CONFIRMED: Disney Cruise Line Announces Second Port in the Bahamas, Lighthouse Point; To Be Completed 2022/23

Matthew Soberman

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Lighthouse Point concept art

CONFIRMED: Disney Cruise Line Announces Second Port in the Bahamas, Lighthouse Point; To Be Completed 2022/23

Disney Cruise Line will be getting a second port in the Bahamas.

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We first told you about the new port last year. Last November, the Bahamian government approved the purchase of Lighthouse Point, a peninsula on the island of Eleuthera.

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Now, officially announced at the D23 Expo, Disney Cruise Line guests can look forward to a signature island experience that celebrates the spirit and culture of The Bahamas and the natural environment at a new Disney port of call, which will be located on the breathtaking island of Eleuthera at a place called Lighthouse Point.

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Joe Rohde, whose work includes the design of Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii, has embarked on an in-depth cultural tour of The Bahamas. With local artists and cultural experts, he has explored cultural sites across New Providence and Eleuthera, from Junkanoo shacks to noted art galleries.

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Joe points out that Disney will be directly involved in conservation efforts to preserve and protect the environment and will be working with local artists to create a unique destination that is rooted in Bahamian culture and filled with Disney magic.

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Construction at Lighthouse Point will begin only after an Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan are reviewed and accepted by the Government of The Bahamas and public consultation has occurred. Construction could begin in 2020 with completion in late 2022 or 2023.

Be sure to check out our livestream postshow where we discuss everything that was revealed today at the 2019 D23 Expo!

7 thoughts on “CONFIRMED: Disney Cruise Line Announces Second Port in the Bahamas, Lighthouse Point; To Be Completed 2022/23”

  1. This is terrible news and locals on Eleuthera feel unheard by their government they say is corrupt and only partnering with Disney for cash and kickbacks. Eleuthera is one of the last islands untouched by rampant tourism and there are fragile ecosystems locals are worried will be irreparably damaged. Demand that ecologists local to Eleuthera itself are consulted when the environmental damage assessment is worked on.

  2. This makes me literally sick to my stomach. Lighthouse Point is one of the most beautiful places on earth. It should be preserved and NOT Disney-fied into a fake plastic cartoon world. UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!

  3. terrible terrible decision that the Bahamian government and Disney are going to ruin the most beautiful beach in Eleuthera. So sad.

  4. This is horrible 😠 they are about to destroy a beautiful place. I’ve been there…. Once Disney invades it will never be the same.

  5. Initially proposed as a Marine Protected Area, Lighthouse Point is a particularly eco-rich area known for it’s contributions to key research and conservation areas of study: abundant shark populations, vibrant underwater habitat, healthy coral reef, and important geological features. Lighthouse Point is, also, part of a critical habitat for populations of lemon sharks and bonefish suffering from habitat alteration as a result of fisheries exploitation and shoreline development (Murchie et al.,10; Murchie et al., 2013). The Cape Eleuthera Institute is currently conducting research in the area comparing historic shark migration and habitat data with more current data in the submerged bridge between Lighthouse Point and Little San Salvador Island.

    The loss of Lighthouse Point as an untouched natural resource has the potential to be a major disruption for the local and pelagic shark populations which rely on the natural resources and habitats currently found there. Marine Protected Areas provide sanctuaries for sharks and other stressed species, helping their populations to recover and thrive. The waters surrounding Lighthouse Point, if protected, could serve this function for sharks and other threatened marine species. However, if Disney’s project proceeds, it will disrupt the movement of sharks and other key species and irreparably damage the marine ecosystem in the area. This would put Disney’s actions in direct conflict with their very public “eco-friendly” policies, as well as the research and conservation efforts they claim to so adamantly support.

    “In the case of Lighthouse Point, it is beyond insane. It is a giveaway of our children’s heritage. It sets the stage for no limit in selling their birthright.” Said Joe Darville, chairman of Save the Bays, in a January of 2019 article

  6. Very sad indeed. I visited the area in July and was speechless at the beauty. The dirt road to the Lighthouse is not maintained, excruciatingly tough if you don’t have 4×4 or all terrain tires but it’s that very reason why the area is pristine. It’s not easily accessible. I just can’t imagine the hordes of people that will be shuttled back and forth just to dumped their trash, foot traffic trampling through the vegetation and geological sensitive rocks/cliffs in the area; not to mention human waste. The ecological impacts on land and sea will be significant and irreversible. What’s next Starbuck’s, McDonald’s?? Ugh :'(

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