Berlusconi is back on a cruise ship – will he be sleeping in Sophia’s suite?

Never mind the fact that he was incapable of rescuing Italy’s economy. Or that he hit the headlines more often for his out-of-hours activities and salacious bunga bunga parties with a succession of young showgirls.
For many commentators, Silvio Berlusconi could never escape the tired old tag of “cruise ship crooner” which was hurled at him in reference to his early career when he played the guitar and sang in ships’ restaurants.
Now, 10 months after his resignation as Italian prime minister, he is returning to the sea. He will be a special guest on board MSC Divina, the newest ship in the Italian line’s fleet, during a week-long cruise leaving Venice on September 15. The most luxurious accommodation on the ship is a suite (above) designed by actress Sophia Loren, who was the vessel’s godmother at the launch ceremony in Marseille in May. But MSC say that “for security reasons” they cannot confirm whether Berlusconi will be staying in it.
The Sunday Telegraph speculates that he could become a gentleman host, taking women for a turn on the dance floor, although there is no suggestion he will be holding private parties back in the sumptuous suite – part of the ship’s exclusive Yacht Club.
This will be no away-from-it-all holiday for the 75-year-old politician. He is expected to be meeting and greeting passengers and will be followed every step of the way by a camera crew from the TV company which he owns, and by journalists from a newspaper owned by his brother, Paolo.
Some even believe he will use the cruise as an opportunity to launch a bid to return to public life with a general election expected in Italy next spring.
The cruise, with fares from about £1,088 per person, is fully booked. Leaving Venice on Saturday, September 15, it visits Bari in the heel of Italy, Katakolon in Greece, Izmir and Istanbul in Turkey, and Dubrovnik, Croatia.
A booking agency spokesperson told the Telegraph: “All the cabins are taken so now there’s a waiting list. Passengers will get a chance to meet and talk to Mr Berlusconi. For security reasons we can’t tell you exactly when and where he will join the ship.”