Cruise line P&O Cruises has partnered with local chefs and a mixologist to launch a first-of-its-kind onboard culinary initiative in the Caribbean called ‘A Taste of Barbados’ on its Arvia and Britannia vessels.
Guests on the vessels from October 2025 until March 2026 will experience Bajan culinary delights prepared by chefs Sophie Michell, Damian Leach and Adrian Cumberbatch and joining them will be mixologist Shane McClean.
Those cruising passengers participating in ‘A Taste of Barbados’ will get the opportunity to engage with the mixologist and chefs as part of live cookery demonstrations, where they will freshly prepare dishes using predominantly local ingredients, topped off with signature curated Bajan cocktails.
Speaking at a media event yesterday at the Local & Co. restaurant in Speightstown, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.’s Chief Executive Officer, Andrea Franklin, thanked P&O for choosing Barbados for the initiative and utilising local talent.
“So the Taste of Barbados programme really is an exciting initiative for us, as it really helps us showcase our culture and our people, but more importantly, it helps us showcase the culinary talent of Barbados…. So, thank you for that. One of the things that we do want to mention is that the collaboration gives us a chance to prove to new audiences why we are this culinary capital of the Caribbean; and it also affirms that our tourism partners recognise the significant value that exists in showcasing our unique cuisine and creating meaningful moments for their guests,” Ms. Franklin said.
She noted Barbadian chefs and mixologists have been excelling over the years and congratulated those chosen to represent the island.
“For Damian and Adrian and Shane to be chosen to be part of this programme really speaks to how our industry is growing … congrats to you for being chosen. And, of course, to Chef Sophie for leading the initiative by helping to pull it all together. You are now part of us as well, coming as a welcome stamper, you’re now an honorary Barbadian as well.”
P&O Cruises/Carnival UK, Vice President, Public Relations, Michele Andjel, highlighted that Arvia, which was christened back in Barbados in March of 2023, and Britannia will be docked in the Port of Bridgetown every other week, Friday and Saturday, and what the company aims to achieve with the initiative.
“Every island has got individual flavour and culture, and vibe and is really different. We don’t want them just going to the boat yard and coming back. We want them to get really under the skin of each island. And so certainly, ‘A Taste of Barbados’ has done that, and we’re really proud of that. So far, the feedback has been fantastic, and our guests are really loving it.”
Chef Leach expressed is a great feeling to get chosen to represent Barbados. “You know, I get to go on the ship and cook Bajan food for people. That’s my thing. You know, that’s always my thing. That’s always what excites me.”
Chef Michell said, “It’s very exciting to be involved with this. I’m obviously, you know, born and bred in England. So, for me to be able to cross over to both areas of my life, past and present, is really exciting in this initiative…. Whilst it’s a fantastic project for anyone to be involved in, it’s also something which I hope is honouring the culture and the food we have on the island.”
A similar media event will be held next Tuesday in London to promote the initiative.
Author: Sheena Forde-Craigg