By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor

Princess Cruises will kick off its summer cruise itinerary with Rhythm of the Caribbean, a new experiential program that will include St Maarten.

The new cultural experience on Caribbean sailings will include regional cuisine, signature cocktails, theme parties and presentations and regional experts.

“Each destination has its own unique offerings of heritage and culture, and the only way to experience such is by visiting the island,” Port St. Maarten Management said in a statement.  “Princess Cruises via its program gives a taste to their guests of what they can expect once they disembark the vessel.”

The program affords cruise passengers the opportunity to be inspired by the wonders of the Caribbean, and aims to instill a passion for discovering new cultures and destinations.

Guests will also receive inside tips on must-do excursions at each port.

Port St. Maarten Management commended Princess Cruises on their new program, and the ways it will celebrate island life through entertainment, gastronomy and authentic Caribbean offerings.

Minister of Tourism & Economic Affairs Cornelius de Weever hailed the program as an eye-opener for cruise passengers into the region’s variety of colorful experiences.

“This is what re-discovering destination St. Maarten is all about, diving into island life,” said Weever. “Cruise passengers will get a true experience of what the destination has to offer as they explore and experience the ‘Friendly Island,’ both North and South.”

‘Rhythm of the Caribbean’ launches aboard Caribbean Princess in May and is scheduled to roll out to additional ships for the upcoming fall/winter Caribbean season.

The program includes a Caribbean Festival; authentic island dishes like Puerto Rican mofongo, Jamaican jerk chicken, creole black mussels, red snapper; colorful Caribbean tropical drinks like mojitos, coladas and rum punch; Pirate themed activities and stories from Deep Sea Explorers.