Classical singing star Russell Watson is to perform on two short breaks run by P&O Cruises in 2013.

The world famous tenor will appear on new three and four-night sailings from Southampton in May and July.

The first departure is a three-night cruise to Belgium and Guernsey departing on Aurora on May 18 with prices starting at £299 per person.

The second sailing will see Russell Watson perform on superliner Azura on a four-night cruise departing on July 5, calling at the same destinations. Prices are from £399pp.

In addition to the performance, passengers on Azura can book pre- or post-performance dinner in celebrity chef Atul Kochhar’s Sindhu restaurant, or Marco Pierre White’s Cafe Bordeaux on Aurora.

The first port of call at Zeebrugge gives passengers the day to explore the city of Bruges with the possibility of travelling further afield to visit Brussels, Ghent or Ypres. The second call in St Peter Port provides a gateway to the island of Guernsey.

Russell Watson has been in the spotlight since 1999 when his performance of World Cup anthem “Nessun Dorma” at a Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium received a standing ovation.

The former Salford factory worker has since sold millions of records worldwide and has performed for some of the most influential people of our time, as well as facing two life–threatening illnesses in the last five years.

The Russell Watson cruise itineraries, on sale from November 1, are:

•  A three-night cruise on board Aurora (R305), departing May 18, 2013
Itinerary: Southampton, Zeebrugge, St Peter Port, Southampton. Prices from £299 per person.

•  A four-night cruise on board Azura (A316N), departing July 5, 2013
Itinerary: Southampton, Zeebrugge, St Peter Port, Southampton. Prices from £399 per person.