According to history Helen of Troy had a face that could launch a thousand ships. Shirley Bassey might not be able to compete with that, but the grand dame certainly has a voice that could give it a go. On Saturday she and Hugh Bonneville fortunately only had to name one: P&O’s latest addition to their fleet, the Adonia. She would have made Helen proud.

Of course there was the inevitable bottle-breaking ceremony while the afternoon sun faded in the West – using a zingy British sparkling wine, Balfour Brut Rose. Then followed a sumptuous dinner that included delicacies such as fillet of beef, smoked salmon and lobster, topped up by a chocolate desert. Later Dame Shirley returned to the stage to launch a dramatic fireworks display.

A good voice simply cannot be kept quiet and before long Dame Shirley treated guests with an unaccompanied interpretation of Diamonds Are Forever. Strangely enough this does not appear on the official P&O video, but several journalists managed to capture it for posterity.

The famous dame was born in the Tiger Bay district of Cardiff. She now resides in Monte Carlo and says she is very much looking forward to Adonia’s first visit to the famous principality later this year.

Adonia offers cruise lovers a wide range of onboard facilities, yet with only 710 passengers it is small enough to go where bigger cruise ships dare not venture. The atmosphere on board is refined and intimate and the service will no doubt set new standards in the world of cruise holidays.