Bahamian Students Head Back to School with New Supplies from Disney Cruise Line

Another school year is underway, and students across The Bahamas are headed back to class with new school supplies from Disney Cruise Line (DCL). As part of its commitment to inspire the next generation while creating lasting, positive impact in The Bahamas, DCL donated school supplies to nearly 1,000 students across Abaco, near Disney Castaway Cay, and in Eleuthera, where Disney is creating a new island destination – Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

“Disney Cruise Line is proud to donate school supplies and textbooks to local students, meeting their critical needs and helping to prepare them for the new school year ahead,” said Joey Gaskins, Public Affairs Director, Disney Cruise Line. “For many years, we have engaged in back-to-school initiatives to inspire and empower young people across The Bahamas to be successful in school and in life.”

During summer 2023, Disney Imagineering cast and Disney Castaway Cay crew members helped sort, pack, and distribute school supplies during various events throughout the communities. In Eleuthera, Disney Imagineers visited several schools to deliver supplies as well as textbooks and academic workbooks to students. And, in September 2023, Castaway Cay crew members filled hundreds of backpacks with school supplies for students in Abaco, where many of our Disney Castaway Cay crew members call home.

As DCL’s fleet of ships expands along with Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point opening in 2024, Disney is committed to continuing to invest in programs supporting local youth. Some of DCL’s recent efforts include:

• DCL sponsored the LJM Maritime Academy summer camp and invited the students aboard the Disney Wish to learn about careers in the maritime industry
• DCL also teamed up with community organizations to build a backyard garden for the Ranfurly Homes for Children
• DCL and local students from 10 schools in Eleuthera worked together to celebrate the rich traditions of Junkanoo and collaborate on the Eleuthera Junior Junkanoo competition, exchanging ideas and learning from each other about Junkanoo and costume design
• As part of DCL’s ‘Wishes Set Sail’ campaign to celebrate our newest ship, the Disney Wish, DCL donated backpacks filled with school supplies for students in Abaco and Eleuthera

Together, these initiatives further Disney’s commitment to empower Bahamian students to be successful and follow their dreams.

For more than 25 years, DCL has introduced countless families to the beauty and culture of The Bahamas, while providing significant economic impact and demonstrating a strong commitment to the environment and the community. Approximately 70 percent of the cruises offered by Disney have at least one stop in The Bahamas, and all five of its ships are registered in The Bahamas.