The latest ship in the P&O Cruises fleet, Adonia, arrived into its homeport, Southampton, this morning.

Adonia is berthed at the Mayflower Cruise Terminal where it will be named in a glittering ceremony by Dame Shirley Bassey DBE tomorrow, Saturday 21 May. Dame Shirley will be joined on the stage by actor Hugh Bonneville, most recently acclaimed as the Earl of Grantham in ITV’s Downton Abbey and in a nautical Captain’s role in ‘Dr Who’.

Adonia provides an extensive range of on board facilities, yet carrying just 710 passengers is small enough to be able to reach off the beaten track ports of call.  Exclusively for adults, Adonia will offer an atmosphere that is intimate and refined – and the on board excellence for which the company is renowned. 

P&O Cruises managing director, Carol Marlow, said: “We are delighted to welcome Adonia into her homeport for the very first time. She is the perfect addition to our fleet and will celebrate all those things our regular passengers love about cruising with us – a classic dance floor, Crow’s Nest observation lounge, formal nights, classical music recitals, guest speakers, silver service dining and a dedicated card room.

“Her naming ceremony is going to be a spectacular affair and will give Adonia the best start to her life with P&O Cruises. We look forward to sending her off on her maiden voyage to the Mediterranean on Sunday.”

Adonia’s maiden cruise is a 16 night cruise to the Western Mediterranean, which includes calls to Alghero in Sardinia; Portofino in Italy; Sete in France; Port Mahon in Menorca and Barcelona in Spain.