SHE sparkled like a diamond, a rare and precious gem, lighting up the waterfront with a glittering, jewel of a performance.

There was definitely more than a touch magic in the air as legendary singing superstar, Dame Shirley Bassey, officially named Southampton’s latest cruise ship, Adonia.

With all the gowns and glamour, champagne, and chic, style and showbiz, Dame Shirley dazzled 500 specially invited guests as she appeared on the ship’s open deck.

Then, to everyone’s surprise, including that of P&O Cruises, Dame Shirley delivered an amazing, unaccompanied version of one of her most famous songs, Diamonds Are Forever.

As she sang, a firework display sent a cascade of twinkling ‘diamonds’ over Adonia.

Dame Shirley embraced fans and stopped for countless photographs.

Master of ceremonies was actor and star of the hit TV period drama, Downtown Abbey Hugh Bonneville.

Dame Shirley announced “I name this ship Adonia, may God bless her, and all who sail in her” and with a touch of a button, sent a magnum of British sparkling rose wine sliding down a zip-wire to crash against the hull.

She told the audience: “Isn’t Adonia lovely? She is my own beautiful baby.

“I never thought I would ever have a cruise ship all of my own, but here she is!’’ Earlier Dame Shirley, accompanied by P&O Cruises’ managing director, Carol Marlow, and Adonia’s first captain Commodore Steve Burgoine toured the ship, meeting many members of the crew.

On the bridge, Dame Shirley tried out the captain’s chair and was given the commodore’s gold-braided cap to wear.

Carrying just 710 passengers, Adonia, at 30,000 tons and exclusively for adults, is P&O Cruises’ smallest ship, and her size means she is able to reach ports of call off the beaten track ports.