressed beyond the ceremonial starting point, with MSC Group working towards a planned opening in 2028. For cruise travellers, the development adds another private destination to watch in The Bahamas. Its location beside Ocean Cay also places the two MSC Group destinations within the same area while allowing each to develop its own character. ### The Groundbreaking Brings Together MSC and Bahamian Leaders The official ceremony brought senior representatives from both MSC Group and The Bahamas to the project. Vago represented the cruise division at the executive level, while Davis attended as the country's prime minister. Project stakeholders also joined the ceremony as work continues towards the planned opening. Their attendance marked an important public milestone for the development. The event did not represent the start of all activity on site. Construction and other site works were already well underway when the official groundbreaking took place. ### **A 2028 Opening Remains the Target** MSC Group is working towards a 2028 opening for the new private destination. The supplied project update does not provide a more specific opening date or identify the first sailing scheduled to visit. For travellers interested in future MSC or Explora itineraries, 2028, therefore, remains the key timeframe. Specific cruise schedules will provide a clearer picture once calls associated with the destination are announced. The current milestone gives the project a defined development horizon. Further announcements should provide more detail as construction progresses towards opening. ### MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys Will Share the Destination The private island is being developed exclusively for guests travelling with MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys. This places the destination within the cruise programmes of two brands operated through MSC Group's Cruise Division. The supplied announcement does not detail whether the guest experience will differ between the two brands. It does confirm that both sets of guests are intended to have access to the destination. MSC Group has outlined some of the central elements planned ashore. Beaches, dining options, spaces to unwind, and curated experiences will form part of the destination when it opens. ## Two Neighbouring Islands Will Have Different Characters Location is one of the most significant elements of the project. The new island sits adjacent to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, placing two MSC Group destinations beside one another in The Bahamas. MSC Group says each will have its own character. Both are also intended to share a commitment to environmental stewardship, authenticity, and hospitality. ### The New Island Focuses on a Secluded Escape MSC Group describes the new destination as a secluded island escape built around pristine beaches. Dining options, spaces for relaxation, and curated experiences are also part of the plan. This description provides an early indication of the experience MSC Group intends to develop. Detailed information about individual venues and activities has not yet been provided in the supplied announcement. Further project updates should make the differences between the neighbouring destinations clearer. For now, MSC Group is positioning the new island around beaches, dining, relaxation, and organised experiences. ### Ocean Cay Will Continue to Develop Beside It MSC Group is also preparing changes for Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Plans include additional dining venues, new beach concepts, and expanded areas dedicated to relaxation. The beach changes will include concepts aimed at families and adults. New immersive experiences linked to marine conservation are also planned. The work means development is taking place across both neighbouring destinations. One is progressing towards its planned 2028 opening, while Ocean Cay is set to receive additions to its existing guest offering. ![MSC Sandy Cay and Ocean Cay](https://blog.swblack.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/MSC%20Sandy%20Cay%20and%20Ocean%20Cay.jpg?width=795&height=437&name=MSC%20Sandy%20Cay%20and%20Ocean%20Cay.jpg) [Image courtesy of MSC](https://www.msccruises.com/int/our-cruises/destinations/caribbean-and-antilles/bahamas/ocean-cay-msc-marine-reserve) ### The Two Destinations Will Retain Separate Identities MSC Group has been explicit about the relationship between the neighbouring destinations. It says guests will experience two places with their own character while both share commitments to environmental stewardship, authenticity, and hospitality. The distinction should become clearer as further details emerge about dining, beaches, and curated activities at the new destination. Ocean Cay's planned additions will also shape its future guest experience. For travellers comparing future cruises, the specific destination calls listed on an itinerary will therefore be worth checking closely. The supplied announcement establishes separate identities for the islands without presenting them as interchangeable experiences. ## Marine Conservation Remains Part of MSC's Bahamas Plans The destination expansion also includes further marine conservation experiences at Ocean Cay. MSC and Explora guests are set to receive new immersive opportunities designed to engage them with marine conservation. MSC Group has placed environmental stewardship among the principles shared by the neighbouring destinations. The practical details of the new conservation experiences have not yet been provided. ### New Experiences Will Focus on Marine Conservation MSC and Explora guests are set to receive new opportunities to engage with marine conservation at Ocean Cay. MSC Group describes these additions as immersive experiences. The supplied update does not detail the activities involved, their duration, or how guests will participate. More information will therefore be needed before travellers assess which experiences suit their interests. Their inclusion places conservation within the planned guest programme at Ocean Cay. It also adds another element to the destination's development alongside new dining, beach, and relaxation concepts. ### Environmental Stewardship Links the Two Destinations MSC Group says both destinations will share a commitment to environmental stewardship. This provides a common principle even as the company develops a different character for each location. The relationship is significant because the new development sits directly beside Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. The supplied announcement does not provide further details about environmental measures associated with construction or future operations on the new island. For travellers, separating confirmed programmes from broader commitments remains useful. MSC Group has stated its environmental direction, while future updates should provide more detail about how those principles appear in the guest experience. ![MSC Transforming Ocean Cay](https://blog.swblack.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/MSC%20Transforming%20Ocean%20Cay.jpg?width=795&height=436&name=MSC%20Transforming%20Ocean%20Cay.jpg) [Image courtesy of MSC](https://www.msccruises.com/int/our-cruises/destinations/caribbean-and-antilles/bahamas/ocean-cay-msc-marine-reserve) ### MSC and Explora Guests Have Two Projects to Watch Taken together, the announcements give MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys guests two Bahamas developments to follow. One involves a new private destination planned for 2028, while the other involves additions to Ocean Cay. The Ocean Cay plans span dining, family, and adult beach concepts, relaxation spaces, and marine conservation experiences. The neighbouring development is being positioned around pristine beaches, dining, relaxation, and curated experiences. Future itinerary announcements will show how each destination fits into MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys sailings. Until then, the confirmed developments provide an early picture of MSC Group's plans for its neighbouring Bahamas destinations. --- As MSC Group develops its destinations in The Bahamas, the itinerary itself remains an important part of choosing the right cruise. Use[Cruise Finder](https://cruisefinder.swblack.com.au/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) to compare available sailings, ships, and departure dates when considering how private-island calls fit into your wider holiday. The 2028 opening remains some time away, while Ocean Cay has its own planned additions ahead. Comparing individual itineraries will help you see which destinations are included and how each voyage fits your preferred travel dates. ## Plan Your Bahamas Cruise Around the Destinations You Value The groundbreaking for **Sandy Cay** moves MSC Group's latest Bahamas project another step towards its planned 2028 opening. Its position beside Ocean Cay creates two neighbouring destinations, with MSC Group stating each will have its own character while sharing commitments to environmental stewardship, authenticity, and hospitality. Ocean Cay is evolving as well. Additional dining, family, and adult beach concepts, expanded relaxation spaces, and marine conservation experiences are planned, adding another set of developments for future MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys guests to follow. As further details and itineraries emerge, look beyond the presence of a private-island call and consider what each destination offers. If you would like help comparing MSC Cruises, Explora Journeys or other Bahamas options,[chat with an S.W. Black Travel cruise adviser](https://www.swblack.com.au/contact-us/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) about the itinerary and cruise experience suited to your plans. 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