Work has commenced on the radical refurbishment of the Costa Cruises fleet member, Costa Romantica, which is due for completion in mid-February 2012.

In August this year, Costa Cruises – the largest Italian travel group – confirmed it would invest around €90 million in the major restyling operations on the ship.

Specialists in ship repair and conversion, the San Giorgio shipyard who are based in the Port of Genoa will carry out the work along with affiliate T. Mariotti.

Thanks to the restyling, the ship will be completely renovated and become the Costa neoRomantica.

The restyling works include two new half-deck extensions, 111 new cabins, plus 120 cabins and suites with private balconies.

The ship’s guest capacity will increase from 1,697 to 1,800 with the number of cabins rising from 678 to 789 (and her new gross tonnage will be around 56,000).

The architect behind the project is Swedish company Tillberg Design, which has a 40-year history in marine interior design.

Among the new areas on the ship, Costa neoRomantica guests will find a wine and cheese bar, with 100 different labels and a wide selection of cheeses from around the world; a coffee & chocolate bar to enjoy selected sweets and coffee; a new Italian pizzeria; a cabaret lounge and a nightclub.

Another addition is the Samsara Spa, a 4200m2 wellness area with a gym, thalassotherapy pool, treatment rooms, sauna, Turkish bath, 50 cabins and six suites, as well as a dedicated spa restaurant.