Thomson Cruises has announced its intention to modernise its fleet of ships by upgrading existing ships and also potentially buying new cruise liners.

According to Fraser Ellacott, Thomson’s Managing Director, the company will have more news about its “exciting plans” within the next three to four months. Thomson is the third biggest cruise line in the United Kingdom.

He spoke to Travel Weekly and said “For the longer term, clearly we have a need to modernise.”

When asked whether this would mean upgrades or new ships, he responded that both were being considered.

This development comes after Ellacott undertook a strategic review of the company when taking over the position of managing director nine months ago.

He is also considering North Africa and the Middle East as potential new destinations for the company’s ships from summer next year. The Dead Sea, Algeria, Lebanon and Libya offer culture and history that would appeal to UK passengers, Ellacott says.

The cruise line was the first to announce cruises to the Dead Sea in 2005.

Thomson currently manages four ships: Thomson Spirit, Thomson Dream, Thomson Celebration and Thomson Destiny. It offers fly-cruises from 22 regional UK airports. For the convenience of North England passengers, Thomson Spirit will also offer departures from Harwich and Newcastle this summer.

With Thomson, service charges and tips are included in the up-front cost of your ticket and you enjoy more flexible stay and cruise options than with many other cruise lines.