Ocean Cay Food Options Explained
If you’re headed to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, it’s best to think of lunch as part of your beach day, not the main event. MSC’s private island is built for sunshine, snorkeling, and relaxation – not a sprawling buffet marathon. Still, there’s plenty to enjoy if you know where (and when) to look.
Most food on Ocean Cay is included with your cruise fare, though a few new specialty venues and one premium seafood truck come with a small upcharge. Everything is prepared by MSC’s crew and brought ashore from the ship’s kitchens, so you’ll find familiar Caribbean-American favorites rather than authentic Bahamian cuisine. Service is generally friendly, but hours are short and lines can get long around noon, so timing matters.
Seakers Food Court and Boho House
These are the island’s two main buffet areas, both located near the South Beach lagoon.
Boho House, added in 2025, was designed to ease the lunchtime rush. It features open-air dining with tables in the sand, while Seakers Food Court offers a paved seating area and the classic buffet layout. Both serve the same complimentary menu with a mix of Caribbean and American classics.
Typical menu:
- Salads: Bahamian potato salad, rice salad, tomato-mozzarella salad, marinated grilled mushrooms, mixed bean salad, tuna salad, pasta salad
- Entrees: burgers, hot dogs, island hoagies, Bahamian jerk chicken, jerk snapper, BBQ pork ribs, macaroni and cheese, French fries, pigeon peas and rice
- Desserts: fresh fruit, fruit salad, rum cake, pineapple upside-down brownie, chocolate chip cookies
Hours usually run 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., though weather and sailaway times can shorten service. On overnight stops, lunch is typically served on day one only.
Recent layout updates have helped shorten lines, and there’s also a small grab-and-go counter for a faster bite. Standard buffet drinks like water, soda and beer are available at beverage stations; for cocktails, you’ll need to visit one of the nearby bars.
Pro tip: if Seakers is crowded, walk over to Boho House – it’s often less busy.
Food Trucks Around the Island
Ocean Cay’s food trucks are a highlight for many visitors. There are five in total – four complimentary and one premium seafood truck.
Free trucks serve burgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, fries, pasta salad, and brownies, offering a casual alternative to the main buffet.
The premium seafood truck, found near South Beach and the Lagoon, sells made-to-order sandwiches and seafood snacks priced around $8–$13 each:
- Lobster Bacon Roll – $12.95
- Lobster Grilled Cheese – $12.95
- Fried Calamari – $7.95–$12.95
- Crab Ceviche Salad – $8.95
Food trucks generally stay open until 3–5 p.m., depending on schedule and weather. Complimentary trucks are free, while premium items are charged to your sail card.
The seafood truck earns the most praise for flavor and presentation, while the free trucks are described as “basic but filling.”
Snacks, Desserts, and Coffee
When it’s time for something sweet, head to Smiling Fish Café. This colorful ice cream and coffee bar serves tropical flavors like key lime and coconut, along with espresso drinks, frappes, and iced coffees. These items are not included in the standard fare but can be purchased using your cruise card.
Yacht Club guests enjoy complimentary coffee at the private Ocean House bar, though not necessarily the same specialty options available at Smiling Fish.
You’ll also find fruit, salads, and baked goods throughout the island’s main dining areas, all included in your fare.
Bars and Beverage Service
Ocean Cay has more than 10 bars, including popular spots like Lighthouse Bar, Sunset Bar, and Boho House. Smaller tiki-style stands are dotted along most beaches.
If you have an MSC drink package, it works the same way as onboard. Without one, you’ll be charged per drink to your stateroom account.
Bars can get very busy before and after the lunch rush, so plan accordingly. The bars on the lesser-travelled areas of the island will be much less busy than the bars around Lighthouse Bay and South beach
Service Hours and Practical Tips
- Buffet closes by 2 p.m. and most food trucks stop serving by 3 p.m. on early departure days.
- For late-afternoon hunger, plan to head back to the ship for more dining options.
- Lines peak between 12 and 1 p.m.; going early (11:30) or late (after 1:30) makes a big difference.
- If you’re short on time, use the grab-and-go counters or food trucks for a quick bite.
Dietary Options and Upcharges
MSC accommodates most common dietary preferences. Expect:
- Vegetarian: veggie burgers, salads, plant-based sides
- Gluten-free: buns and bread available upon request
- Vegan: limited but available options like rice, fruit, and salads
Those with allergies or kosher diets should eat onboard, as island kitchens don’t handle detailed special requests.
Yacht Club guests have access to Ocean House, a private restaurant and bar with enhanced menu selections and complimentary beverages.
Late-Day and Overnight Visits
On overnight stays, food service usually runs only on day one. A few food trucks may reopen for evening snacks, but this is not guaranteed. The bars around Lighthouse Bay are opened late.
If you’re staying late for the Lighthouse Show, grab a light meal onboard first to avoid going hungry later.
Ocean Cay’s food setup keeps things simple: barbecue favorites, tropical salads, cold drinks, and plenty of sunshine. Plan your lunch early, explore the island’s food trucks, and you’ll have everything you need for a perfect beach day.