Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: “An Encouraging Word from Abaco” plus 1 more
An Encouraging Word from Abaco

Posted: 25 Sep 2019 02:44 PM PDT

Dear Cruise Abaco Family,

It has been a little over 3 weeks since Hurricane Dorian crossed paths with Abaco. The words “Abaco Strong” are evident all over the islands. There is a flurry of activity everywhere and everyone is doing their part to clean up and make plans for rebuilding a better, stronger future. Ray and Renee’s home have plans for a new roof and it’s nice to see their smiles as they overlook the beautiful Sea Of Abaco! The airport is looking better and not far from opening soon. As you can see, things are moving along and the future is looking brighter for Abaco!

An ongoing thank you to all the folks who are sending in donations, holding fundraisers and/or collecting relief supplies and to those who are tirelessly bringing those relief supplies and medical care…. the community of Abaco just can’t thank all of you enough. A big shout out & THANK YOU to Team Rubicon for helping Cruise Abaco get our staff house a plastic roof so we can get it dried out and begin plans to replace the roof and interior so they can have safe shelter soon. Power poles are going up and new plans are being discussed for adding a solar system along with the grid which is such exciting news for us all.

While this has been a very stressful time with much loss, the community of Abaco is so moved by the tremendous support and love from people all over the globe. We all feel it and appreciate it more than words can say. Abaco’s strength is in the perseverance of the people and it is those people that make Abaco so very special. Everyone is committed to a new beginning so please keep us in your future vacation plans. We’ll let you know when the doors are open, the lights are on and our fleet is sailing again and we will welcome you with open arms!

Captain Mark & Patti Gonsalves

Proud Owners of Cruise Abaco

Disney to Develop East End Point, Eleuthera

Posted: 25 Sep 2019 01:47 PM PDT

Full article can be found in cruisindustrynews.com

Disney Confirms Second Bahamas Destination Lighthouse Point

August 25, 2019

Disney has revealed new information and two early conceptual artist renderings for its second island destination in The Bahamas, which is located on the island of Eleuthera at a place called Lighthouse Point (charted as East End Point) and will serve cruise passengers on an expanding Disney Cruise Line fleet.

Disney Cruise Line completed its purchase of privately owned Lighthouse Point earlier this year and signed an agreement with the Government of The Bahamas that guides the responsible and sustainable way the site will be developed.

According to a press release, Disney has committed to develop less than 20 percent of the property; employ sustainable building practices, including an open-trestle pier that eliminates the need to dredge a ship channel; establish environmental monitoring programs during construction and operation; and donate more than 190 acres of privately owned land to Government, among other commitments.

Construction at Lighthouse Point will begin only after an Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan are reviewed and accepted by the Government of The Bahamas and public consultation has occurred. Construction could begin in 2020 with completion in late 2022 or 2023.