MIAMI, Jan. 4, 2000 -- Cunard's Queen Elizabeth 2 has just completed an $18 million refurbishment program that enhanced both staterooms and public areas. Reflecting Cunard's ongoing committment to the vessel's luxury and exacting standards, this is QE2's third major refurbishment, following a $45M refit in 1995 and a $130M refit in 1987.

Renovated Dining Areas

The Queens Grill received new furniture and new carpeting, upholstery and lighting, as well as etched glass doors and a completely new galley.

In addition to the refurbished Queens Grill, all QE2 restaurants were renovated. The Britannia Grill welcomes new carpeting, curtains, blinds, and newly upholstered chairs. In addition, a new dining room layout provides ease and comfort for all diners. The Princess Grill boasts completely new carpeting, curtains and upholstered banquette seating, as well as rich leather finish on the bulkheads.

Following a complete makeover, the Caronia Restaurant displays the elegance and luster of an English country house, with rich mahogany paneling, new table lighting, crystal chandeliers, carpeting, curtains and chairs, as well as a new stereo system. New etched-glass doors and a "rainfall" pattern air-conditioning system eliminating drafts are welcome additions to this grand room.

Glass doors mark the forward entry to the Mauretania Restaurant, which also boasts new carpeting, chandeliers and furniture.

New automatic glass doors provide easy access from the pool deck to the Lido Restaurant, which also reveals a new buffet facility and re- upholstered seating, and the Pavilion Cafe was refit with new upholstered seating.

Public Areas

Fresh carpeting and upholstery were added to many public areas including: the Chart Room, which also received a remodeled bar and new shutters; the Crystal Bar, which added a new canopy entrance to the Mauretania Restaurant; and the Quarter Deck and Upper Deck Promenades, which added intricately- detailed archways made of rich woods.

The Queens Room received major treatment, including all new furniture and new royal blue carpeting interwoven with gold Tudor roses. The walls were re- paneled in mahogany, and the famed bust of HM the Queen will be relocated to the most prominent position within the room.

The walls of the popular Golden Lion Pubreceived a new coat of paint, improved lighting, curtains, blinds and new upholstery. New hardwood flooring has also been incorporated into the area.

The Grand Lounge displays new carpets, chairs, stage curtains and a theatre-style balustrade, as well as a new audio system to enhance the enjoyment of performances.

The Board Room was completely refurbished, including new cabinets, lighting, furnishings, carpet, ceiling panels, and new bulkheads.

The Purser's Office was completely rebuilt and re-configured to relocate all communication facilities here. This area now incorporates a new guest Business Centre, Cashier's Desk, Communications Centre, Bank, Mail Room, the Baggage Master's Office and the Security Deposit Facility.

The Promenades on the Quarter and Upper Decks have new blue carpets, paneling and chairs.

The shopping arcade now features an outlet of Harrods, the London-based luxury department store, the first ever to open at sea.

The Casino features new gaming tables, leather stools, carpets and new granite entrance way.

Four Deck and Five Deck corridors and stairwells were re-carpeted and decorated with wall-coverings.

Other enhancements around the ship include refurbished public bathrooms; new classic, teak steamer chairs; a re-designed photo gallery; re-carpeted gymnasium, and new directional signage.

Suites and Cabins

Two new Grand Suites, category QS, were added. The Caledonia Suite (number 8200) is located on the port side of Boat Deck directly adjacent to and forward of the Queens Grill. This 575-square-foot suite features marble master and guest bathrooms, separate dining area and large picture windows. This suite is wheelchair accessible and offers ramped access to the Queens Grill. The Aquitania Suite (number 2149) is an expansive 777-square-foot suite located forward of the Midships Lobby on the starboard side of Two Deck. This suite offers marble master and guest bathrooms, a separate dining area and large feature windows.

Measuring a generous 770-square-feet, the Carinthia Suite is an enlarged and enhanced version of the previous Midships Suite (number 2151) on Two Deck adjacent to the Midships Lobby on the starboard side. This suite also has two marble baths, separate dining area and large windows. In addition, there are two new Princess Grill category cabins (numbers 2154 and 2153) on 2 Deck.

All suites and cabins have been refurbished with elegant decor including new carpeting, bedspreads, valances and draperies. New color schemes include tan and yellow in the Penthouse suites and Deluxe staterooms, burgundy in the staterooms on One and Two Decks, blue in the cabins on Three Deck, and burgundy in the staterooms on Four and Five Deck. All existing furnishings have been re-upholstered.

About QE2 and Cunard

"The QE2 is our flagship vessel, she embodies the essence of British heritage and all that is Cunard," said Larry Pimentel, president and CEO of Cunard Line and Seabourn Cruise Line. "With more than 160 years of tradition it is important that we retain that all-but-vanished experience that defines luxury ocean travel. We are preserving a piece of history that is the foundation for what has become the explosive growth of the cruise market."

Cunard Line, one of the world's most recognized brand names with a classic British heritage, is operated by Miami-based Cunard Line limited, which also operates Seabourn Cruise Line, an ultra luxury cruise line with contemporary Scandinavian-style vessels. Cunard Line Limited is a unit of Carnival Corporation (NYSE: CCL). The Cunard fleet includes the famed Queen Elizabeth 2 and Caronia (formerly Vistafjord). The Seabourn fleet includes the Seabourn Sun, Seabourn Pride, Spirit and Legend, and Seabourn Goddess I & II.

Cunard Line and Seabourn Cruise Line are members of the exclusive World's Leading Cruise Line alliance, which also includes Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Costa Cruises and Windstar Cruises. Together, these member lines share a commitment to quality and value, offering cruise vacations that appeal to the widest range of lifestyles and budgets and sail to some of the world's most exciting destinations. Cunard Line and Seabourn Cruise Line represent nearly 50 percent of the world's luxury cruise market.