Ocean Cay--Port or Starboard?

[zackarykeef]

Hi all...just a quick question.

 

We're headed to Ocean Cay on a quick weekend cruise...this is both our first time on MSC and my partner's first cruise. Trying to choose between port vs starboard for our balcony. For those of you who have been to OC before, which side typically docks/faces the island? I know it can vary in different locations, but just wasn't sure how it worked on MSC at OC. As it's the only port on this quick cruise, just trying to get the best view!

 

Thanks in advance!

[cellfree]

Even Numbered Cabins face OC, ships back in.

[orangemini]

[shipgeeks]

Starboard side faces Ocean Cay, in our experience, and like the picture.  However, even if you are on port side, you can still enjoy gazing at the beautiful aqua water.

[eagletwo]

Not sure why, but it seems all the ships back into Ocean Cay. That would put your view on the (starboard) right side of the ship.

[sidari]

The ships do not back in to OC as others have said, they sail into the turning basin and then turn the ship around facing outward as in the photo posted.

[dexddd]

There were only a couple months they actually went there and all seemed to be starboard at dock.  One or two reports of missing it due to weather.

[SteelCruisin]

Whatever side your on, I am sure you will enjoy this wonderful island, it is by far our favorite private island!

[dmccadden]

Steeelcruisin

can I ask why this is you favorite private island? We are going in October and would love to know why you enjoyed it!

 

thanks

[rkacruiser]

Starboard side veranda cabins will be able to easily see the nighttime lighthouse laser/music shows if they are available on your cruise.  I was quite pleased with my selection of cabin.

 

 

[Morgsmom]

Awesome! We have two mid ship Starboard side balcony cabins booked!  

[EMc&DrS]

Here's the morning view and the evening view from our starboard YC suite on Divina in Feb 2020:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[StCroixCruiser]

On 7/26/2021 at 5:56 PM, eagletwo said:

Not sure why, but it seems all the ships back into Ocean Cay. That would put your view on the (starboard) right side of the ship.

They dock the ships this way because it's far easier to do the spin around maneuver in the basin with visibility during daylight hours and not approaching midnight when most of the ships depart OC.

[nadalina]

I’m new to MSC and this will be my first visit to their private island.  While I love the sea, I cannot be out in the sun and heat for very long at a time because of medication I take.  I’ve read that it is a gorgeous island but the vegetation is young and not many areas of shade.  I was thinking not to get off the ship here for that reason.  Is this island a must-see and I’ll regret not going?

[thepla]

8 minutes ago, nadalina said:

I’m new to MSC and this will be my first visit to their private island.  While I love the sea, I cannot be out in the sun and heat for very long at a time because of medication I take.  I’ve read that it is a gorgeous island but the vegetation is young and not many areas of shade.  I was thinking not to get off the ship here for that reason.  Is this island a must-see and I’ll regret not going?

Was on Aug 2 cruise. I feel it's a must see. Eating areas had sitting in shade. I can't wait to go back. Only negative was figuring out why they left at noon second day for short cruise back to Miami 

[nemaihne]

5 hours ago, nadalina said:

I’m new to MSC and this will be my first visit to their private island.  While I love the sea, I cannot be out in the sun and heat for very long at a time because of medication I take.  I’ve read that it is a gorgeous island but the vegetation is young and not many areas of shade.  I was thinking not to get off the ship here for that reason.  Is this island a must-see and I’ll regret not going?

 

Don't worry about being out too long- the Cay isn't huge and you can come and go from the ship as you like. So if you get off the ship and decide you've had enough sun, just get back on board until sunset. It's a really cute little island. I'd only be worried if you were doing some excursion that might keep you out in the sun.

[shipgeeks]

I'm like you; I can't stay out in the sun too long.  I wore a sunblock shirt much of the time I was out.  When we sat at the beach, we put our chairs between two trees that provided shade.

If you use sunscreen and plan to go into the water, make sure it is "reef safe".

You can enjoy the views of the Cay from the ship, and it's worth walking around there, too.

[shipgeeks]

When we were there in early 2020, the palm trees were young and small.  I'm really curious about how much they have grown since then.  Photos from current visitors would be appreciated!