Disney Cruise Line’s NEW Private Island – What We Know So Far – UPDATED

Disney Cruise Line’s current fleet of five ships will become a fleet of eight ships within the next few years. To accommodate the associated passenger influx, in May 2019 Disney purchased a second major property in the Bahamas, Lighthouse Point, to be a supplement to its current private island Castaway Cay.

Disney recently announced that Lighthouse Point will be opening to cruise guests during the summer of 2024.

Lighthouse point is a 700-acre parcel of land on the southern tip of the island of Eleuthera, about 132 miles southeast of Castaway Cay.

History of the Agreement | The Guest Experience on the Island | The Magic and Fantasy to Visit Lighthouse Point Summer 2024

History of the Agreement

Disney has pledged to develop just 20% of the land it has purchased and return about 190 acres to the Bahamian government for use as parkland, maintaining much of the rest in its pristine, undeveloped state. DCL has also committed to using sustainable building practices and ensuring strict environmental standards. At the D23 Expo in September 2022, Disney announced that the development will be 90% solar-powered. (A 550-page environmental-impact study for Lighthouse Point is available at lighthousepointbahamas.com.)

In addition to protecting the environment, Disney has pledged to make a positive impact on the Bahamian economy with Lighthouse Point. The project is providing 120+ construction jobs, approximately 80% of which will be Bahamian. DCL also has a goal of creating about 150 well-paying operations jobs once the site opens. As a step toward the second goal, DCL now has a partnership with Junior Achievement Bahamas. The program will provide services to nearly 1,000 high school students on Eleuthera and will include education on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and college preparedness. Additionally, DCL has awarded $150,000 in grants to small businesses on Eleuthera, designed to fund training in topics such as developing marketing plans and understanding financial statements. According to the project’s spokespeople, Disney’s goal is to have a ship at the Lighthouse Point port three to five days a week, with the destination having room for just one vessel at a time. Weekly visitors are expected to number approximately 11,400–26,600, depending on the season and which ships are in port.

The Guest Experience on the Island

When guests arrive at Lighthouse Point, they’ll be greeted by distinctive architecture in bright, saturated hues. The curvilinear buildings will at first appear as Bahamian shells scattered along the shoreline. Upon closer inspection, guests will discover artistic expressions of the native flora and fauna of The Bahamas and the pageantry and history of traditional Junkanoo parades. Throughout the destination, references to playful folklore characters will evoke the warmth and charm of the local culture.

Respect for the environment is at the heart of the design. Approximatley 90% of the destination’s electricity needs will be met by an onsite solar array, the pier was designed to avoid the need for dredging and elevated walkways will help limit impact on the landscape.

At Lighthouse Point, families will enjoy a day of fun in the sun as they relax on pristine beaches, embark on active adventures and enjoy Bahamian storytelling alongside favorite Disney characters. Much like Disney’s cruise ships and private island of Castaway Cay, Lighthouse Point will offer activities and areas for every age group. Families can relax and play along white sandy beaches and turquoise waters at the expansive family beach on the east side of the island, which will be centrally located near market-style dining, recreation and other amenities. And a brightly-colored, interactive family water play area will include two slides, water drums, fountains and more, along with a dedicated space for toddlers.

A Bahamian art and culture pavilion featuring special programs and local artists will provide visitors to Lighthouse Point opportunities to learn and celebrate the traditions and natural beauty of The Bahamas.

North of the family area will be an adult-exclusive beach — a stretch of serenity complete with a dedicated dining area for convenient access to food and drinks throughout the day, plus six private cabanas available by reservation.

There will also be 20 premium family cabanas available to rent near the family beach, including four double cabanas that accommodate larger groups and offer massage services.

Children ages 3 to 12 will have the opportunity to play at a themed kids’ club under the care of trained Disney Cruise Line counselors. It will include a splash pad inspired by favorite undersea creatures from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “The Little Mermaid,” shaded areas, and a dedicated dining zone.

Additional recreational activities will be available for kids of all ages, including a covered gaming pavilion; a volleyball court and gaga ball pit; watercraft and bicycle rentals; nature trails for hiking and biking; and more. And a collection of new Port Adventures developed in partnership with local tour operators will take guests beyond Lighthouse Point to explore the culture and landscape of Eleuthera.

The Magic and Fantasy to Visit Lighthouse Point Summer 2024

The first sailing to Lighthouse Point will be the June 6, 2024 3-Night cruise of the Disney Magic departing from Fort Lauderdale. The majority of three and four night sailings of the Magic during summer 2024 will also stop at Lighthouse Point. Four 5-night Magic sailings (on July 1, 15, 26 and August 12) will stop at BOTH Lighthouse Point and Disney’s original private island, Castaway Cay.

The official inaugural visit to Lighthouse Point (though not the first chronological visit) will be the June 8, 2024 sailing of the Disney Fantasy, with will make a stop at Castaway Cay and TWO stops at Lighthouse Point.

Stay tuned for updates as they become available.