MSC Cruises has released details of yet another exclusive island destination, the Sir Bani Yas Island beach oasis.
A 1.5 mile-long stretch of land on the natural island just off the southwest coast of Abu Dhabi has been transformed into a beach oasis destination, exclusive for the use of MSC Cruises guests. From December 2016 on, MSC Fantasia will add this brand new destination to its winter itineraries in the region, as guests will be able to spend a full day on this “stunning tropical island paradise”.
“Last year we announced the new Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas. Today’s announcement is further proof of our commitment to enriching our itineraries and to making available to our guests unique experiences that enable them to discover new cultures and beauties.” Gianni Onorato, MSC Cruises’ CEO commented. “Additionally, this new, exclusive beach oasis experience stays true to our core values to provide our guests excellence in service, the best in entertainment as well as food options that are of the highest quality and always fresh.”
MSC Cruises has been working on perfecting this destination together with the Abu Dhabi Ports Authority for over two years. The tropical beach oasis is on a smaller island connected to the main island by an attractive wooden boardwalk that secures exclusive access to MSC Cruises guests to an authentic beach holiday experience, with hundreds of palm trees, shaded cabanas and over 2,000 sunbeds across 36,000sqm of fine golden beaches.
Other key facilities will include:
– An exclusive, private space for MSC Yacht Club guests with an area serving elegant finger food and refreshments
– An MSC Aurea Spa area offering a menu of relaxing massages from beachside cabana huts with stunning sea views, treatments available include Aurea Del Mare massage with seashells, bamboo massage therapy and a range of Bali massages
– Sports facilities, including beach volleyball and tennis
– A family and kids-dedicated area, with a parents’ pergola
– A Bedouin tent offering arts and crafts created by local communities
– A lounge space with a bar and live music, for relaxing
Thanks to decades of intensive conservation work and ecological investment to restore and maintain its biodiversity, the island is one of region’s largest wildlife reserves. The Arabian Wildlife Park on the main island is home to more than 13,000 indigenous and endangered animals, as well as millions of trees and plants. MSC Cruises has been working closely with the Abu Dhabi Port Authorities and ecologists to develop the island oasis for its guests fully in line with the broader island project and to support the ongoing preservation work.
The MSC Cruises beach oasis will offer direct access to the natural reserve, with a range of specially designed excursions that will allow guests to experience the unique beauty of the natural surroundings. These include a horse riding tour, a safari-style nature drive through the reserve as well as a Dhow tour around the island in a traditional powered boat, giving guests the opportunity to see giraffes, hyenas and cheetahs in their natural habitat.
For guests looking for something a little more action-oriented, a 4×4 expedition experience or a high-octane mountain biking session over naturally-created tracks can be booked to enjoy on the main island. There will also be a variety of sporting activities on offer exclusively for MSC Cruises guests, including beach volleyball, football, or water sports such as snorkelling, paddle boarding, sea kayaking and more.
Finally guests who want to discover more about the history and the culture of the island can join a tour to the ruins of an early Christian monastery site from 6th century AD.
MSC Fantasia, one of the Company’s largest and newest ships, will serve the island starting December 3, 2016 – the first call at the island will be on 5 December. MSC Fantasia was constructed in 2008 and is currently the youngest and largest ship in the region offering 1,250 cabins and some of the most modern facilities available to guests. These include outstanding entertainment, five restaurants serving refined international cuisine and an authentic Balinese spa. 75% of cabins have balconies, and for those looking for a touch of luxury, the ship offers the MSC Yacht Club experience – a ship within a ship concept offering 71 butler-serviced suites with a focus on privacy and exclusivity, the only such service available on a cruise ship in the region.
MSC Cruises offers a range of itineraries to discover and enjoy to the fullest the region, with cruises from 7 to 14 nights. Guests can embark from Abu Dhabi or Dubai, with itineraries calling at Sir Bani Yas Island, Bahrain, Doha, Khasab, Khor Fakkan and Muscat.
Pictures courtesy of MSC Cruises