The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

Disney Cruise Line is continuing to explore new projects in the Bahamas, its top executive saying it plans to make a significant investment in its private island.

Karl Holz, president of Disney Cruise Lines, while addressing a Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC) ‘Wind Down’ event at Luciano’s last week, said that as the company expands its business, the Bahamas will be a part of that growth.

“As we expand our business, the Bahamas will certainly be a part of our growth story. In the meantime, we continue to make regular calls in the Bahamas. The islands are an integral part of our cruise business,” said Mr Holz.

Back in July, Disney revealed it had no plans to construct a private cruise port at Egg Island off Eleuthera, saying environmental impact studies (EIAs) had suggested the island’s marine environment could not sustain a development of that magnitude.

Mr Holz said, though, that the company was “continuing to explore other projects in the Bahamas which could result in further economic benefits”.

He added that Disney Cruise Lines is also making ‘significant investments’ in Castaway Cay, its private island in the Abacos. These developments include a wastewater treatment plant, and warehouse and fibre optic replacement, with 100 per cent Bahamian contractors involved.

Mr Holz said Castaway Cay is currently hiring additional employees, and added that Disney Cruise Lines is committed to future collaboration and partnership with the Bahamas.

Disney is partnering with the Nassau-based LJM Maritime Academy. “Just this past Monday, in negotiations with the ITF, we got approval to launch the apprenticeship programme. That will give people who are studying the maritime programme the opportunity to get sea time on our ships,” Mr Holz said.