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Lighthouse Point in the Bahamas will be the next exclusive island escape for Disney Cruise Line, joining Castaway Cay as the next Disney-owned and maintained destination.
In the summer of 2024, the cruise line will be welcoming guests to its brand-new island destination, Lighthouse Point.
Located on the island of Eleuthera in The Bahamas, Lighthouse Point will be a one-of-a-kind beach retreat infused with the energy and vibrancy of Bahamian culture.
This announcement has been a long time coming, and Disney fans can hardly contain their excitement!
Table of Contents
- Where is Lighthouse Point?
- Sustainably Developed
- Fun and Relaxation for Everyone
- Hassle-Free Experience
- When Will Lighthouse Point Open?
- Images of Lighthouse Point
- What is the Difference between Castaway Cay and Lighthouse Point?
- Excursions and Exploring Eleuthera
- Which Ships Will Sail to Lighthouse Point?
- The Good and the Bad
- All About Eleuthera
- What Was Lighthouse Point Like Before Disney?
- Conclusion
Where is Lighthouse Point?
Lighthouse Point is the name of the new beach retreat destination being developed by Disney Cruise Line on the island of Eleuthera in The Bahamas. The island of Eleuthera is located in the eastern part of The Bahamas and is known for its stunning pink sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and charming small towns.
Lighthouse Point is situated on the southern end of Eleuthera, near the town of Bannerman Town. The exact location of the new destination has not been disclosed, but it is expected to be a short distance from Bannerman Town.
In terms of distance, Lighthouse Point is approximately 185 miles east of Miami, Florida and is also approximately 70 miles southeast of Nassau, the capital city of The Bahamas.
Distinctive and Sustainably Developed
When guests arrive at Lighthouse Point, they’ll be greeted by a breathtaking architectural design. The curvilinear buildings will look like Bahamian shells scattered along the shoreline, and upon closer inspection, guests will discover artistic expressions of the native flora and fauna of The Bahamas.
The destination will also pay homage to the pageantry and history of Junkanoo parades. Throughout the island, visitors will find playful folklore characters, which will evoke the warmth and charm of Bahamian culture.
Respect for the environment is at the heart of the design, and at least 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 the impact on the landscape.
According to Kevin Thomas, the creative director of Walt Disney Imagineering, the goal was to create designs that accentuate the site’s qualities in an organic way. The team was focused on low-density, sustainable development that protects and preserves the environment, allowing the site’s biodiversity to shine.
Fun and Relaxation for Everyone
Lighthouse Point will offer activities and areas for every age group, much like Disney’s cruise ships and private island of Castaway Cay.
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.
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.
Children ages 3 to 12 will splash and play at a themed kids’ club under the care of highly-trained Disney Cruise Line counselors. It will include a splash pad inspired by favorite undersea creatures from The Little Mermaid, plenty of shade, and a dedicated dining area.
Additional recreational activities will be available for kids and kids-at-heart, including a covered gaming pavilion; a volleyball court and gaga ball pit; watercraft and bicycle rentals; nature trails for hiking and biking; and more.
North of the family area will be an adult-exclusive beach, complete with a dedicated dining area for convenient access to food and drinks throughout the day, plus six private cabanas available by reservation.
Visitors to Lighthouse Point will have the opportunity to be surrounded by the wonders of nature and get a glimpse into the efforts taking place to conserve wildlife and their unique island habitats. A collection of new Port Adventures developed in partnership with local tour operators will take guests beyond Lighthouse Point to explore the rich culture and breathtaking beauty of Eleuthera.
Hassle-Free Experience
Disney’s new island destination is being thoughtfully designed to provide a hassle-free experience for families, including complimentary beach essentials such as towels, chairs, and umbrellas, as well as lunch, and convenient tram transportation.
When Will Lighthouse Point be Open?
Lighthouse Point will open for guests on select sailings in summer 2024.
The inaugural sailings are scheduled for June 2024, with cruises aboard the Disney Magic and Disney Fantasy.
A three-night preview cruise is available aboard the Disney Magic departing from Fort Lauderdale on June 6, 2024. This sneak peek will provide passengers with limited access to some areas of Lighthouse Point, giving them a glimpse of what’s in store for future sailings.
The first official sailing to Lighthouse Point will be an exciting seven-night itinerary aboard the Disney Fantasy, departing from Port Canaveral, Florida on June 8, 2024.
This inaugural cruise will give passengers the unique opportunity to be among the first to make a splash in the crystal-clear waters of this new destination. The itinerary includes two stops at Lighthouse Point, allowing guests to fully explore and appreciate this brand-new destination.
After the inaugural sailings, Lighthouse Point will be a recurring stop on select Disney Magic itineraries departing from Fort Lauderdale.
See the full Disney Magic list of 2024 sailings here.
Images of Lighthouse Point
Here are a few images that have been released by Disney Cruise Line. They are artist renderings / concept art of what the Lighthouse Point island experience will look like:
How Will This Experience Be Different Than Castaway Cay?
While Disney’s private island of Castaway Cay is a beloved destination for Disney Cruise Line guests, Lighthouse Point will offer a distinct experience. While both destinations offer fun in the sun and a range of activities for families, Lighthouse Point’s emphasis on Bahamian culture.
The Bahamian art and culture pavilion, for example, will offer visitors a unique opportunity to learn about and celebrate the traditions and natural beauty of The Bahamas.
Plus, with new Port Adventures developed in partnership with local tour operators, guests will have the chance to explore the rich culture and breathtaking beauty of Eleuthera.
Excursion and Exploring Eleuthera
Disney Cruise Line is teaming up with local tour operators to offer guests a chance to explore the island of Eleuthera beyond Lighthouse Point.
This means that in addition to the activities and attractions at Lighthouse Point itself, guests will have the opportunity to venture out and experience more of the culture and natural beauty of The Bahamas.
From visiting local Eleuthera towns and markets to hiking through the island’s stunning landscape, these new Port Adventures are sure to provide a unique and memorable experience for Disney Cruise Line guests.
It’s always exciting when cruise lines work with local businesses and communities to create these kinds of authentic, immersive experiences, and it’s great to see that Disney is making an effort to do just that at Lighthouse Point.
Which Disney Ships will Sail to Lighthouse Point?
So far, we have news that the Disney Magic and Disney Fantasy have scheduled sailings to Lighthouse Point in 2024.
The Good and the Bad
The announcement of Lighthouse Point is undoubtedly exciting news for Disney Cruise Line fans, particularly those who have been eagerly awaiting a new island destination.
The commitment to sustainable development and celebration of Bahamian culture is admirable, and the range of activities on offer promises to be a hit with families.
However, some may be disappointed that there is no specific opening date yet beyond “summer 2024,” and it remains to be seen how the island will handle large crowds of visitors. Despite these concerns, the announcement of Lighthouse Point is a promising development and one that Disney Cruise Line fans will no doubt be eagerly anticipating in the years to come.
What to Know about Eleuthera
Eleuthera is a long, thin island located in The Bahamas, stretching approximately 110 miles from north to south.
The island is known for its stunning pink sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and charming small towns.
Population and Culture: The population of Eleuthera is around 11,000 people, and the island is known for its friendly and welcoming community. The culture of Eleuthera is deeply rooted in Bahamian traditions, including Junkanoo, a colorful and lively street parade that takes place around Christmas and New Year’s. The island also has a rich musical heritage, with styles ranging from calypso and reggae to the unique sound of Bahamian rake and scrape music.
Language: The official language of The Bahamas is English, and this is the primary language spoken on Eleuthera as well. However, many locals also speak a creole dialect known as Bahamian English or Bahamianese.
Economy: The economy of Eleuthera is largely based on tourism, with visitors coming to the island to enjoy its natural beauty, cultural attractions, and water sports activities. Fishing is also an important industry on the island, and pineapple farming has played a significant role in the island’s history.
Overall, Eleuthera is a beautiful island with a rich culture and welcoming community. Its stunning beaches and clear waters make it a popular destination for tourists, and the island’s unique traditions and music offer a fascinating glimpse into Bahamian culture.
What Was Lighthouse Point Like Before Disney?
For a quick glimpse of what the area looked like before Disney began development, take a look at this video:
Conclusion
The announcement of Lighthouse Point is great news for Disney Cruise Line fans who have been eagerly awaiting a new island destination.
This stunning beach retreat promises to be a unique celebration of Bahamian culture, brought to life with the quality and service of a Disney vacation. From sustainable development to vibrant architecture and a wide range of activities for guests of all ages, Lighthouse Point is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience.