For more than 25 years, Disney Cruise Line's Castaway Cay has provided the quintessential private island beach day experience in the Bahamas.
On Castaway Cay, guests relax on the white sand beaches of a 1,000-acre private island owned by Disney.
For those who want adventure, snorkeling around a fictional shipwreck, water sports, bike rentals, and other activities are available.
Minimal effort is required at Castaway Cay for cruisers who just want a restful Bahamas beach day. That, of course, is really the only experience being offered at the cruise line's classic private island.
When Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point began welcoming guests in June, cruisers were met with a very different cruise line private island experience. Lookout Cay wasn’t exactly the easy, breezy tropical escape they expected and reactions were mixed.
Image source: Walt Disney
Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point features a sustainable design
When Disney purchased the Lighthouse Point property, which is located at the southern tip of the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas, they signed a deal with the Bahamian government to develop it responsibly.
Under the agreement, the cruise line's new private island destination was thoughtfully developed with a focus on conservation and authenticity.
“At Disney Cruise Line, we have a deep appreciation for the Bahamian community,” said Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager, Disney Cruise Line. “We are connected in many ways, including our shared values of storytelling and hospitality. With the opening of Lighthouse Point, visitors from around the world will experience the magic of The Bahamas in a new way, one that truly celebrates its natural and cultural beauty.”
Here's what to expect at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
The property’s sustainable design and local focus have a big impact on how guests experience it.
Here are three things you should be prepared for when cruising to Disney's new private island destination, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
1. Lots of walking and limited shade
To minimize impacts on marine habitats off the coast of Lighthouse Point, Disney Cruise Line wanted to avoid dredging the ocean floor to build a dock for its ships. The solution they developed was a long, open-trestle pier that extends into deep waters.
For cruisers visiting Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, the pier design means you should bring your walking shoes, sun protection and a water bottle if you plan to get off the ship.
The unshaded pier is more than a half-mile long and walking is your only option. Once you reach the island, a tram will take you to the main beach and other Lookout Cay attractions.
If you or someone in your party will be unable to walk the pier, make sure to check with Guest Services onboard your ship about your options before arriving in the port.
2. Stunning natural areas available to explore
Once you reach the main attractions at Lookout Cay, your walking shoes and sun protection will come in handy if you want to explore the natural beauty of the Bahamian island of Eleuthera.
Disney developed less than 16% of the land at its Lighthouse Point site leaving an abundance of natural Bahamian landscape for guests to enjoy.
A nature trail will take you to untouched areas of the island where you can really take in the beauty of the Bahamas. Bronze sculptures and signage along the way will give you insight on native wildlife like land crabs and curly-tailed lizards.
Disney Lookout Cay Port Adventures also give you an opportunity to explore more of Eleuthera with shore excursions lead by local operators like ATV adventures, buggy tours and catamaran sailings.
3. Bahamian cultural activities and entertainment
Rather than imagining a storyline for Lookout Cay like they did for Castaway Cay, Disney used the real Bahamian festival Junkanoo as the theme for its new private island destination.
Twice a day on Lookout Cay, local Bahamian performers lead a parade to introduce visitors to the joyful Junkanoo celebration.
The parade welcomes guests to the colorful pavilion at the center of Lookout Cay, the Goombay Cultural Center, where families can learn Junkanoo traditions and make crafts with local artisans.
All the architectural details, cultural activities, and entertainment at Disney Lookout Cay were developed in collaboration with local artists to authentically express the spirit of the Bahamas.
