Costa Romantica will spend the next three months ashore as she undergoes an extensive renovation.

Costa Cruises confirmed earlier the vessel would be taken out of service in October 2011, returning in January next year.

During the renovation 111 new cabins will added, while 120 cabins and suites will see private balconies included.

The work is expected to cost €90 million.

The guest capacity will increase from 1,697 to 1800, while the number of cabins will increase from 678 to 789.

In addition to capacity, the ship will feature a wine bar with 100 different labels and a wide selection of cheeses from around the world, a coffee and sweets bar, a show lounge, a bar with a dance floor, a cabaret, and a nightclub.

There will also be a club restaurant with menus created by award-winning chefs.

The designs of the ship come from Tillberg Design, a Swedish company that has designed the interiors of approximately 130 luxury yachts and cruise ships over the last 40 years.

Once restyling has been completed at the end of February 2012, the Costa neoRomantica will sail 11-day cruises to the Canary Islands, with departure from Savona.

During the 2012 summer season, the ship will be positioned in North Europe for 2-week cruises with brand new itineraries.