March 2022 – Tips-and-Travel

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is part of the Bimini chain of Islands in the Western Bahamas, at 104.5 km East of Miami. It was an industrial sand excavation area but MSC Cruises decided to transform it into a marine reserve respecting the local ecosystem. A lovely place with white sand beaches and crystal blue waters. This place is only for MSC Cruises’ guests. The ships will arrive early in the morning and it’ll stay there till late evening to give an entire day to the guests including evening shows. Different activites are offered to the guests like snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, boat rides and much more. You can also have the spa treatments into small private cabanas surrounded by soft relaxing music facing to the sea and beaches. There are some shops too where you can buy souvenirs of the Bahamian culture or MSC logo souvenirs. There’s also the possibility to celebrate a wedding or renew vows. MSC Yacht Club members have an exclusive beach area and private cabanas. You have good food options in the buffet restaurant and some food trucks placed in different corners of the cay. There are still works running and different projects to preserve the reserve must still be done but you can enjoy a lovely day there cause it doesn’t disturb the beauty of the place. The access to Ocean Cay is direct and very easy.

Tips

You must just take your beach towel and your cruise card with you. The same package you have on board continue on the beach.

You will just need some money if you want to buy something from the artisans, for the rest of souvenirs, you can pay with the ship card.

If you are in a small group, you can rent a cabana for the day. You must book it the day before at the excursions’ counter on the ship as well as other excursions or activities.

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Cartagena de Indias is a port city and the capital of Bolívar Department, Colombia. It is located on the northern coast of the country, at the edge of the Caribbean Sea, about 120 km from Barranquilla. It has been very important to the Spanish Empire for almost three centuries; it was also a center for the slave trade itself as well as the transit of gold from looting destined for Spain. The city and its fortress are classified as World Heritage by UNESCO. There are several fortifications such as the fortress of San Felipe de Barajas and its twelve kilometers of ramparts. The historic center is inside the ramparts. It has a semi-arid tropical climate. To see: the San José Bastion, the San Fernando Fort of Bocachica, the Church of Santo Domingo, the Cathedral of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, the Gold Museum, the Church of Saint Peter Claver and the sanctuary with the relics of the saint. It is a very touristy city and it also receives a lot of people thanks to the cruise ships. Most hotels, restaurants and shops are located in the Bocagrande area.

Tips

Avoid traveling in May-June or October-November as rain will be present.

Let yourself be charmed by the old colonial city, you will find many colorful and flowery balconies, monuments, even churches as small restaurants very pleasant.

For a lively night out, go to Santo Domingo Square, the perfect place to have a drink and mix with the city’s residents. You will also find a famous statue of Botero, the Gorda Gertrudis (the fat Gertrude).

If you like the beach, ask about visiting nearby islands either by land or with small excursion boats.

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