Next winter season Costa Cruises will deploy a second ship roundtrip out of Miami, Fla, marking the first time since 2009 that the line will have two ships sailing from the North America homeport. The 2,114-passenger Costa Mediterranea will cruise seven-day itineraries, joining the 2,260-passenger Costa Luminosa, which will return to sail its popular 10-day voyages. The addition of the second ship represents a nearly 94 percent increase in capacity.

Costa Mediterranea will begin sailing from Miami Dec. 12, 2014, and Costa Luminosa starts its Miami season Dec. 20.

"Having two ships sailing out of Miami sends a message that our cruises are a hit with guests seeking an international experience in the Caribbean," said Scott Knutson, vice president of sales and marketing for Costa Cruises North America. "Now guests can choose a weeklong cruise, or those with more time can join us for a 10-day tour of the whole Caribbean."

Built in 2003, the 85,000-ton Costa Mediterranea features spacious public areas and roomy, comfortable cabins, most with a private balcony. The ship's interiors are highlighted by beautiful Carrara marble and Murano glass accents. Guests will enjoy dining in the Restaurant degli Argentieri or dancing the night away at Selva's Disco. In November 2013 the ship underwent a multimillion-dollar refit.

Costa Luminosa, which debuted in 2009, was the first in a new class of ship. A full 68 percent of the ship's 1,130 cabins feature a private balcony - the highest percentage in the Costa fleet. The 92,000-ton ship has four restaurants, 11 bars and a variety of onboard activities.

On two alternating 10-day cruises, Costa Luminosa will call at Nassau or Freeport, Bahamas; Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos; or Princess Cay; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Roatan, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico.

Details about Costa Mediterranea's seven-day itineraries are being finalized and will be announced at a later date.

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