When it comes to choosing an event venue, technology and internet access is a top priority for meeting planners. The question we often hear is “can we stay connected at sea?”. Most cruise ships today have Wi-Fi hot spots, mobile phone service and Internet Cafes onboard, but Celebrity Cruises is about to raise the high-tech bar.

When the third stunning Solstice Class ship – 2,850-passenger Celebrity Eclipse – sets sail in April, guests will have the opportunity to check out the first “Celebrity iLounge”. Based on survey “wish lists” of past guests, Celebrity designed this hip and stylish space to take the Internet Café experience to a new level. The iLounge will feature three elements: a series of 26 contemporary workstations where your attendees can check their email or keep up with social media, an enrichment center with certified staff to offer usage tips, and a retail space where guests can try out the latest MacBooks, iPods, and accessories.

Celebrity iLounge will offer cool new classes including do-it-yourself photo books, movie editing, and web design; through programs including iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD and iWeb. After completing more than 125 hours of training in operating systems, applications and products, Celebrity’s certified staff will be available in the iLounge to assist your attendees – whether they’re Apple novices or Mac pros.

You gadget-loving attendees eager to expand their collection of high-tech toys won’t be disappointed. As an authorized Apple Reseller, Celebrity will have all the latest products and accessories available for purchase, including iPods and MacBooks.

In addition to the 26 MacBook Pro’s, the Celebrity iLounge will have classroom and retail areas, display pods, a 56-inch flat-screen TV for enrichment classes, and an accessible workstation. The iLounge will also be found on Celebrity Silhouette which lauches in 2011, and the fifth ship in the Solstice Class to set sail in 2012.

Filed under: Cruise News, Miscellaneous