Discovery: Sir Bani Yas Island

MSC Cruises’ offers a unique cruise experience at Sir Bani Yas Island. The launch of Sir Bani Yas Island Beach Oasis is offered by MSC Cruises and the Abu Dhabi Ports Authority. Cruise visitors can explore  a 1.5 mile-long stretch of land off the southwest coast of Abu Dhabi that has been transformed into a beach Oasis.

Expect to see more cruise buzz about this port call starting in December 2016.   The new stop at Sir Bani Yas Island joins other popular MSC Cruises winter itineraries in the Dubai and Abu Dhabi region with visits to places such as Bahrain, Doha, Khasab, Khor Fakkan and Muscat.

The Sir Bani Yas Island MSC Cruises beach oasis offers something for everyone – from relaxation to action, to nature appreciation and culture.  For those wishing to relax and unwind, the beautiful beach has a number of natural sunbathing spots and sun-drenched walking trails, which are open all day long. In addition, the MSC Aurea Spa will make available relaxing massages with stunning sea views.

The island is one of region’s largest wildlife reserves thanks to decades of intensive conservation work and ecological investment to restore and maintain its biodiversity. The Arabian Wildlife Park on the main island of Sir Bani Yas is today, as a result of this work, 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 beach oasis for its guests fully in line with the broader Sir Bani Yas island project and to support the ongoing preservation work.

The MSC Cruises beach oasis will also 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.

This is the second beach destination being developed by MSC Cruises. Last year, MSC Cruises announced that it was developing the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve – located 65 miles from Miami. Both destinations have been created with MSC Cruises’ guests in mind and will include offerings from the ship – such as an exclusive, private area for MSC Yacht Club guests and an MSC Aurea Spa area offering a menu of relaxing massages.

The Sir Bani Yas Island beach oasis, which will further enrich the cruise line’s winter 2016/2017 cruise itineraries in the Emirates.

“Last year we announced the new Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas, said Gianni Onorato, MSC Cruises CEO. “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. 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 more than two years. The tropical beach oasis is on a smaller island connected to the main island by an attractive wooden boardwalk that allows MSC Cruises’ guests exclusive access to an authentic beach vacation experience – with hundreds of palm trees, shaded cabanas and more than 2,000 sunbeds across 387,500 sq.ft. of fine golden beaches. Other key facilities include, amongst others:

• 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. Spa treatments available include the 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; and
• A lounge space with a bar and live music, for relaxing.

In true MSC Cruises style, on the island guests will be able to enjoy a selection of fresh and authentic food options, with a range of cooking stations serving small delights from the region as well as international favorites. Guests can also expect to see beachside charcoal BBQs serving light dishes and snacks, and exotic cocktails served from one of six beach bars. Ship food and drink services, such as drink packages, extend onto the island to ensure that the guest experience between the ship and the island is completely seamless.

Source:  www.msccruises.com.