Educational Ship Visits, Beautification Projects and Student Performances Highlight Nearly Two-Year Collaboration

 P&O Cruises, a Carnival Corporation & plc brand is celebrating a significant milestone in its ongoing partnership with St. Mary’s Primary School in Barbados, one of the island’s oldest and most cherished educational institutions. Nearly two years in, the collaboration with P&O Cruises has blossomed into a meaningful relationship built on education and opportunity.

From student-led performances aboard P&O Cruises’ ships to hands-on maritime experiences and ongoing donations, the initiative reflects the company’s deep commitment to investing in the people and communities that welcome its guests.

A Growing Partnership with Deep Roots

Established in 1817, St. Mary’s Primary School serves close to 200 students and is located just five minutes from the Port of Bridgetown, a frequent port of call for several Carnival Corporation cruise lines. During the winter season, the Port of Bridgetown also serves as a homeport for three brands, including two P&O Cruises ships for the winter season.

The partnership was formalized in February 2024 when Paul Ludlow, president of Carnival UK and P&O Cruises, visited the school and was welcomed by students with a traditional cultural performance. Since then, the collaboration has included:

Educational Experiences

• Ship visits aboard P&O Cruises’ Britannia, giving students firsthand exposure to maritime careers and cruise operations
• Christmas caroling and folk song concerts performed by the St. Mary’s Primary School Choir aboard both Arvia and Britannia

Infrastructure and Equipment Support

• Picnic benches to enhance outdoor learning spaces
• Over 60 pounds of soil and plants from Walkers Reserve nature preserve for beautification projects
• Medals and trophies for the school’s athletics championship

Cultural and Historical Significance

The partnership carries a unique cultural resonance as the school’s historical ties to the UK, once overseen by Bishop Coleridge, add deeper meaning to the connection with P&O Cruises. Through shared history and mutual respect, the relationship continues to grow.

Ludlow noted, “Supporting St. Mary’s Primary School allows us to give back to a community that has welcomed our ships and guests for years. The enthusiasm and talent these students display, whether performing traditional songs or simply learning about the world beyond their classroom, is truly inspiring.”

Looking Ahead

The collaboration is growing to include sports, science and IT equipment donations, seasonal events and deeper integration of student visits into P&O Cruises’ operations. Plans are underway for expanded programming that connects students even more closely to STEM education, career exploration and cultural exchange.

“The students have been absolutely thrilled by these experiences. Having the opportunity to perform aboard these magnificent ships and see maritime operations up close has opened their eyes to possibilities they may never have considered,” commented Principal Grace Wickham, who has led the school throughout the partnership’s development.