Construction is set to begin soon on the latest project from Disney Cruise Line, a new private island destination for Guests with a special focus on environmental sustainability. While the project was announced in 2019, Disney Cruise Line had not yet begun construction due to permitting processes in the Bahamas, this week, however, the cruise line announced that approvals have been given and construction will begin as soon as March 2022.
President of Disney Cruise Line Thomas Mazloum shared the update in the most recent Disney Cruise Line community newsletter and with reporters at the Nassau Guardian, sharing gratitude on behalf of the entire cruise line for approvals following environmental impact studies that are at the heart of managing the new destination.
Mazloum shared, “We remain committed to our guiding principles: creating sustainable economic opportunities for Bahamians, protecting and sustaining the natural beauty of the site, celebrating Bahamian culture and helping to strengthen the community in Eleuthera. We are excited to move this important work forward with you and will continue to keep you updated on our progress and how you can get involved.”
Lighthouse Point, located on the southern tip of the island of Eleuthera, will be a $400 million project focused on both environmental and economic sustainability while constructing the newest island destination for Disney Cruise Line Guests.
The next step in the process of creating the new Disney destination on Lighthouse Point will be hiring, and the first of likely multiple job fairs is currently scheduled for March 5, 2022, on Eleuthera. Initial job postings will be for the construction roles that are considered a priority before other employment opportunities can be considered. As for the number of jobs available as a result of the Lighthouse Point project, the Walt Disney Company plans to create up to 300 jobs available to locals during construction phases alone. Construction has been contracted out to the American Bridge company that has plans to build walkways, patios, and a small pier alongside additional open-air structures.
Previous updates from Lighthouse Point included an over 500-page environmental study published by Disney to ensure proper treatment of the land on the southern tip of Eleuthera, along with statements on the promised donation of a percentage of the land Disney acquired to be saved as conservation land in the Bahamas.
Lighthouse Point was originally planned to open for Guests in late 2022 or early 2023, however, no timeline has been confirmed at this point, and given that construction is just beginning on the island this spring, it is quite possible that it will open later. Disney Cruise Line is currently on track to launch its fifth ship though, with the Disney Wish setting sail this summer.
Additional information will be posted as it is available at LighthousePointBahamas.com.
