KEY POINTS:
I have to confess to not being a fan of blind Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, but he's winning me over quickly with his personal revelations of life at sea.
At the launch of a new Italian cruise ship, MSC Poesia, I learn he's a sensory kind of guy and that we have more in common than I could ever have imagined.
And strangely, his soft, stilted English only gives him even more credibility.
"I love the cruising very much, but the problem is that I put on five kilos in one week."
Wow. Just like me.
"I love the sea. I love the boats. I also have some boats in my life."
That's amazing. If I had more money in my life, I'd probably have more boats in my life, too. Or at least one.
And when he says his favourite part of the ship is the spa, I know we are one. There should be absolutely no shame for today's bloke to admit he is in tune with the business of pampering. Isn't the 1500sq m Aurea Spa just divine, Bro?
I do lose him a little when he reveals that being at sea causes him to break into song. Hmm. While I have been known to slur out some 80s classics on the dance floor, I've not done so while straddling timber decks with wind tearing through my hair.
"I love the boats that go slow, but the new fast ones are so sexy."
Now we're talking, Bro.
Later in the evening, it's time to see my bro - who's sold more than 60 million records worldwide - in action, and to experience what makes so many punters gush.
With his obvious love of water - he also water-skis, scuba dives and windsurfs - coupled with the fact that almost every song he sings contains some reference to the sea, it seems only fitting that he's here to help christen the world's newest cruise ship.
And especially so when his duet with Sarah Brightman, Time To Say Goodbye, has become the staple emotional farewell song for many a port departure.
Tonight, he instantly captures our emotions, and when he senses our delight he can't help but break into a wide smile.
I don't expect to depart from my normal reserve, but I'm struggling now. I'm about to weep. I look to see whether my tough new English mate, Gav, can see me. Phew, he's choking up as well.
Earlier we had bonded over cocktails under dark sunglasses on the pool deck, but tonight we're falling apart, unmasked by the powerfully emotive voice of a performer whose music we would have never before considered.
But we shouldn't have been so alarmed at experiencing such a heightened sense; the launch parties of Italian cruise company MSC Cruises have become legendary in their expression, full of surprise and the unimaginable.
Other luminaries join Bocelli, but none can outshine him, even the beautiful Sophia Loren. Leading the standing ovation are Prince and Princess Michael of Kent. The rest of us, 1200 or so commoners, almost bring down the roof of the tri-level Carlo Felice theatre with our applause. At midnight, the godmother, Sophia Loren, appears on the ship's bridge for her official christening duties. (This is her fifth MSC seafaring god-daughter.)
The family-owned MSC Cruises company turns to the arts, culture and music for inspirations for its ships' names. This time it's Poesia, the Italian word for poetry. And when Bocelli says he'll return next year for yet another MSC cruise ship launch there is more feverish applause.
MSC Poesia is indeed a stylish and beautiful ship. But don't just take my word for it. Says Bocelli: "To feel the sea on a ship like this is a beautiful, beautiful thing."
The writer was a guest of MSC Cruises.
CRUISE THE MEDITERRANEAN
MSC Poesia was christened in Dover, England in April. MSC Cruises operates nine ships throughout the year in the Mediterranean and also around Northern Europe, the Atlantic and Indian oceans, the Caribbean, South America and South Africa.
The MSC Poesia has 16 decks, 1275 cabins (80 per cent outside).
The facilities include four restaurants and a sushi bar, 12 bars, an internet café, library, theatre, casino, poker room, two swimming pools with outdoor jacuzzis, tennis court, mini-golf, jogging track, gym, yoga, saunas, indoor jacuzzis, massage and therapies, beauty salon, hairdresser, shops, boutique, video games, children's indoor and outdoor play areas, and 24-hour room service.
Package: From $1190, seven-night cruise sailing from Venice to Bari (Italy), Katakolon (Greece), Izmir and Istanbul (Turkey), Dubrovnik (Croatia), returning to Venice. Under-18s travel free when sharing a cabin with two adults.
More information: MSC Cruises, www.msccruises.co.nz. Freecall 0508 4278 473 or contact a travel agent.
Hear: Andrea Bocelli is performing at Vector Arena, Auckland, August 20. Bookings: www.ticketmaster.co.nz.
