Azamara Cruises, a spin-off of Celebrity Cruises, represents an effort to go further upscale and compete head-to-head with Oceania Cruises.

Azamara's two midsize 710-passenger ships -- Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest -- are sister ships of the three Oceania ships. Prior to its introduction, Azamara Journey underwent a $19 million makeover and the Azamara Quest will be similarly overhauled before joining the fleet later this year.

The company describes Azamara as falling into the "deluxe" category -- a category between Celebrity (considered a premium line) and luxury.

The ships feature two specialty restaurants, concierge amenities, a Spa and Wellness Center, a coffee café, piano bar, wine bar, and daily enrichment programs.

Azamara ships will cruise to "off-the-beaten-path" destinations, and many of the line's planned 200 ports in more than 70 countries will be new to cruise travelers. The line also plans to sail its first round-the-world cruise in 2008.

Azamara Cruises ships include
		Azamara Journey			Azamara Quest