New Disney Cruise Line Lighthouse Point in The Bahamas to open summer 2024

Mar 09, 2023 in "Disney Wish"

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Disney Cruise Line Lighthouse Point concept art

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Posted: Thursday March 9, 2023 11:36am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Disney Cruise Line has today announced that its new island destination at Lighthouse Point, located on the island of Eleuthera in The Bahamas, will welcome guests in summer 2024.

Disney says that it has worked close collaboration with local artists and advisors, to be a "unique celebration of Bahamian culture brought to life with the quality and service of a Disney vacation." It is also designed to provide a hassle-free experience for families, including complimentary beach essentials (towels, chairs and umbrellas and lunch) and convenient tram transportation.

Disney is also considering the environmental impact of Lighthouse Point. At least 90 percent 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.

White sandy beaches and turquoise waters will greet guests 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.

Disney Cruise Line Lighthouse Point concept art

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.

Disney Cruise Line Lighthouse Point concept art

A brightly-colored, interactive family water play area will include two slides, water drums, fountains and more, along with a dedicated space for toddlers.

Disney Cruise Line Lighthouse Point concept art

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.

Disney Cruise Line Lighthouse Point concept art

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

Disney Cruise Line Lighthouse Point concept art

Set away from the activity of the main family area, a peaceful beach along the southwestern shore will be lined with 20 premium family cabanas available to rent, including four double cabanas that accommodate larger groups and offer massage services.

Disney Cruise Line Lighthouse Point concept art

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. And 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.

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DCLcruiser16 days ago

Yes. One of the benefits of the original ships was that they took an art-deco, pinnacle of cruising, style and added a dash of Disney. They felt upscale and familar at the same time.

DisneyHead12318 days ago

I think part of it is “IP” vs. “theme”. Personally I don’t mind the IP but I think if you counted up the themed elements in a place like Port Orleans Riverside and compared it to comparable parts of the Wish, they’re probably similar. It’s just that one Frozen painting in an otherwise plain room is really going to pop out at you, while several elements themed to the New Orleans backwoods blend more naturally. Seems like they’re trying to compromise with things like the Fantasia suite and might end up pleasing no one. (What do I know though, maybe there’s a market for it.) While I know the official term is “animated films”, they’re still kind of… you know… cartoons. And there’s a reason the word “cartoony” exists as an adjective, because cartoons by their very nature are not typically subtle and refined. (I remember those arty, wispy watercolor cartoons people sometimes made when I was young and I pretty much hated them. I’m looking at you, The Snowman. Kids usually need sharper visual contrasts.)

HauntedPirate18 days ago

I'd say most of the Wish's audience has never sailed on a Disney cruise ship before and is wowed by it all. Like the parks, those of us with history know a rotten apple when we see it. Everything $lappie touched during his time as P&R head and CEO had one common theme - They are as subtle as a jackhammer. You are hit over the head and bombarded with "theme" every second, at every turn. Because there could be a chance that you've forgotten in the last 3 seconds.

DisneyHead12319 days ago

If I had to choose between too much theming and too little, my preference would be too much, so I do prefer the look of the Wish to the minimalistic neutral palette they favor in other places. But I understand others feel differently. I wonder if their audience is split down the middle on this, hence the different styles.

HauntedPirate19 days ago

Theming on the Wish is very heavy-handed. It wasn’t my cup of tea. And the removal of Jimmy Buffett from the background music rotation and replaced by generic/instrumental Disney songs is unforgivable in my book.

DisneyHead12319 days ago

I’ve only seen the Wish via video so it’s difficult to tell how much theming there is. From what I can see, I like the level of theming but it’s very princess heavy, so those not into that look probably aren’t going to like it. I like it for one ship, so long as the others have different themes, which so far they will.

HauntedPirate20 days ago

There doesn’t need to be the beat-you-over-the-head level of theming seen on the Wish. I’m on a Disney cruise - I don’t need to be reminded of it every other step.

DisneyHead12321 days ago

I know that’s definitely a look in other places but I feel like Disney visitors go specifically for the theming in many cases. That’s not to say it all has to be IP of course, just themed. It’s almost like Disney is replicating the home decor of (some of) their target audience in the resorts. No matter how popular pale grey wood is in interior decorating, I’m assuming people don’t travel to Disney to see something that resembles their living room. I hope they up their game a bit.

Disone21 days ago

Maybe. The aristocat lounge on the treasure looks a little ordinary.... And the new concierge lounge on the dream, supposedly themed to the muses from Hercules, looks like any place USA Hyatt concierge. I'm worried the minimalistic theming that has infected the resorts is now bleeding over to the cruise line 😞

DisneyHead12321 days ago

It’s funny how there seems to be an all-or-nothing approach with Disney theming these days. Maybe just different design teams? The cruise ships are more themed than ever but the new DVCs and remodeled rooms are much more minimalist with much less theming.

Sir_Cliff21 days ago

Yeah, I am really puzzled by this. I appreciate the attempts to involve local artists and construct an environmentally friendly facility. The execution, though, looks like a pretty standard tourist facility with no real Disney flourishes. Indeed, this doesn't really seem like a Disney-designed facility at all. It looks like something that could have been built by the local government or a mid-size hotel chain.

Chip Chipperson24 days ago

Yeah, they could also add some sort barrier to separate the pedestrians from the tram path - or just say, "You have to take the tram." I doubt many guests would be upset about missing out on the walk along the concrete pier in the sun (or rain, for that matter).

Disone30 days ago

Tenders are not ideal and in general cruise passengers dislike a tender processes. Results in Lines to get off the ship lines to get off the island. It's not a great process. But maybe in addition too? So then guests could have the option. Tender ride or self-baking hike on a pier. Let's see how much they dislike that tender process now 🙂

Vegas Disney Fan31 days ago

We really enjoy CastawayCay, fun bike trails in a natural setting, nice lagoon, sunken Disney characters in the snorkeling area (including a 20,000 leagues sub)… relaxing but lots of fun.