The line announced today that over the next two years it will work in partnership with the Bahamian government and ecologists to develop a former sand extraction  station, into a “thriving marine reserve”.

The island will be named the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, with the line promising to offer guests “some of the finest beaches in the world”.

It will be 95 acres in size, and with 2.4 km of beach front spread across six beaches, and will be the biggest island development by any cruise company in the Caribbean, the line said.

It will also include a purpose-built berth and pier on the seafront so MSC Cruises guests will be able to step straight off the ship straight onto the island, which will include live music and entertainment at a purpose-built 2,000-seat amphitheatre, and a number of restaurants and bars.

The ship and all on-board services – including the casino – will stay open while berthed at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

Other highlights will include a family beach with kids’ restaurant, play areas and other useful facilities; a charming inland lagoon for absolute tranquillity; a zip wire crossing the island; a pavilion for weddings and celebrations.

The line also promised that the island would be “sympathetic to the culture and traditions of the Bahamas”,  with more than 80 indigenous Caribbean trees, grasses, flowers and shrubs, such as Jamaica Dogwood, Red, Black and White Mangroves and Beach Morning Glory planted across the island.

There will additionally be a Bahamian village, plentiful restaurants and bars offering local specialities, a variety of shops and an inviting arrival centre with island-themed music gazebo.

For MSC Yacht Club guests, the northwest corner of the island has been set aside as an exclusive spa and wellness sanctuary, with private bungalows and massage huts.

MSC Cruises executive chairman Pierfrancesco Vago said: “This is a natural progression for our company, which is growing very rapidly, and we are thrilled about providing this totally new experience for our guests in the Caribbean.”

“Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve and its exclusive offerings will be a magnificent extension of our shipboard experiences. We are scrupulous about ensuring every decision we take keeps each of our ships true to the promise of our brand, offering the authenticity and quality our guests expect."