The latest addition to P&O Cruise Line’s fleet of cruise ships, the Adonia, set sail on her maiden journey on Sunday after a glitzy naming ceremony on Saturday during which Dame Shirley Bassey broke the traditional bottle of sparkling wine against the ship’s hull.

The crowd cheered as Dame Bassey said “I name this ship Adonia, may God bless her and all who sail in her.”

The master of ceremonies at the grand occasion was none other than Hugh Bonneville, star of Downtown Abbey. The 500 distinguished guests celebrated with afternoon tea and lots of sparkling wine. As a tribute to Dame Bassey, some of her greatest hits were performed.

She sounded emotional when she said that after her exciting career as a singer, it was a very personal and very special honour to be named the godmother of a cruise ship.

The CEO of P&O cruises, Carlow Marlow, also had the opportunity to address the guests. She referred to Dame Bassey’s distinguished career and said that a superstar has now also become a celebrated godmother.

By Sunday all the partying was over and Adonia was ready to take on the Western Mediterranean. Her first cruise is a 16-night affair to Sardinia (Alghero), Italy (Portofino) France (Port Mahon) and Spain (Barcelona).

Adonia will of course be an adults only ship. Carrying only 710 passengers, the ambience on board is sophisticated and intimate. Being much smaller than most of today’s super-liners, she can cruise to destinations that are inaccessible to many of them.