Disney Cruise Line Potentially Looking to Develop Lighthouse Point, Eleuthera

Disney Cruise Line continues to search for a second private port in the Bahamas ahead of the fleet expansion. A report from the Bahamas Tribune 242 shared a confirmation of sorts from Kim Prunty, Vice President, Communications (Disney Cruise Line & Signature Experiences) & Global External Comms (Disney Parks), that Disney Cruise Line does have an interest in furthering its investments in the Bahamas, but at this time did not have anything to share about a specific location. The idea of DCL looking for another private port in the Bahamas has been floating around for years.

The Tribune 242 article speculates this area of interest is Lighthouse Point, Eleuthera which has been on the market for $20 million.

Lighthouse Point Eleuthera Real Estate PhotosA listing which has been removed from McCarroll Real Estate’s (pdf of page) describes Lighthouse Point as an ideal setting for a grand vision with exceptional beachfront acreage, colourful coral reefs and a breathtaking landscape. Situated at the southern tip is a 700 acre peninsula surrounded on 3 sides by sparkling turquoise waters and miles of white sand beaches – the perfect locale for a vacation homes, hotel and marina development. Eleuthera is one of the most tranquil islands in the Bahamas stretching 110 miles long with 3 airports and just a 1 hour flight to south Florida. Bahamas has no income, capital gains or inheritance tax.

Florida Cruise Ports Castaway Cay Lighthouse Point Map

Prunty also told Tribune 242, any project pursued by Disney Cruise Line in the future would involve a partnership with the community and build on its commitment to sustainability, protecting the environment, creating jobs and economic opportunity, and celebrating the culture and stories of the area.

Another real estate website, Private Islands, Inc has a listing for this under the name Lighthouse Cay. The website first had a listing for the peninsula in 2012 the freehold title priced at $33 million. Around mid-2017, the price was dropped to $25 million.Lighthouse Cay Private Islands Off Market May 2018

Similar to what happened when Disney expressed interest in Egg Island, residents of Eleuthera have launched a Save Lighthouse Point campaign. The campaign describes Lighthouse Point as one of the most incredibly unique places in the Bahamas which is spectacularly beautiful and home to rich local heritage and ecological biodiversity. The group, concerned about out-of-scale development led to the creation of the One Eleuthera Foundation based on discussions with the people of Eleuthera to outline sustainable ways in which this beautiful piece of their heritage could be utilized.

I’d love to hear your comments on Disney Cruise Line’s potential development of Lighthouse Point. Would you like to see this turned into Castaway Cay 2.0 or would you prefer Disney looks elsewhere and leave Lighthouse Point undeveloped?

 

76 Replies to “Disney Cruise Line Potentially Looking to Develop Lighthouse Point, Eleuthera”

  1. Frank

    I would really enjoy an new Disney private island. We love Castaway Cau but I think DCL needs to make some additions to stay competitive with other lines like MSC and Royal, both of whom are making pretty amazing private islands for their lines.

    Reply
    1. Kristel

      Does Disney need to do it at the expense of Lighthouse Beach? This is such an incredible spot it needs to be protected and made a national park. It should not be ravaged and reinvented by Disney. Disney needs to go somewhere else where they won’t impact the environment so badly.

      Reply
      1. Letitia Knowles

        I totally agree with you Kristel. Disney is already destroying the local community by dividing it with this issue.

        Reply
    2. Tiana

      Its a nightmare to get to lighthouse. The residents show no effort of upkeep. Disney would be best thing for the island. Allowing Disney customers to entire would be great too

      Reply
      1. Robin Helweg-Larsen

        The local alternative proposal for developing Lighthouse Point as an eco-tourist destination involves restoring the roads as a first step. Disney would be too destructive to the environment, and cruise lines provide no overall economic benefit (because they suck back 70% of the “locally spent” money through fees, commissions and other tactics). Disney would be the worst thing for Eleuthera.

        Reply
  2. Penny

    I would love to come to Eleuthera instead of Nassau. I would want DCL to leave the ecosystem as pristine as possible while providing the minimum necessities. A cruise to this island and Castaway Cay would be perfect. I would enjoy snorkeling the coral reefs, touring the lighthouse and walking the beaches. I hope to see them pursue this with an eye to conservation.

    Reply
    1. Mike

      They will ruin this part of our world Penny. It is a pristine part of the Bahamas and 3,000 people arriving four times a week will destroy this for generations of Bahamians. We do not want Disney here.

      Reply
  3. Kimberly K.

    Leave it alone. Get another small island that is completely undeveloped. The Bahamas has thousands.

    Reply
  4. Alex

    This is pretty close to one of Carnival Corp’s “islands”, Princess Cays. This could be still done though.

    Reply
  5. Laura

    I love, love Disney, but please leave Lighthouse Point alone! We have been there many times, and it is truly magical. It is by far my favorite place on earth. It is completely unspoiled. I would be heartbroken to see anything developed on it. There are many islands in the Bahamas that are uninhabited and very beautiful.

    Reply
  6. Diana

    I am originally from Eleuthera and am totally against it. Lighthouse Point is one of the most pristine untouched areas in The Bahamas and is a hidden treasures. Once most people have visited they are amazed buy it’s beauty. Additionally, DCL developing there does not benefit the local economy AT ALL. Any $ generated goes right back to them. Go buy or lease one of the other deserted islands or Cause.

    Reply
  7. Brett

    If it helps being further south to ensure warmer weather in the winter months then I’m all for it. The prices in the summer are REALLY high making it almost impossible for us to go then. (well at least until we get to Platinum and can reserve early). I feel like Disney would do a good job balancing the ECO side of things as well.

    Reply
  8. Sarah Clark

    No. No. No. Do not destroy that beautiful beach with anything Disney. It would be criminal.

    Reply
  9. Diana Franklin

    Light house point and its pristine beaches would be totally distroyed by this type of development. Please please please protect this untarnished piece of the Bahamas.

    Reply
  10. Ken

    Castaway Cay seems to be an American thing, a bit like dole whip, both are okay but don’t see why the Americans rave about them so much. As far as Lighthouse Beach goes, leave it alone and put more development into Castaway Cay.

    Reply
    1. CATHERINE

      The challenge they are addressing is that with the fleet growing by 3 more ships they need an additional island. Enhancing Castaway Cay does not address what DCL is trying to do.

      Reply
  11. TERRIN KNOWLES

    This Beautiful and Natural untouched Spectacular of Eleuthera should not be hampered by DCL. It will not bring any financial stability to us as locals here.

    However we do welcome your interest in Our islands in wanting to show it of to the World.

    Reply
  12. Sarkis

    I had my first experience with Eleuthera and Lighthouse Beach this past April. Having spent many years in the Bahamas travelling through the Family Islands, Lighthouse Beach was by far the most magical. Disney people hear me, Stay away from Lighthouse Beach! Don’t you folks have enough? Always wanting more from Mother Earth. GREED. LEAVE IT ALONE!

    Reply
  13. Mark Bell

    I think most of the comments here are missing the boat, so to speak. Lighthouse Point is for sale ALREADY. The listing states that the land is perfect for development – “the perfect locale for a vacation homes, hotel and marina development”. So regardless of whether Disney buys this location or moves on to something else, this area is going to be sold to some sort of real estate developer at some point. The question becomes would Disney do a better job of partnering with the community and keeping Lighthouse Point as natural as possible OR would a real estate developer building homes, condos, restaurants, and a marina do a better job.

    Reply
    1. Rosaline Reichert

      Exactly Mark. This was my precise thought as I read through comments. It’s already for sale. Someone is going to buy it. The people who don’t want the property developed would need to change the current owners’ mind about selling it. Having said that, Disney would likely be the best buyer for the land as they are very environment conscience, especially with these types of projects.

      Reply
    2. CATHERINE

      Thank you for reminding us of this Mark! It’s not a matter of it being sold but, who will buy and develop it. I think Disneyeould do a great job!

      Reply
    3. Kevin

      Consider a Castaway Cay WEST. Off the coast of California, It would be Ideal for Mexican Rivera Cruises And for the repos, for Alaska and Hawaiian Cruises out of San Diego / Long Beach… Since There is some beautiful coast line and land unused. -Kevin OBrien Castaway Cay/DVC/Club33 Member

      Reply
    4. djdbahamas

      It has been for sale for YEARS! Rumors of development have been going on for years and nothing has come of it. Environmentalists have been keeping a close eye and have petitioned the government to make Lighthouse point a protected area. A cruise company of all things would NOT be a good steward of the environment. Have you forgotten about the ABANDONED by Disney project on Great Guana Cay, Treasure Island I believe they were going to call it???

      Reply
    5. Kristel

      I would rather see a resort here than a cruise ship port. A Disney cruise ship port means 3000+ guests with their sun block climbing all over and decimating the reefs… not to mention what building a 1700 foot pier would do with dredging and blasting. A cruise ship port means 600+ workers would come off the ship to serve the guests and preserve the Disney image. A hotel would be much less impact and employ more locals. Yes, someone will buy it, but a cruise ship port is NOT the answer. One Eleuthera (along with BREEF, CEI, IS…) would like to buy it and make it a national park and have Bahamians employing Bahamians with eco-friendly options.

      Reply
    6. Shelley Cant

      The local NGOs have been offering to buy it at the asking price since 2010. It is not a matter of money. This is becoming more of an issue for what benefits the government as well as the land owner. When all is said and done only Bahamians will lose out, as The Bahamas continues to sell its most beautiful and iconic places. What a legacy to leave, what a story to tell my children….

      Reply
  14. David Oakland

    Interesting perspectives and comments, however, I have to agree with Mark Bell. While all of the comments are great and give you a great appreciation of untouched, beautiful land.. I get that, I lived in Alaska for 3 years. That’s not the issue, it’s exactly as Mark said.. It’s already for sale, someone is going to buy it.. That should be your perspective and if we go down that path, there are a lot of simple things that Disney does to keep the eco-system and environment thriving. You already know with Disney their commitment to the environment, surrounding area, etc.. Castaway Cay already runs on recycled fuels from the ship, the stingrays are well taken care of, the reef is taken care of.. while most would argue development, that’s not the issue, the issue is who do you want to develop it and leave it in an amazing, still thriving, environment… that’s not going to be your resorts, but it could very well be Disney. However, do keep in mind that we’ve been island shopping before with Disney, so this could be just more window shopping before Disney settles on another location.

    Reply
  15. Enuff

    If you do not want Disney. or any other entity, to spoil this area, then buy it before they do. There will one day be no habitable land on this planet without humans so why not a company like Disney who will keep it beautiful. I’d rather it be Disney that owns it versus some of these other cruise lines that are constantly in the news with horror stories.

    Reply
    1. Kristel

      I’d rather the Bahamas buy it and make it a national park. This is a new, young country and they are slowly learning about protecting their best resources.

      Reply
  16. Steve

    Could this be a potential location for a Disney Vacation Club resort? DVC is in the same portfolio with DCL. Just a thought.

    I had hoped the fleet additions would result in more itineraries outside of the Bahamas and Caribbean.

    Reply
  17. Kevin

    Consider a Castaway Cay WEST. Off the coast of California, It would be Ideal for Mexican Rivera Cruises And for the repos, for Alaska and Hawaiian Cruises out of San Diego / Long Beach… Since There is some beautiful coast line and land unused. -Kevin OBrien Castaway Cay/DVC/Club33 Member.

    Reply
  18. DCLCVP

    If Disney ends up developing on this island, I assume all of those opposed to it won’t be visiting? Just a thought.

    Reply
    1. djdbahamas

      If Disney buys it, then it will be fenced off just like Princess Cays. No locals, tourists or students from the Island School will be allowed to visit!

      Reply
  19. Kache Knowles

    Leave Lighthouse Beach alone. Please find another private island. Lighthouse should be left untouched.

    Reply
  20. A Disney cruiser

    If a property is for sale, you can’t get all uppity when someone wants to buy it and use it as they see fit. If they want to save this spot, the people need to buy it and turn it into a sanctuary. Someone owns it, it’s not public land. Disney is very respectful of the environment. I wonder how they will pick who docks there, guess we’ll have to cruise different ships now <3

    Reply
    1. djdbahamas

      “Disney is very respectful of the environment.” Just like they respected the environment off of Great Guana Cay when they ABDANDONED their proposed Treasure Island?

      Reply
    2. Lesley

      A group of Bahamian and overseas conservationists are willing to put up the money and have a plan for a small eco friendly hotel along with eco tourism opportunities all run by locals. Disney are throwing money all over the island promising gifts of all sorts trying to sway opinion. It is a David and Goliath story …. The land is for sale and the Bahamians are trying but Disney is determined. 65% of our tourists come from cruise ships but only 11% of tourism dollars come from cruise visitors …… people who stay on the island, eat three meals a day on the island, rent cars, support supermarkets are the guests we need here. Nothing against cruise ships but just not right for this location or island.

      Reply
  21. Nick

    We live in the UK and have visited the Bahamas Out Islands a number of times. The great attraction of all these islands is that by and large they are relatively undeveloped, quite and have stunningly beautiful clean beaches. We plan to visit Lighthouse Beach this year and to do this we will hire a car and eat in local restaurants. Unfortunately we have already noticed that YouTube videos show massive Cruise Ships lurking off shore of Lighthouse Beach offloading their passengers onto Princess Cay a sort of stop off for Cruise Ships. If this is an example of the kinda resort Cruise Lines want to develop at Lighthouse beach you can kiss goodbye to this outstanding, unique beauty spot. We have to remember whatever Cruise companies might say and want us to believe they are only interested in profit not the environment. The real question here is that somewhere as beautiful and unique as Lighthouse Beach will be destroyed forever as have many unique locations around the world (Phi Phi Island comes to mind) if this location on Eleuthera were to be sold to any large resort developer whether its a Cruise Line or not. The main objection to Cruise Ships in particular is volume, these ships can carry between 2500 – 6700 passengers and if allowed will have a major irreversible damaging effect on what should remain an area of outstanding natural beauty. It is incumbent on this generation to protect our planet for our children and their children’s children lets hope that whoever owns this land who currently allows visitors access will somehow be able to resist selling it to large scale developers.

    Reply
  22. Philip

    It does not look like anyone is rushing to buy the land and protect it, so you are left with the question of: Who would you rather develop it. Disney has a good track record, you could do far worse.

    Reply
    1. djdbahamas

      Good track record? They abandoned a fully working cruise stop on Great Guana Cay Bahamas to be named Treasure Island.

      Reply
      1. Mark Bell

        Please get your facts straight before you bash Disney. Disney NEVER had a contract with Guana Cay. The contract was between Premier and Guana Cay. Disney didn’t abandon the project, Premier did, based on a technicality in the contract. I am not saying that Disney is or isn’t the answer for Lighthouse point, but trying to persuade readers by using misinformation isn’t the way to try and prove your point.

        Reply
        1. djdbahamas

          At the time Premier was the official cruise line of Walt Disney World. “Premier was licensed to provide Disney characters on its ships, until the relationship ended in 1993.”

          Reply
          1. djdbahamas

            “Premier Cruiselines, under contract with Disney, originally quarantined this beautiful side of Guana Cay, and set loose a carnival of tractors to tear apart pines, replace them with expensive palm trees from the Middle East and the Pacific, and cut a road through the middle of the wilderness.

            Barges came in and began one of the largest dredging projects in history; removing sand from the ocean floor and silting the tidal highways between the cays to make way for The Big Red Boat cruiseliner. That dredge is still clearly visible from satellite images of the area: a line of deep blue through the sandy shallows.” https://www.notesfromtheroad.com/westindies/big-red-boat.html

            Reply
  23. Philip

    If you truly believe that, buy the land (or expropriate it) and protect it. Those seem to be your only options.

    Reply
  24. JohnCaldwell

    Lighthouse Beach is a rare unspoiled beautiful spot. It would be perfect if it we’re set aside as a National Park. Do it Bahamians!

    Reply
  25. Kelly Arkles

    Leave Lighthouse Point alone!!! This would be devastating to Eleuthera. This would take away access by locals and visitors who come to this island for its pure and natural beauty. Agree with so many other posts here…find an undeveloped island…do not impede upon an island that already has established residents that from everything I have seen DO NOT WANT THIS DEVELOPMENT.

    Reply
  26. Kristel Kingston

    Leave Lighthouse Beach alone! Kelly has it right. There is no way Disney could develop here and not negatively impact the environment. Also, it’s a line of BS that they would employ locals. Just like Princess Cruises who own Princess Cay just 3 miles away, the locals are kept out and the crew members get off the ship and work the port. It would be of NO benefit to Eleuthera, only to Disney. We do not want Disney here. I am a local. One Eleuthera wants to buy the land and keep it for the people. Bahamians employing Bahamians on a small scale, making this a national park. If you really want to see and enjoy Lighthouse Beach, come as a visitor to Eleuthera, drive there yourself and enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the area.

    Reply
  27. kristyemac

    Please reconsider, Disney. BAD publicity for your line with the people of Eleuthera and the visitors that come for the quiet and relaxation. Yes, the property is listed for sale. Here’s an idea….The people of Eleuthera are working hard to raise money to purchase in order to preserve this beautiful area for everyone to enjoy it’s beauty and tranquility. You would have some great press if you donated instead to our cause and find a REAL private, uninhabited island for your company. There are plenty around. Think about it.

    Reply
  28. CRAIG L

    Disney, bugger off.
    Go ruin someone else’s land
    leave beautiful unspoiled Light House Point alone
    #NODISNEY

    Reply
  29. Amanda Graham

    No, Disney, we don’t want you and your miserable record of environmental stewardship anywhere near us in the Bahamas. Go somewhere else.

    You talk of your “partnership with the community and build on its commitment to sustainability, protecting the environment, creating jobs and economic opportunity, and celebrating the culture and stories of the area.”, which is utter rubbish and lies. Tell us how that vision has applied to Castaway Cay — in our precious Bahamas? And you want to do the same in Eleuthera? No!! No!! No!!

    What sort of partnerships did you have in mind? Ones that offer menial and low-paying jobs as janitors to clean up the mess left by thousands of cruise ship passengers each day? You typically bring your own labour from the cruise ships, leaving Bahamians out — just look at Castaway Cay!! How many locals do you employ? Truth be told, less than 40 on your mega-million dollar island. What have you done for the Bahamian people there? What have you done to further Bahamas environmental issues there? NOTHING! So what makes your new proposal any different?

    Go peddle your cheap wares elsewhere — better yet, go find a Florida island that’s willing to take you and your mass-market destruction, and leave the Bahamas alone!

    Reply
  30. Amanda Graham

    Frank,
    Disney has a horrible record of environmental and economical stewardship at Castaway Cay — we don’t want them here! Like everything else at Disney, what you see is the happy faced veneer and not the real thing!

    If you’d love to have Disney, why not make a proposal for them to come to your neighbourhood? Let them ruin that, but not mine!

    Have you ever visited Lighthouse Point Beach? If you haven’t, do so, as then you’ll understand why we don’t want this devastating development in what is currently an island paradise and national treasure.

    Reply
  31. Greg WW

    Please just find another empty small island as mentioned above. This place is part of the island we dont want it to be gone. It will hurt the island tourism for the people that come already.
    Isn’t Princess Cay enough for Eleuthera?

    Reply
  32. Greg WW

    I guess my point is Princess Cay is nothing for the locals or local tourist. It has taken away from our island. It would be better if someone else buys it or doesn’t. I will not want to come back if light house point is changed based on the plans I saw. I love to spend money locally. I get Disney says they will do all this and that. That isn’t what it is now and it isn’t something that would change the island for the better. I do see is not on the market so maybe this is a pointless debate.

    Reply
  33. Arjay

    I lived on Eleuthera during years of childhood. My father was in the Navy and worked for Pan Am. Last November I took my wife for our honeymoon to experience one of the few true island natural beauties left. My heart is always with Eleuthera & the people who have lived there all of their lives. Jobs? Sure it will bring some. But not for every island citizen & I believe it will absolutely ruin the southern beauty of Eleuthera. Resulting in the fact that no jobs for all there, is not worth the cost. Of the lost. Forever destroyed. Please save Lighthouse beach /point. So the future generations of Eleutherans will still hold their histories beauty and not be a story told to them of how beautiful it use to be. Please Disney, do not impact this island.
    You have enough money. Please Let Eleutherans keep what little they have. Find an island all to yourself that noone is living on. ?

    Reply
  34. Valerie Mckay

    Please consider the beauty of Eleuthera and the rest of the Out Islands of the Bahamas before making more stops for your cruise line. We visit the Out Islands often, enjoying the lack of commercialization, the unspoiled beauty and the wonderful people. This stop in Eleuthera will be a private port not to be enjoyed by the people who live there. And spoiled by an influx of a huge number of people negatively impacting the land and the water of the Bahamas. Please Disney, leave the Out Isands of the Bahamas alone.

    Reply
  35. Scarlet Rose

    I love you Disney but, Please please please consider another location.

    If youve visited Lighthouse Beach, you know it has all the magic it needs.

    The reefs… alive with the most beautiful schools of fish. Juvenile sea fans growing, brain coral, cowfish, barracuda, parrotfish, and so much more.

    The sandstone caves and hidden beaches. Its a place of exploration, WILD exploration. Its a place of culture and heritage. Preserving everything this beautiful Bahamian culture.

    I lived on Eleuethera for a year working, but it became my home the first week. And of all the places I explored, lighthouse was the best of all. I camped out in my hammock under the palms. We sat out stargazing on the rocks. We basked being away from work and in a place as peaceful and calm as this.

    Please leave this beautiful beach to its people. Bahamas National Trust want to make this into a national park. That is their wish for Lighthouse.

    Reply
  36. Edranique Thompson

    I’m a born and raised Eleutheran and still living here. Yes, this situation is currently ongoing. As long as thee actual lighthouse beach is preserved there should be no problem with the development. It will provide stable jobs for us locals; and give our economy the boost that it’s been in desperate need of. The lighthouse beach point area is huge! There is plenty land to develop on without harming the beach front( which Disney is promising to do). So we can build the economy and preserve the beauty once proper stipulations are in place. Simple.

    Reply
  37. Edranique Thompson

    The scenery there is totally breath taking, but only few persons actually visit because of the condition of the road that leads to it. I believe that there is a way that everyone can benefit from this development; with proper communication, no underhand dealings, and transparency in regards to future plans.

    Reply
  38. Paul Adams

    Let’s sell Yosemite to Disney, it’s overrated, difficult to reach and they could really pep it up with trinket-and-drinks booths, jet-skis and maybe some escalators up El Capitan.

    Reply
  39. Robin Helweg-Larsen

    It’s not a question of Disney or Nothing. The One Eleuthera Foundation has full funding for an alternative development with more jobs than Disney for Bahamians, and better jobs (full-time, and including all the management positions). In an environmentally friendly manner (no Disney-promoted reef-killing sunscreens… no Disney-required dredging and reef destruction…) Tied in with eco-tourism the length of Eleuthera (Seahorse National Park, etc), benefitting communities the length of the island.

    Disney should go to Grand Bahama where they will find good beaches with deep-water access, do less environmental damage, and be welcomed more by the local community.

    Reply
    1. Tom

      personally I feel like the local people of south eleuthera don’t understand the magnitude of this request… I feel like all u.s. investors like Disney really need to pump there brakes. The government of the Bahamas I hope and pray that he doesn’t sell out.. Disney you guys are monsters who have a extremely poor relationship with the greater number of people in the Bahamas…not that you guys care but have a heart and stop taking advantage of this little country, for the beaches belong to the people and I hope and pray for it to stay that way and not be sold to you Disney for you all have enough and I am tired of you making our birth right private.. I would love for my kids to visit the lighthouse whenever I feel and if the government has sold it sham on you … for the people should be the voice and not you….

      Reply
  40. davisson2

    Correct me if I’m wrong. Princess Key, just to the north of Lighthouse Beach doesn’t hire a local workforce. They use their large crews, mostly Filippino, as cheap labor when the ship is in. I imagine that would be the Disney model also.

    Probably a better idea would be to recreate the Cape Eleuthera Resort just to the North which used to have a golf course and airstrip and still has a yacht harbor and deep water access. There’s no reason to spoil the most pristine area of Eleuthera.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.