Celebrity Cruises aims to attract conferences and trade shows to its new design-led ship Celebrity Edge.
The latest feature to be unveiled on the vessel is a 1,970-square-foot venue called The Meeting Place.
Designed by Wilson Butler Architects, the space will include advanced audiovisual capabilities, varied seating options, private office space for event planners, mobile bars set up for food and drinks and a fully equipped pantry.
Sales, trade support and service senior vice president Dondra Ritzenthaler said: “Of course, the most advanced ship we’ve ever designed would include the most exciting venues for get-togethers, including The Meeting Place.
“When you host events at sea, you really elevate your brand. Imagine the spectacular conferences, trade shows, weddings, and reunions you can plan with the gorgeous Celebrity Edge as your setting and an ocean as your brilliant backdrop.”
Wilson Butler Architects founding partner Scott Butler added: “The word that defines The Meeting Place is ‘connected’. It facilitates guests getting connected to one another; to the latest technology and to the greatest new ideas.
“It also happens to connect to other venues on the ship that vastly expand the opportunities for groups.”
Previously unveiled venues on Celebrity Edge are also available for private events and meetings, including Eden which spans three decks; the cantilevered Magic Carpet on the side of the ship; the Rooftop Garden; and high-tech Destination Gateway. Each venue offers audio-visual capabilities.
Celebrity Edge is due to enter service in October 2018 with sailings on two seven-night itineraries to the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale in Florida.
Sister ship Celebrity Beyond will follow in spring 2020 with third and fourth Celebrity Edge class ships joining the fleet in late 2021 and 2022 respectively.