TOUR operator Airtours has splashed out £26 million sterling on a third cruise liner to satisfy huge demand for fly cruise holidays.

The 23,005 tonne Song of Norway, with 1,062 berths, has been bought from Royal Caribbean Cruises. It will sail in the Mediterranean and Caribbean, but will be based initially in Majorca.

It is the sister ship of Carousel, bought by Airtours in October, 1994.