Cruise News: Apple iStudy now Available on Cunard Lines

[scalise12]

Cunard’s highly popular Apple iStudy courses are now available on all three Cunard ocean liners, following the recent opening of the Apple Learning Center onboard Queen Victoria. The centers offer the latest iMac machines for confidence-boosting seminars and workshops that aim to familiarize guests with the latest technology, from Facebook to iPads, in a fun and interactive way. The iStudy programmed has been a feature of flagship Queen Mary 2 since October 2011, while Queen Elizabeth has had an Apple center on board since her introduction in 2010.

The workshops have proved a particularly strong draw on Queen Mary 2’s Transatlantic Crossings between New York and Southampton, with many guests bringing along their own iPads to use during the sessions.

“We are delighted to offer this additional attraction on board our ships. We find that guests today are increasingly computer savvy and iStudy is an innovative new program designed to introduce and showcase the latest Apple technology,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. “The concept is great for those who are already confident with Apple products as well as for those who want to try out an iPad or learn how to get the best out of devices they already own.”

Course creator and iStudy Presenter trainer Richie Litchfield said, “All the seminars and workshops are fronted by specially trained presenters to make learning fun, in a positive and relaxing environment. There is something for everyone – from the beginner to the more advanced – and our aim is for guests to walk out of the iStudy feeling enriched and more confident.”

Aboard Queen Elizabeth, Cunard also features an iRange store as an Authorized Apple Reseller at sea. Guests can experiment with the latest Apple devices at their leisure, and Apple trained staff are available to give specialist advice on all the products offered for sale on board, including iPods (Shuffle, Nano and Touch), iPad 2, MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, as well as accessories such as cases, bags, sleeves and speakers. It is hoped that these iRange Stores will also be opened on Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria in the future.

The iStudy programme on all three ships aims to take advantage of today's technology and present computer-based learning in an accessible and non-intimidating way. All Guest Computer Services Managers have been trained on the latest Apple technology to offer Apple courses to interested guests.

In addition, the sessions offer a great way for Windows users to test-drive Apple programs and to compare Windows and Apple software side-by-side.

“Apple computers were selected because of their versatility in toggling over to a PC/Windows environment, allowing instructors to teach classes on both computer platforms,” said Shanks.

Click here to view the article