DJ and rapper Craig David performs as Marella Explorer launch lights up PalmaDJ and rapper Craig David performs as Marella Explorer launch lights up Palma

Pioneering technology was used to create the show stopping naming ceremony with the production featuring mappable versatube lights and LED wristbands to create a dazzling light display across the top deck where David played many of his hits including 7 Days and I Know You.

Around the pool several hundred TUI store travel partners were clearly enjoying the party singing along to every word.

Caron thanks TUI for investment in UK cruise product

Earlier, TUI's newly promoted group hotel purchasing director Helen Caron, told the audience Marella Cruises carried 300,000 passengers in the last 12 months and praised parent company TUI for the investment it is making in the UK cruise product.

'We pride ourselves in the fly cruise choices Marella offers guests with our integrated chain from travel agent, to own air and then cruising on our own ships and potential stay at one of our hotels - no other cruise line can boast owning the customer journey from beginning to end,' she remarked.

Chris Hackney, md Marella Cruises thanked the launch team for the 'tremendous effort made in the last four weeks during dry dock since the ship became ours - their work should not be underestimated in bringing to life the transformed vessel and all its new features.'

Ship and shore staff part of naming

As the countdown began to the naming, 10 members from the ship's crew - each representing a different part of the ship - slotted a ball of light into a vestible that released the champagne bottle which smashed against the hull.

The two 'outstanding employee' godmothers Sue Stewart, hotel ops manager Marella Cruises and Mandy Galloway, retail adviser at Edinburgh TUI store were introduced to the stage by ship's master Captain Peter Harris.

A Take That tribute band, Re-Take That, performed well into the night as Marella Explorer departed for an overnight cruise to Barcelona as fireworks lit up Palma town.

The vessel will sail back to Palma Friday to begin her first customer voyage on Saturday.