During the holiday season, Disney Cruise Line’s cast and crew members have been taking time away from their onboard duties to spread joy across the cruise line’s port communities in The Bahamas. Recently, cast and crew members visited communities in Nassau, where DCL ships visit regularly, Abaco, where its private island destination Castaway Cay is located, as well as in Eleuthera, where Disney Cruise Line is creating its new island destination, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

Disney Cruise Line worked with community partners to identify specific needs of local schools and students such as academic workbooks, reading books and computers, as well as other necessities, like sporting equipment, safety resources and kitchen appliances at local schools.

“Supporting young people all year-round, and especially during the holidays, is so important to us,” said Joey Gaskins, director, public affairs, Disney Cruise Line. “Disney Cruise Line is committed to investing in youth programs in these communities, and we will continue to do our part to make a lasting impact and spread a little Disney magic along the way.”

The volunteers created some Disney magic at the children’s learning lab, donating laptops and equipment, as well as decorating the space with Disney-themed decals and inspiring quotes for the kids to see each day.

Earlier this month, while the Disney Wish was docked in Nassau, Disney Cruise Line cast and crew members spent the day at the Ranfurly Homes for Children, a local non-profit foster care organization.

“This newly renovated learning lab is going to make a huge impact on these children, especially for completing homework and studying,” said Ingrid Sears-Deveaux, Administrator, Ranfurly Homes for Children. “I can’t explain how grateful we are for this project and Disney’s support,” she added.

In Eleuthera, the Disney Cruise Line team visited Tarpum Bay, Rock Sound, Green Castle, Wemyss Bight and Deep Creek Primary Schools, to deliver academic workbooks and reading books for students to use in school and at home. School leaders said the support will go a long way for families in need throughout the community.

“It’s hard to get resources on Eleuthera. Not all of our students are fortunate enough to have these important educational tools.Having an organization like Disney Cruise Line fund these items and deliver them to us is greatly appreciated,” said Endranique Thompson, president, Parent Teacher Association, Wemyss Bight Primary School. The school’s principal, Katrina McKinney, added, “I want to say a big thank you to Disney Cruise Line for donating workbooks to every student in our school. It means so much to us that Disney Cruise Line is supporting our schools in the Eleuthera district.” During the visit, Disney Cruise Line also distributed school supplies to faculty and staff.

Crew members who work on Castaway Cay and call Great Abaco home, donated their time volunteering in their community. The team distributed reading books and other necessities, such as fire extinguishers and microwaves, as well as sports gear and outdoor games for students at Cherokee Sound Primary School to enjoy.

Disney Cruise Line remains committed to creating lasting, positive impact in its port communities and supports youth initiatives in many ways throughout the year. Recent efforts include:

• Disney Cruise Line Donates Back to School Supplies in Abaco and Eleuthera
• Cast and crew collaborated with the Agricultural Development Organization to build backyard gardens at the Ranfurly Homes for Children in Nassau and local schools.
• Disney Cruise Line sponsored the LJM Maritime Academy summer camp and invited the students aboard the Disney Wish to learn about careers in the maritime industry. 
• Cast and crew teamed up with students in Eleuthera to work together and celebrate the rich traditions of Junkanoo as well as collaborate on the Eleuthera Junior Junkanoo competition, exchanging ideas and learning from each other about Junkanoo and costume design.
• Disney Cruise Line worked with community organizations to help clean up local beaches and protect the ocean.