Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV), the UK based destinational cruise operator, plans to add a ship to the UK market next year, Travel Weekly reports.

The news came as CMV took delivery of its sixth vessel 1,220-passenger Vasco da Gama – its sixth ship – will be targeted at the German and Australian markets, but head of marketing Mike Hall said discussions had begun about adding a ship dedicated to the UK market next year. “It is absolutely no secret that we are looking to grow the CMV fleet,” he was quoted by Travel Weekly as saying.

CMV did consider buying P&O Cruises’ Oriana before it was sold to a joint venture between China Travel Service and China Ocean Shipping Group Company.  “Ships with capacity for 1,200 passengers are perfect,” said Hall, adding that there are many suitable ships in the fleet of the Carnival group.

Vasco da Gama was acquired from P&O Cruises Australia, but the ship had been built for Holland America Line. It takes over from Astor a dual role on German and Australian markets and Astor will now remain in Germany year-round.

Of the four other vessels of the line – Columbus, Magellan and Marco Polo – operate on the UK market, while Astoria spends summers on charter to a French company. CMV itself charters all its ships, mainly from a Greek principal that is a shareholder in the company.

Next year, P&O Cruises will introduce Iona, the first of two newbuildings, while Royal Caribbean International will replace Independence of the Seas with the larger Anthem of the Seas.