MSC Cruises Is Coming to the Cayman Islands
Editor's Note
MSC Cruises will soon join three other major cruise companies in a pledge to finance a proper pier in the Cayman Islands in lieu of a tender port. The islands are convinced that the addition of MSC Cruises will contribute to the longevity of the enticing spot's reputation as a cruise destination.
MSC Cruises officials signed a letter of intent with the Cayman government providing that the cruise port project will receive $15 million in funding from the cruise line. The cruise companies that will operate within the port — Royal Caribbean Cruises (parent company of Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Azamara and three other brands); Carnival Corp. (parent company of Carnival Cruises, Princess, Holland America and others); Disney Cruise Line and MSC Cruises — have committed to collectively contributing $180 million toward the project.
According to Alden McLaughlin, the country's premier, the agreement outlined that "the finance [is] to be provided by whichever entity is eventually selected as the preferred bidder on the project," meaning that no public funding will be required for the piers.
The public/private partnership is part of what leads McLaughlin to believe that the mutual investment in the piers will allow the cruise lines to be dedicated to Cayman. "As well as strengthening the project's financing structure, having cruise companies financially vested in the project provides assurance that [Cayman] finances will not be exposed to risk and is a positive indication of their commitment to our islands for decades to come," said McLaughlin.
"Cruise lines will be repaid from a portion of the per-passenger fee that they remit to the port authority each time they are in port," he said. "This underscores that the only way they can benefit from their investment is to continue using the facility."
Moses Kirkconnell, the Cayman Islands' tourism minister, added that he believes that the agreement will, in turn, maintain the Cayman Islands' strong position as a cruise destination.
While some parties are seemingly excited about the agreement, not everyone is on board, per se. A group of Cayman Island locals who oppose the project, Cruise Port Referendum Cayman, have started a petition with over 5,000 signatures to stop the project.
For the latest travel news, deals and points and miles tips please subscribe to The Points Guy daily email newsletter.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees