Island Passage may have sailed out of a $500,000 refit a few weeks ago, but Island Escape Cruises is already coming up with new ways to improve the vessel.

This week, the company announced Island Passage would undergo another round of changes from January next year to receive a new superb lounge designed like a helicopter deck.

Dubbed ‘The Lanai’, the room will include loungers, teak tables for alfresco dining and six original steamer chairs.

Additionally, the lounge will give passengers the chance to sleep under the stars, with a king size day bed, which guests can reserve in advance.

“We know this will be yet another popular area onboard the ship and will add even more pleasure for our guests,” the company said in a statement.

The lounge will be added in time for the line’s 2014 Vanuatu season.

Meanwhile, last month the ship’s suites and staterooms received a major refit including; new carpet, textiles, furniture and luxury bed linens.

Bathrooms also received an upgrade with French soaps and toiletries by  L’Occitane en Provence.

The company says changes have made the ship “fresher, lighter, crisper and more contemporary”.