CELEBRITY CRUISES
Constellation is the first ship in the Celebrity Cruises' fleet to feature the line's new trademarked Bar at the Edge of the Earth entertainment concept, which features Cirque du Soleil artists in an interactive performance showcase onboard the vessel.

The venue was formerly the ship's disco. The Bar at the Edge of the Earth - defined by Celebrity as "part bar, part lounge and complete alternate reality" - also offers exotic food and beverages available exclusively in that venue.

Summit was scheduled to receive the same retrofit in late February. Both ships have also added a Cirque du Soleil boutique in the shopping area. Other additions include a dedicated Acupuncture at Sea space and an expanded High Seas Computer lab in the space formerly known as Notes.

COSTA CRUISES
Costa Victoria was reconstructed with 246 new balconies, which represents 43 percent of the ship' ocean view staterooms. Along with the new balconies the ship's buffet area was expanded and two panorama promenades - about 459 feet in length - were added. Costa Atlantica, Costa Europa, Costa Romantica and Costa Tropicale have received various renovations, including new carpeting, curtains and upholstery in public areas.

Costa Romantica's renovations included the addition of mini bars to all staterooms and refurbishment of the casino and arcade areas. Mini bars were also installed in all guest staterooms aboard Costa Europa; the disco was redecorated and a ramp was built in the theater allowing for better handicapped access. Similar handicapped access was also added to Costa Atlantica's disco, outside decks and selected staterooms.

CUNARD LINE
No stranger to renovations, Cunard Line spent more than $130 million in the 1980s to install nine turbocharged diesel engines to replace the Queen Elizabeth 2's aging steam plant. In 1994, QE2 - as she is best known - completed a $45 million refurbishment. Last year, the venerable ocean liner underwent still more renovations, including a full painting of its hull, new carpeting and refurbishment of its decks. Other onboard enhancements included the addition of an open bar on the ship's Sun Deck.

The Mauritania and Britannia Grill restaurants were also repainted and the medical facility upgraded. Today QE2 is still the fastest and most powerful passenger ship in service and, as a result of continuous improvements to both passenger facilities and engineering, remains both luxurious and up-to-date. (CONTINUE...)