Ed Sheeran has reportedly been writing his new album on a cruise ship.

The Thinking Out Loud singer, who has been taking a break from the limelight, is said to have hired a "cheap cabin" aboard the Queen Mary 2 ocean liner and locked himself away to pen songs for his hotly-anticipated third studio album.

A source said: "Ed turned up at the dock in New York and asked for a cheap cabin, nothing fussy.

"While aboard he requested a meeting room so they found him a basic, windowless crew room in the bowels of the ship. He spent the entire week locked away, writing."

Whatever floats his boat (
Birmingham Post)

The 25-year-old singer/songwriter didn't sway from his usual laid-back dress sense while on the vessel, but it meant he couldn't go into any of the more formal areas.

The source added to The Sun newspaper: "Ed's casual dress meant he couldn't get into any of the fancy dinner areas, not that he cared.

"He was pretty much confined to two informal areas but was very laid back, happy and chatting to everyone."

Ed has been on hiatus since he wrapped up his 'x Tour' last December and he also stepped away from social media.

His new album is coming (

A message on his Instagram page, posted last December, reads: "I'm taking a break from my phone, emails and all social media for a while I've had such an amazing ride over the last five years but I find myself seeing the world through a screen and not my eyes so I'm taking this opportunity of me not having to be anywhere or do anything to travel the world and see everything I missed.

Read more:Ed Sheeran has big plans

"To my fans, the 3rd album is on its way and is the best thing I have made thus far. See you all next autumn, and thanks for being amazing."

His producer friend, Benny Blanco, posted a picture to Instagram of the pair two days ago in a Titanic-style pose on board a ship.

He captioned the picture: "Paint me Jack."