Private Island Comparison - Ocean Cay vs. CocoCay vs. Half Moon Cay vs. Great Stirrup Cay - Which is Best?

[CruiseJunkieFL]

I’m pumped for my MSC World America cruise out of Miami next spring, mostly because it hits Ocean Cay. I’ve been to Royal’s CocoCay, Carnival’s Half Moon Cay, and Norwegian’s Great Stirrup Cay on cruises from Florida, and I’m curious how MSC’s island stacks up. CocoCay was a blast with all the slides, but it felt like a theme park. Half Moon Cay was gorgeous but super chill. Never got a great vibe from Great Stirrup. What’s Ocean Cay like? Activities, food, vibe? Is it worth the hype compared to the others? Planning to bring my teens, so I need stuff for them too. Thoughts?

 

[SunsetSailor99]

I’m pumped for my MSC World America cruise out of Miami next spring, mostly because it hits Ocean Cay. I’ve been to Royal’s CocoCay, Carnival’s Half Moon Cay, and Norwegian’s Great Stirrup Cay on cruises from Florida, and I’m curious how MSC’s island stacks up. CocoCay was a blast with all the slides, but it felt like a theme park. Half Moon Cay was gorgeous but super chill. Never got a great vibe from Great Stirrup. What’s Ocean Cay like? Activities, food, vibe? Is it worth the hype compared to the others? Planning to bring my teens, so I need stuff for them too. Thoughts?

I’ve hit all these islands multiple times out of Miami and Port Canaveral, so here’s my take. Ocean Cay is stunning. White sand, crystal water, and a super relaxed vibe. It’s less commercial than CocoCay, which feels like Disney World with all the slides and zip lines. Ocean Cay has beaches, a lagoon for kids, and watersports like kayaking, but you’re not bombarded with activities. The lighthouse show at night is cool, and MSC often stays late or overnight, which none of the others do.

Food’s decent - buffet with burgers, hot dogs, salads, included in your fare, but drinks cost extra unless you have a package. Half Moon Cay is my favorite for pure beach beauty, but there’s not much to do beyond swimming and lounging. Great Stirrup Cay felt underdeveloped last time I went. Rocky beaches and limited food options. CocoCay’s great for teens with the waterpark, but you pay for everything (cabanas, slides, etc.). Ocean Cay’s a good middle ground. Free beach day with some paid extras, but it’s not as thrilling for teens as CocoCay. If your kids want action, Royal Caribbean is the way to go; if you want chill, MSC or Carnival.

 

[First Cruise Family]

I’ve hit all these islands multiple times out of Miami and Port Canaveral, so here’s my take. Ocean Cay is stunning. White sand, crystal water, and a super relaxed vibe. It’s less commercial than CocoCay, which feels like Disney World with all the slides and zip lines. Ocean Cay has beaches, a lagoon for kids, and watersports like kayaking, but you’re not bombarded with activities. The lighthouse show at night is cool, and MSC often stays late or overnight, which none of the others do. Food’s decent - buffet with burgers, hot dogs, salads, included in your fare, but drinks cost extra unless you have a package. Half Moon Cay is my favorite for pure beach beauty, but there’s not much to do beyond swimming and lounging. Great Stirrup Cay felt underdeveloped last time I went. Rocky beaches and limited food options. CocoCay’s great for teens with the waterpark, but you pay for everything (cabanas, slides, etc.). Ocean Cay’s a good middle ground. Free beach day with some paid extras, but it’s not as thrilling for teens as CocoCay. If your kids want action, Royal Caribbean is the way to go; if you want chill, MSC or Carnival.

This is super helpful! We booked MSC World America out of Miami because it was so cheap. $600 each person for a 7-night with Ocean Cay. My kids (8 and 12) love water parks, so I’m worried Ocean Cay might bore them. CocoCay sounds amazing but way out of our budget (Icon was like $2000 each person!). What do kids do on Ocean Cay? Also, is food and drink free like on the ship? I don’t want to spend a fortune on the island. Never been on a cruise, so any tips are appreciated!

 

[Port Canaveral Pro]

This is super helpful! We booked MSC World America out of Miami because it was so cheap. $600 each person for a 7-night with Ocean Cay. My kids (8 and 12) love water parks, so I’m worried Ocean Cay might bore them. CocoCay sounds amazing but way out of our budget (Icon was like $2000 each person!). What do kids do on Ocean Cay? Also, is food and drink free like on the ship? I don’t want to spend a fortune on the island. Never been on a cruise, so any tips are appreciated!

Welcome to cruising! Ocean Cay is awesome for a first cruise, especially on a budget. For kids, there’s a shallow lagoon perfect for your 8yo, with calm water and a splash area. Your 12yo might like the paddleboards or jet skis (extra cost, $20–$50), but it’s not as action-packed as CocoCay’s huge slides or ziplines. There’s a small playground and beach games, but don’t expect a waterpark. Food’s included - think buffet with burgers, chicken, salads, and fruit, similar to the ship’s Marketplace Buffet.

Drinks aren’t free unless you have a drink package (works on Ocean Cay, unlike some lines). Compare that to CocoCay, where you pay for waterpark access ($50–$100 per person) and most food outside a basic buffet. Half Moon Cay’s food is free too, but it’s simpler. BBQ and tacos, no frills. Great Stirrup Cay’s buffet is included, but it’s small, and the island feels bare. Ocean Cay’s vibe is chill, almost like a nature reserve, with a focus on beaches over thrills. Tip: Get to the island early for a good beach chair, and check if your sailing has a night event at Ocean Cay. My teens loved the laser show. MSC’s a steal, but CocoCay’s better for high energy kids.

 

[Cruise Lover Tampa]

I’ve only done CocoCay and Half Moon Cay, so I’m curious about Ocean Cay. CocoCay was a lot of fun. My teenagers went nuts for the Daredevil’s Peak slide and the helium balloon ride, but it was pricey. We spent $200 on extras like food and activities beyond the free buffet. Half Moon Cay was beautiful, probably the prettiest beach I’ve seen, but there was nothing to do except swim or pay for horseback riding. Food was solid. Free BBQ and fruit, but drinks were extra. Is Ocean Cay more like Half Moon Cay’s chill vibe or CocoCay’s action? Also, how’s the food compared to the ship? I’m looking at MSC Seascape or World America for next year, but I don’t want a boring island day.

 

[Miami Wave Rider]

I’ve only done CocoCay and Half Moon Cay, so I’m curious about Ocean Cay. CocoCay was a lot of fun. My teenagers went nuts for the Daredevil’s Peak slide and the helium balloon ride, but it was pricey. We spent $200 on extras like food and activities beyond the free buffet. Half Moon Cay was beautiful, probably the prettiest beach I’ve seen, but there was nothing to do except swim or pay for horseback riding. Food was solid. Free BBQ and fruit, but drinks were extra. Is Ocean Cay more like Half Moon Cay’s chill vibe or CocoCay’s action? Also, how’s the food compared to the ship? I’m looking at MSC Seascape or World America for next year, but I don’t want a boring island day.

Ocean Cay is closer to Half Moon Cay’s chill vibe than CocoCay’s theme park energy. It’s all about beaches. Miles of 'em, super soft sand, and clear water. There’s a lagoon, snorkeling, and water sports (kayaks, jet skis, extra cost), but no big slides or zip lines like CocoCay. MSC ia pushing the eco angle, with coral restoration stuff you can learn about, which I found cool. Food’s similar to the ship’s buffet with burgers, hot dogs, chicken, salads, and some Caribbean dishes like jerk chicken. It’s included, but not as varied as CocoCay’s buffet or Half Moon Cay’s BBQ spread.

Drinks are pricey without a package, about $10 each, but the drink package works there, which is a plus. Compared to the ship, the island food’s simpler, no fancy MDR dishes, but the pizza’s still great. My teens liked the beach volleyball and lighthouse climb (small fee), but they got bored after a few hours. CocoCay kept them busy all day, but it cost more. Great Stirrup Cay was my least favorite. Rocky, crowded, and basic food. Ocean Cay’s a great beach day if you’re okay with low key; MSC’s late-night stays make it special.

 

[NewCruiser2025]

I’m deciding between MSC Seascape and Carnival Jubilee out of Miami for July 2025, and the private island is a big factor. Ocean Cay sounds nice, but I’m worried it’s too quiet for my 10 year old and 14 year old. Half Moon Cay looks pretty, but I read there’s not much for kids. I can’t afford Royal’s Icon, so CocoCay’s out. How do the islands compare for families? Also, is Ocean Cay’s food good enough to skip packing snacks? And how’s the cost for extras like rentals and cabanas? Thanks for all the info!

 

[SunsetSailor99]

I’m deciding between MSC Seascape and Carnival Jubilee out of Miami for July 2025, and the private island is a big factor. Ocean Cay sounds nice, but I’m worried it’s too quiet for my 10 year old and 14 year old. Half Moon Cay looks pretty, but I read there’s not much for kids. I can’t afford Royal’s Icon, so CocoCay’s out. How do the islands compare for families? Also, is Ocean Cay’s food good enough to skip packing snacks? And how’s the cost for extras like rentals and cabanas? Thanks for all the info!

Ocean Cay vs. Half Moon Cay for families depends on what your kids like. Ocean Cay’s got more than Half Moon Cay for kids. A lagoon for your 10yo to splash in, beach games, and water sports like paddle boards ($20–$30) that your 14yo might enjoy. There’s a small playground and free activities like volleyball, but it’s not a water park like CocoCay.

Half Moon Cay is mostly just a gorgeous beach. Great for your 10yo to swim, but your 14yo might find it boring unless you pay for extras like snorkeling ($40). Food on Ocean Cay is decent. Burgers, hot dogs, pizza, and some Caribbean stuff like conch fritters. It’s enough to skip packing snacks, but it’s basic compared to the ship’s buffet. Half Moon Cay’s food is similar, maybe a bit better with BBQ ribs, but no pizza. Both are free, which is nice.

Extras on Ocean Cay aren’t cheap. Cabanas cost $200–$400, jet skis ~$50 for 30 minutes. Half Moon Cay’s cabanas are similar ($300), and rentals like floats are ~$20. MSC’s drink package works on Ocean Cay, which saves money if you drink. For your family, Ocean Cay’s got a slight edge over Half Moon Cay for kid activities, but neither matches CocoCay’s thrills. MSC’s cheaper overall, so I’d lean Seascape for value.

 

[CruiseJunkieFL]

Thanks for the insights! Ocean Cay sounds like a nice beach day, but I’m worried my teens will want more action. CocoCay was their favorite because of the water park and zip line, though I hated shelling out $100 for slide passes. Half Moon Cay was too quiet for them, just lounging and swimming. Great Stirrup Cay was a let down. Tocky beaches and not much to eat. How’s the vibe on Ocean Cay? Is it packed like CocoCay or calm like Half Moon Cay? Also, any must-do activities or tips for MSC’s island?

 

[Port Canaveral Pro]

Thanks for the insights! Ocean Cay sounds like a nice beach day, but I’m worried my teens will want more action. CocoCay was their favorite because of the water park and zip line, though I hated shelling out $100 for slide passes. Half Moon Cay was too quiet for them, just lounging and swimming. Great Stirrup Cay was a let down. Tocky beaches and not much to eat. How’s the vibe on Ocean Cay? Is it packed like CocoCay or calm like Half Moon Cay? Also, any must-do activities or tips for MSC’s island?

Ocean Cay’s vibe is definitely closer to Half Moon Cay - calm, beach-focused, not a theme park like CocoCay. It’s less crowded than CocoCay, especially if you head to the farther beaches or book a cabana. The island’s huge with different zones, so it feels spacious even with two MSC ships docked. For your teens, the lighthouse climb ($10) is cool for views, and they might like the jet skis or snorkeling (both ~$30–$50). There’s a teen-specific beach party sometimes, check the daily planner.

Must-do: Stay for the evening laser show if your sailing has one. It’s unique, and my 15 year old said it was “lit”. 😛 Food’s fine. Pizza, burgers, some Caribbean dishes, but bring snacks if your teens are picky.

Tip: Walk to the spa beach for a quieter spot, or rent a float ($15) for fun in the lagoon. Compared to CocoCay, it’s less chaotic but less thrilling. Half Moon Cay’s prettier but has even less to do. Avoid Great Stirrup Cay if you can. It’s my least favorite.

 

[Cruise Lover Tampa]

I loved Half Moon Cay for its beaches, but yeah, it was super quiet. Fine for me but my teenagers were bored. CocoCay was a hit with them because of the water park, but I spent way too much on extras. Ocean Cay sounds like a good middle ground. How’s the snorkeling? I heard MSC’s island has coral reefs. Also, are cabanas worth it? I’m looking at MSC World America or Seascape for next fall. Any difference between MSC ships at Ocean Cay?

 

[Miami Wave Rider]

I loved Half Moon Cay for its beaches, but yeah, it was super quiet. Fine for me but my teenagers were bored. CocoCay was a hit with them because of the water park, but I spent way too much on extras. Ocean Cay sounds like a good middle ground. How’s the snorkeling? I heard MSC’s island has coral reefs. Also, are cabanas worth it? I’m looking at MSC World America or Seascape for next fall. Any difference between MSC ships at Ocean Cay?

Ocean Cay’s snorkeling is solid. Better than Half Moon Cay, not as good as CocoCay’s paid excursions. The reefs are part of MSC’s conservation project, so you see colorful fish and some coral, but it’s $30 – $50 for a guided tour. You can snorkel from the beach for free if you bring your own gear, but it’s not as vibrant. Cabanas are pricey ($200 – $400 depending on size), but worth it if you want shade and a private spot. Way less crowded than CocoCay’s cabanas. They come with a cooler of drinks, which helps if you don’t have a package.

The vibe’s relaxed, like Half Moon Cay, but with more to do (kayaks, beach games). The food is the same across MSC ships: buffet with pizza, burgers, Caribbean stuff. World America and Seascape both hit Ocean Cay, so no real difference in the experience, but World America’s newer, so the ship itself feels fancier. I’d pick it for the slides and LEGO kids’ club if you’ve got younger kids. Great Stirrup Cay’s snorkeling was okay, but the island felt like an afterthought. Ocean Cay’s a highlight if you like beaches over thrills.

 

[First Cruise Family]

Thanks, everyone! Ocean Cay sounds perfect for a chill day, and I love that the food’s included. The evening show sounds cool too. Are there enough free activities for kids, or do I need to budget for extras? Also, how’s the WiFi on Ocean Cay? I saw MSC’s got a good app. Does it work there?

 

[SunsetSailor99]

Thanks, everyone! Ocean Cay sounds perfect for a chill day, and I love that the food’s included. The evening show sounds cool too. Are there enough free activities for kids, or do I need to budget for extras? Also, how’s the WiFi on Ocean Cay? I saw MSC’s got a good app. Does it work there?

Ocean Cay’s got enough free stuff for kids to stay busy for a few hours. There's lagoon swimming, beach games, and a playground to keep younger ones happy. Your 12yo might want paid activities like paddle boards ($20) or the lighthouse climb ($10) for more fun. No water park slides, so it’s not CocoCay level excitement. The buffet’s included and decent - pizza, burgers, fruit, plenty for kids without snacks.

WiFi works on Ocean Cay if you have MSC’s package (about $15 to $25/day), and the MSC app helps with island schedules and bookings. Half Moon Cay’s WiFi was spotty, and CocoCay’s was better but pricier. Great Stirrup Cay barely had WiFi last I checked. Ocean Cay’s great for a first cruise. Just get to the beach early for chairs, and check for evening events. MSC’s app is a lifesaver for planning.