Technology Goes Cruising With Cybercafe

Celebrity Cruises, based in the US, is equipping its latest vessels, including the new Celebrity Eclipse, with what it is calling the Celebrity iLounge. Essentially, the space will offer something of an internet cafe feel, with handy workstations for e-mail and social media activities. This will be accompanied by a retail area (authorised by Apple, naturally), allowing passengers to checking out and possibly buy the latest technology products, such as MacBooks. It is well worth making sure that any bits of technology that you buy on-board are covered by your single trip travel insurance or multi trip travel insurance before you commit to a purchase.

One of the main aspects of the iLounge, however, will be the so-called enrichment centre, where cruising guests will be able to get tips on technology usage from a bunch of experts. Classes will include how to get the most from your iPod, along with tutorials on a range of programs such as iPhoto and iMovie. In addition, the cruise operator's highly trained experts will tutor on web design, as well as answering that big question of the computer age: what is the difference between a PC and a Mac?

The classes will be taught with the aid of a large TV screen and MacBook computers, already installed in the iLounge. But remember that when you are using any of your own technology on-board a ship that you will need to be careful to avoid loss or damage and the need to make a claim on your travel insurance.

Premium operator Celebrity Cruises, which covers a wealth of cruise destinations including Canada, Alaska, Europe and South America, is also hoping to have the iLounge as a feature on the forthcoming Celebrity Silhouette as well as other ships appearing in the future.