British maritime history will be made when Dame Shirley Bassey breaks a bottle of Balfour Brut Rose against the hull of the Adonia later this year during the ship’s christening ceremony. It will be the first time a bottle of British sparkling wine has replaced champagne in this age-old tradition.

Balfour Brut is often described as Britain’s finest Pink Fizz. It is produced at Hush Heath Estate in Kent from a mix of three traditional varieties of champagne: Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir.

This is how Olly Smith, TV wine expert, somewhat poetically describes it: “Balfour Brut Rosé is a celebration in a bottle. Gloriously refreshing with invigorating zing and plenty of finely crafted tiny bubbles.”

Carol Marlowe, Managing Director of P&O Cruises said that Balfour Brut was a fitting and fabulous choice for the event. She added that the celebrations required a top quality sparkling wine and that this British Fizz was perfect for the occasion.

Kent has of course developed into the finest wine growing region in the UK. The mild climate, excellent soil and long history of fruit-growing all add up to produce wines of exceptional quality with a unique flavour.

In the Decanter World Wine awards of 2009 Balfour Brut was awarded a gold medal as well as the first trophy ever to be awarded to a UK wine.

The christening of Adonia will take place in Southampton port on the 21st May. The ship will embark on its maiden cruise the next day.