By the Caribbean Journal staff

Celebrity is readying the debut of its new Celebrity Edge ship, and the company has announced a major new amenity: a state-of-the-art meeting space.

It’s called The Meeting Place, and the 1,970-square-foot venue is a new kind of offering on a cruise ship, with sweeping views, soundproof dividers, advanced audiovisual tech and even private office space for event planners.

The venue, which was designed by Wilson Butler Architects, is going for a “hip lounge” vibe rather than that of a conference room, according to Scott Butler, founding partner at Wilson Butler.

“The word that defines The Meeting Place is ‘connected’,” Butler says. “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.”

The setting can be configured in a number of ways, including theater-style, classroom style, U-shaped or with a circular layout.

“Of course, the most advanced ship we’ve ever designed would include the most exciting venues for get-togethers, including The Meeting Place,” said Dondra Ritzenthaler, Senior Vice President of Sales, Trade Support and Service, Celebrity Cruises. “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.”

Celebrity has already launched bookings for Edge, which will sail itineraries to both the Eastern and Western Caribbean beginning in late 2018.