Name: American Express® Gold Card
Brand: American Express

Quick summary

Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is a new private Bahamian beach destination for cruise guests, featuring family and adults-only beaches, local art and architecture, and a variety of amenities.
The destination offers easy access to hydration stations, themed bars, shaded cabanas with water views and dedicated family play areas.
Bahamian culture is highlighted through performances, crafts and design elements, with Disney characters making appearances throughout the day.
Some drawbacks include a long, unshaded walk from the ship, slow tram service, limited shade overall and no food options after 2 p.m.

What to consider

The pier walk from the ship to the main area is lengthy, unshaded and may be challenging for families with young children or those needing mobility assistance.
Food service ends at 2 p.m., so guests should plan meals accordingly or return to the ship if hungry later in the day.
Voyages to Lookout Cay are scheduled through the end of 2024, primarily on select ships with varying itineraries.

What you'll miss from the article

A detailed look at the unique cultural experiences, family amenities and practical tips for making the most of a visit to Lookout Cay.

Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.

Oh, boy! Disney Cruise Line’s new Bahamian beach destination, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, is open for business, offering Mickey Mouse fans an additional port to visit in the Bahamas.

Disney Magic, the line’s original ship, was the first to bring passengers; they arrived at pristine beaches and a maze of boardwalks linking various eateries, bars, water play areas and shops.

A welcome area at Disney's Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point — A welcome area at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY

At the southern tip of the island of Eleuthera, Lookout Cay was created from a partnership between Disney and the Bahamian government. Bahamian influence can be seen throughout, from the architecture and art to the costumes worn by Disney characters, who made several appearances throughout the day.

Here’s what I enjoyed and what I didn’t like — in photos.

What I enjoyed

The beaches

Obviously, one of the main focuses on any Bahamian island is the beach. Cruisers have choices at Lookout Cay, with designated beaches for both families and adults. All offer white sand and plenty of loungers with colorful umbrellas, which are free to use.

Since all of the beaches are part of one long stretch, it’s easy to find your way from one to the next after you crest the dunes that separate the water from the rest of the Goombay Cultural Center area of the island. Plus, the crystal-blue water is breathtaking.

Easy hydration

A smoothie from Sensational Smoothies on Disney's Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point — A smoothie from Sandsational Smoothies on Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY

What’s a beach day without a drink or two? I’m not just talking about alcohol here, either. With how hot the Bahamian sun is, it’s important to hydrate. Thankfully, you’re never far from a bar or a drink station at Lookout Cay.

There are two soda and water stations each at True-True and True-True Too, the destination’s barbecue buffet areas. There’s also Sandsational Smoothies; I tried one made with vanilla ice cream, mango, pineapple and Pop Rocks, and I wasn’t disappointed. And for those who still aren’t fully awake when they reach the island, there’s Mangroves & Go, a stand that sells specialty coffees.

A menu and souvenir pineapple cup from the Reef and Wreck Bar on Disney's Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point — A menu and souvenir pineapple cup from the Reef & Wreck Bar on Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY

If you’re the type who likes something with a bit more of a kick, there are four bars — Blue Hole Bar, Bow & Ribbon Bar, Watering Hole Bar and Reef & Wreck Bar — dotting the boardwalk throughout the Goombay section.

Easy-to-navigate trams

A tram at Disney's Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point — A tram at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY

Disney Cruise Line fans who have visited the line’s private island, Castaway Cay, will know that the trams there can be a little confusing for first-timers, with several routes that take passengers to different areas. At Lookout Cay, there are just two tram stops — Mabrika Cove, near the entrance, and Goombay Cultural Center, which is where nearly all Lookout Cay activity takes place.

It’s nice to have to think less about where you’re going when all you want is to spend your day relaxing, so I appreciate the simplified system.

Cabanas with great views

A standard cabana in Serenity Bay at Disney's Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point — A standard cabana in Serenity Bay at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY

At Lookout Cay, there are two sets of cabanas: Mabrika Cove Cabanas in the family area and Serenity Bay Cabanas in the adults-only area.

They’re all set up like cute Bahamian huts. Each has both indoor seating in the shade and outdoor loungers on patios that overlook the water. There are also minifridges stocked with water and soda.

Family areas

The Rush Out Gush Out water play area at Disney's Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point — The Rush Out Gush Out water play area at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY

Unsurprisingly, Disney didn’t scrimp when it came to amenities for families. In addition to the family beach and family cabanas, other dedicated areas include Sebastian’s Cove, a water play area where parents can drop their kids off with the youth staff, and Rush Out Gush Out, a water park where families can have splashy fun together.

Dale and Chip at Disney's Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point — Dale and Chip leading a game of ring toss at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY

Twice during my visit, Pluto, Goofy, Chip and Dale took over the Play-Play Pavilion during the Disney Fun in the Sun Beach Bash. They led children in games of pineapple ring toss and Chip and Dale’s Water Brigade. During the water brigade, kids passed soaking wet sponges, assembly line-style, to see which team could fill up a bucket the fastest. It was great fun, even for people who didn’t participate.

Art and culture

Bahamian artwork at Disney's Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point — Bahamian art at the Goombay Cultural Center at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY

Elements of Bahamian culture are everywhere at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point in the form of art and architecture. However, the heart of it all is the Goombay Cultural Center, where passengers can enjoy local arts and crafts or take in a Junkanoo parade.

A junkanoo performance — A Junkanoo performance at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY

The latter, dubbed “Rush! A Junkanoo Celebration,” brings local dancers in traditional, colorful dress to an outdoor stage, where they put on a high-energy performance you won’t want to miss. Be sure to keep an eye out for special guests Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Daisy, too.

What I didn't care for

Long walks

The pier at Disney's Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point — The pier at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY

The pier where the ship docks at Lookout Cay is long. I’m a fast walker, but it still took me nearly 10 minutes and registered 1,207 steps (more than half a mile) on my Fitbit. There’s no shade, and with the blazing temperatures in the Bahamas in the summertime, it’s not fun — especially with young children or mobility aids.

The area is largely accessible, and golf carts can assist passengers with mobility issues. However, I imagine the line will have to address this somehow for future sailings.

Slow trams

Although the tram system is much easier to use at Lookout Cay than it is at Castaway Cay, the ones at Lookout Cay seem to operate much more slowly. They run at regular, consistent intervals, and by waiting a half hour after the official disembarkation time, I was able to avoid waiting in line. However, once you’re on a tram and it departs, it will move so slowly that it will have you wondering whether walking there would be faster. (Unfortunately, you’re not allowed.)

When I combined the tram ride with the time it took me to walk from the ship to the tram stop in the first place, it took me about half an hour to actually make it to the heart of the destination. Plan ahead if you’re hoping to catch one of the scheduled shows.

Lack of shade

The lighthouse at Disney's Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point — The lighthouse at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY

There’s a marked lack of shade on much of the island, especially as you make your way from place to place along the boardwalk. There are shops you can duck into, as well as shaded seating areas for when you’re having your lunch, but it’s just not enough.

As one of its green initiatives, Disney planted a bunch of local flora when it developed part of the space. Some of the plants will eventually be tall enough to offer some respite from the sun, but that won’t be the case for several years.

A confusing boardwalk and map

The boardwalk at Disney's Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point — The boardwalk at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY

When I first arrived at Lookout Cay’s Goombay tram stop, I felt overwhelmed. The buildings looked similar, and there was virtually no signage, save for some tiny indicators that pointed toward the nature trail. I resorted to looking at the tiny island map on my phone, but it was difficult to see the screen in the sun.

There also don’t seem to be any straight lines from one place to another. Everything curves out of the way to get you where you want to go.

No food options after 2 p.m.

True-True BBQ buffet at Disney's Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point — True-True BBQ buffet at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY

The barbecue lunch — which included rice bowls, seafood and plenty of non-barbecue options, too — was great. However, after True-True BBQ, True-True Too BBQ and Serenity Bay BBQ (the buffet in the adults-only Serenity Bay area) closed at 2 p.m., there didn’t seem to be anywhere else to grab a bite.

Food from the True-True Too BBQ buffet at Disney's Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point — Food from the True-True Too BBQ buffet at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY

Of course, passengers were free to head back to the ship at any time if they were hungry, but it’s a long way to go if you want to eat something and then go back ashore.

Bottom line

A view of Disney Magic from Disney's Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point — A view of Disney Magic from Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY

Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is a fantastic new addition to the port options in the Bahamas. Although it lacks shade and requires a lengthy walk, the destination is exceptionally fun and offers something for both families and adults.

Voyages calling on Lookout Cay through the end of 2024 include three- to six-night sailings, mostly on Disney Magic. Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy also make a handful of stops there.

Have more Disney cruise questions? We can help:

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American Express® Gold Card

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Pros + cons

Pros

Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)

Cons

Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits

More details

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.

Pros

Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)

Cons

Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.

Oh, boy! Disney Cruise Line’s new Bahamian beach destination, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, is open for business, offering Mickey Mouse fans an additional port to visit in the Bahamas.

Disney Magic, the line’s original ship, was the first to bring passengers; they arrived at pristine beaches and a maze of boardwalks linking various eateries, bars, water play areas and shops.

Here’s what I enjoyed and what I didn’t like — in photos.