Chief executive Gianni Onorato conceded that the company had revisited its plans for the development of its Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas since first announcing them in 2015. Onorato said MSC was not interested in offering its guests “just another private island”, but would instead focus on creating a brand new destination and “a new home” for passengers to enjoy.
“When we launched [the project] we wanted to build an island like everybody has done in the past, but then we came to a point when we saw that it could be more than just an island – it could be an extension of MSC and a new home for guests,” Onorato told TTG.
MSC was due to welcome guests to the island, which it has leased from the Bahamian government for 100 years, from November this year but rescheduled its completion for October 2018.
“We thought we could do more and build an area that is not only a private island but a destination for people who love the sea and sun,” said Onorato.
“We completely revisited the plan and this caused the delay,” he added.
In a presentation at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Onorato said a groundbreaking ceremony for the island, which will be exclusive to MSC guests, was held last month.
When finished, the 95-acre island will feature two miles of beaches, a number of restaurants and bars and an amphitheatre capable of seating 2,000 people.
