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

Mar 09, 2023 in "Disney Wish"

Gallery / 9 Photos
Disney Cruise Line Lighthouse Point concept art

See all 9

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.

Discuss on the Forums

Get Walt Disney World News Delivered to Your Inbox

Purduevian2 days ago

As others said it was first come, first serve on the way back. I think they waited less than 5 mins for the shuttle back and for sure beat us walking. They thought it was great and also loved LP.

HauntedPirate3 days ago

That was our experience in January as well - Reservation for the ride out to LP, on-demand for the ride back to the ship. And if you have first dining and need a shuttle, definitely follow that advice!

RememberWhen3 days ago

Oof. An hour feels so long. Especially if we want to be back on the ship by 3:30/4. But good to know the shuttles going back didn’t need reservations.

Master Yoda3 days ago

When we went to LP, the shuttles there were by reservation...at least for the first few hours. The shuttles back were on demand. I would still follow "Disney Parks travel times rules" and allow an hour to get anywhere.

RememberWhen3 days ago

Were your in-laws able to get a shuttle back? Did you have to reserve a time for that as well? We’re headed to LP in June and I’m worried about my folks (in their 70s) and my kids making the long trek. Especially back. It’s pirate night that night and we have the early seating for dinner so we need to get back on time. Hard to plan…

HauntedPirate3 days ago

We've done both islands on back-to-back days. We prefer the beach at Lighthouse Point, but the amount of time required to get there is ridiculous. The food is mediocre, at best. Even my kids, whose tastes have expanded greatly over the past 2-3 years, thought the food was "meh". Not that Cookies or Serenity Bay have anything to brag about when it comes to food, of course. It could just be familiarity, but something about CC feels more... homey. But it does feel dated and in need of some overhauls to provide some better quality attractions, for lack of a better word, for families with teen and pre-teen children. LP feels very phony at the moment, with all of the what I consider forced Bahamian culture. At least there aren't hordes of people asking you to buy things once you get off the tram... But that beach is 10x better than CC. I think they designed CC to be much less "oceanic", with the breaks to prevent a lot of waviness on the beaches. But the sand is so soft and the water can be so warm and the waves at LP can be so fun... when that combination is right, it's calming and soothing to the soul. At least my soul. :)

Purduevian3 days ago

The whole vibe was better to me at Lighthouse point as well. I know both islands are hugely artificial, however LP felt more natural and more upscale to me vs Castaway felt very cartoony. Also the Castaway "splash pad" is laughable. Castaway is great, but I had no nostalgia for it like I am sure many on these forums do. As such it felt like a theme park land with no payoff to me after having just been to (IMHO) a superior beach/facilities... everything just felt a little worse and a little more fake at Castaway... which to be fair is way way older.

DisneyDreamer083 days ago

I had a client that just did a cruise that stopped at both islands. Their final thoughts were the same- they preferred Lighthouse even with the long walk. She said it was the most beautiful beach she’s been on with perfectly soft, pink sand and crystal clear water. Her 5 year said the splash pad on Lighthouse was her favorite part of the trip!

Purduevian3 days ago

Just got back from my first ever trip to Lighthouse Point and Castaway Cay. I was traveling with my wife, my 2 year old son, and my in-laws both in their 60s. I went to guest services on the cruise ship 2 days before arriving at Lighthouse Point and were able to reserve my in-laws on the mobility shuttle while a wide range of times available. They said the process was very easy and quick to get on their shuttle and we met them at the end of the pier. Our experience was not as good. We were told there would be wagons available, however when we started our walk, no wagons were there. The CM suggested we start our walk and flag down the wagon shuttle as we were walking. We made it about 1/3 of the way before we found a golf cart stopped on the pier with people grabbing wagons from it. Once we had the wagon, the rest of the walk was lovely. It was quite annoying though to find dozens of wagons at the far side of the pier. We had the exact same situation on the way back, where a group took the last wagon right in front of us, only to put bags in it. The wagons can be a good solution, but they need a lot more wagon trains going back and forth so they are actually available. The actual private beach however was perfect for us. The water was calm enough to swim with the 2 year old and we had to force him away from the splash pad area to eat. We also had no issues finding a table at lunch and I really enjoyed the food. I think I am probably in the minority, but even with the logistical issues, I actually preferred Lighthouse Point over Castaway Cay.

HauntedPirateFeb 20, 2025

I can’t say I disagree with the sentiment. We’re looking at a friends cruise in September 2026 and the only itineraries not on a Wish-class ship are 4-night and 5-night Bahamas cruises out of PC.

Railking55Feb 15, 2025

Enjoy

ToTBellHopFeb 14, 2025

We disliked Wish so much that, at the time, we said, “no more Disney cruises.” Then I saw Magic is visiting both islands on a 4-nighter this summer. But, that will likely be our last Disney cruise. Wish takes over that route next summer so we will just stick with Royal going forward.

Vegas Disney FanFeb 07, 2025

Before our trip to Lookout Cay last month I didn’t think there was any way it could be as good as Castaway, and I actually liked it a bit more than Castaway. They are both amazing, in different ways, considering they’re both private Caribbean Disney ports they did an amazing job of making them feel completely different from each other. Castaway feels like a Disney island with a touch of the Caribbean, Lookout feels like a Caribbean island with a Touch of Disney. They are both beautiful, Lookout feels more natural to me while Castaway feels more Disneyfied, I love them both though. I think our future Caribbean cruises will all include both islands because we like them both that much. I honestly don’t think you can make a wrong choice choosing a DCL ship, I’ve read many trip reports from people who prefer the Magic/Dream class, many other reports from people prefer the Fantasy/Wonder class, and many reports from people who prefer the Wish class… they all have pros and cons and until you try them all you’ll never know which one is your favorite. Although the Wish didn’t meet our preferences as much as the other ships we can’t wait to try the Treasure. We’ve been on all 3 classes and they’re all good, just different.