Thomson Cruises has announced its latest addition to the fleet will be named TUI Explorer and will join recently launched ships TUI Discovery and TUI Discovery 2.

Based in Palma, Majorca from May 2018, TUI Explorer will offer two new cabin types, plus a wider choice of dining and entertainment. It will be the cruise line’s biggest ship.

It introduces a new feature bar, Indigo, which offers ocean views from its position at the top of the ship and it is also home to the casino and nightclub; Aperitif is an intimate speakeasy-style bar for pre and post dinner drinks; Scoops, is an ice-cream parlour with quirky bicycle-themed seating; and The Lounge, a new venue with colour-changing bar and signature brightly coloured piano, is where customers can relax and listen to live music.

The ship will also have ten dining venues including the Surf & Turf, Kora La and Snack Shack, as well as new addition Umi Sushi, a showcase sushi counter. Also joining the line-up is The Mediterranean, a dining area featuring glass roof inspired by open air terraces and local tavernas which will house two inclusive restaurants – a pizzeria and tapas restaurant – plus the Hot Stone Grill at an additional cost.

TUI Explorer will also feature an onboard spa with eleven areas including a Finnish sauna with floor to ceiling windows, a couples room and two luxury treatment suites, and The Veranda, an adults-only sunbathing area with padded sun loungers, pod chairs and day beds.

New cabin types include 14 family balcony cabins that measure 20m², sleep up to five people and have a balcony of up to 9m², and a balcony cabin with more external space. Standard inside cabins onboard TUI Explorer are 16m², bigger than any other standard cabin in the fleet.

Managing director of Thomson Cruises, Richard Sofer, said: “I’m delighted to unveil the name of TUI Explorer, our biggest and most exciting ship yet. As part of our continued modernisation and transformation strategy, and our commitment to offering choice and flexibility, we’ve created a whole host of new spaces onboard to meet our customers’ needs. We’ve got ten restaurants and ten bars, as well as more onboard activities and spaces for families including an indoor cinema and a fantastic new Kids’ Club with children’s pool and slide. I’m also really excited about our new flagship entertainment venue, Indigo – a huge space with incredible ocean views, sat right at the top of the ship.”

The ship will sail from its homeport Palma, Majorca in May 2018, visiting Western Mediterranean highlights such as Barcelona, Rome, Naples, Florence and Lisbon.

It will be on sale later this month, and will sail four itineraries – Cosmopolitan Classics, Highlights of the Mediterranean, Magic of Spain and Mediterranean Secrets.