Chapek: Second DCL Private Island Development Continues
by Lisa Vondale · June 15, 2021
During his presentation yesterday at the Credit Suisse 23rd Annual Communications Conference, Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Chapek confirmed that Disney Cruise Line is in fact still creating a new private island experience on the Bahamian Island of Eleuthera.
Until yesterday, the development at Lighthouse Point seemed slowed between the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the retirement of veteran Walt Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde earlier this year.
Rohde had been working on the designs for Lighthouse Point, which aims to “create sustainable economic opportunities for Bahamians, protect and sustain the natural beauty of the site, celebrate culture, and help strengthen the community in Eleuthera,” according to the Lighthouse Point Bahamas website.
Of course Rohde’s stamp would be on such an immersive experience rooted in conservation. The development’s 500-page Environmental Impact Assessment aims to have “no loss of biodiversity” due to the project. Issues with the destruction of local ecosystems is a common issue with cruise line island development projects.
The new stop will offer families ample opportunities to explore nature shoreside as well as to learn more about the culture of the island through an Arts and Culture center. The island will also feature a spa and wellness center as well as an Adventure Camp.
To power itself, the island will utilize a solar farm to guarantee a clean energy source. Castaway Cay already also uses solar power throughout the island.
Disney Cruise Line guests will also still experience the tranquil wonder that is Castaway Cay, the line’s first private island in the Bahamian Abaco chain.
Two More Ships Also Noted in Speech
In his speech, Chapek confirmed that Disney Wish will not be the only Triton ship joining the fleet. In fact, two more ships are still in the works. The incredible new ship, Disney Wish, sets sail in June 2022.
First announced at the 2019 D23 conference, Lighthouse Point still has a long way to go before guests visit the island paradise. In fact, Disney has said all along that they will only move forward if their EIA proves that they can do so in an environmentally-responsible way.
We will certainly keep you updated as news emerges on the development of Lighthouse Point as well as those other Triton-class ships.
Feature Image Credit: Disney Cruise Line