Next summer Disney Cruise Line will begin welcoming passengers to an exclusive new island destination.
Lighthouse Point, located on the island of Eleuthera in The Bahamas, will offer guests a variety of activities in a truly scenic location.
Once open, Lighthouse point will be the company’s second island destination in the country, the other being the private island of Castaway Cay, 140 miles northwest of Lighthouse point.
Similar to Castaway Cay, Lighthouse Point will offer cruise passengers a fun and relaxing excursion off the boat in full Disney style. The new destination will feature gorgeous beaches, fun activities, convenient amenities, and a design aesthetic intended to highlight the surrounding natural and cultural beauty.
Sharon Siskie, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the company, said, “At Disney Cruise Line, we have a deep appreciation for the Bahamian community. We are connected in many ways, including our shared values of storytelling and hospitality.”
In working with local artists and advisors and by keeping the natural environment at the forefront of its design, Lighthouse Point hopes to create a unique experience and sense of place.
Bahamian-Inspired Disney Design
Disney is using the region’s natural environment and cultural heritage as a muse for the destination’s design.
Buildings will resemble seashells, while other features will represent the native plants and animals of Eleuthera.
The Bahamas’ eclectic Junkanoo street parades also provide inspiration for design, as will traditional folklore characters and other cultural elements.
The cruise line received a great deal of pushback from environmental groups and the local community when they chose Lighthouse Point as its destination.
Concerns over the development’s environmental impact have pushed the developers to incorporate elements of sustainable design.
Solar panels will power a minimum of 90% of electricity needs, and a long pier is intended to minimize disruption to marine life.
That being said, the introduction of the infrastructure needed to support the buildings, facilities, and thousands of regular visitors will undoubtedly impact the surrounding environment.
In an attempt to further mitigate the impact, Disney will donate 190 acres at the site’s southernmost point back to the government of the Bahamas.
Activities For Everyone
Once on land, passengers will have plenty of fun and relaxing activities to choose from. Beyond simply lounging on the beach or swimming in the sea, guests will have access to the following activities:
- Bahamian art and culture pavilion – visitors can learn about and participate in the cultural and artistic traditions of The Bahamas
- Family water play area – waterslides and interactive fountains will provide a place for kids to cool down
- Recreational activities – a gaming pavilion, volleyball court, watercraft and bike rentals, and nature trails for hiking and biking
- Kids club – parents can leave kids aged 3-12 with counselors where they can enjoy a Little Mermaid-themed splash pad and other activities
- Wildlife and habitat conservation – visitors will have the opportunity to see what Disney Cruise Line is doing to protect the island’s wildlife and their habitats
- Port adventures – local tour operators will bring guests to explore other areas of Eleuthera
Sun-Drenched Beaches
While the activities will certainly provide families with a great deal of fun and entertainment, the main attraction at Lighthouse point will be the stunning beaches.
There will be an expansive family beach on the island’s eastern shore with easy access to dining and recreation facilities.
North of that will be an adults-only beach where adults can enjoy food and drinks away from the chaos and excitement of the family areas.
Amenities
Lighthouse Point will provide cruise passengers with a hassle-free day out. Beach essentials like towels, chairs, and umbrellas will be provided for all guests. Complimentary lunch will be served at various food outlets, and a tram will transport visitors around the compound.
A handful of private cabanas will be available to rent, including 20 premium family cabanas and six private cabanas on the adults-only beach.
