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On the night of April 15, 1912, a gigantic ship struck an iceburg in the North Atlantic, sending 1,517 passengers and crew members to a watery grave. Ever since, the tales surrounding this tragic event have captured the hearts of millions around the world, perhaps, most notably, because of a certain, epic 1997 blockbuster directed by James Cameron. Over the past century, the name "Titanic" is one that has become as synonymous with "catastrophe" and "ostentation" as it has "romance" and "adventure."
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of that fateful voyage, UK-based Miles Morgan Travel, in association with Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, is hosting three Titanic-themed trips this spring. The first, the Titanic Memorial Cruise, which is scheduled to leave from Southampton, UK on April 8 and will follow the original ship's itinerary (hopefully, sans iceburg), is already booked solid. However, there is a wait-list and the other two voyages still have cabins available.
Alternatively, the Titanic Mini-Cruise will also head out from Southampton for a five day outing on April 3 aboard the cruise ship Balmoral to Belfast, Ireland. Passengers will be able to visit the Thompson Dry Dock and the Pump Rooms where the Titanic was constructed.
Looking for an even more memorable experience? A week later on April 10, the Titanic Anniversary Cruise is set to depart from New York City, 100 years to the day the original ship departed from the UK. The unforgettable nine day trip will carry passengers along the eastern Canadian coast to Halifax, Nova Scotia before sailing to the site of the Titanic's resting place in the Atlantic Ocean. Before returning to the States, the crew will host a memorial service at 2:20 a.m. on the night of April 15 to honor those who lost their lives.
During the voyage, guests will be treated to service from English-style butlers and afternoon tea, along with the opportunity to enjoy the ship's amenities, which include luxurious meals and sports and leisure facilities. Titanic-themed events, entertainment and lectures are also scheduled and period-appropriate costumes are available, upon request. Interior staterooms can still be reserved, as can the ship's more extravagant Club World Owners Suites. These opulent accommodations feature verandas, separate living rooms, floor-to-ceiling windows and a marble master bathroom with a whirlpool tub.
All packages on this cruise include a private portrait sitting. Whether or not the artists on board will be willing to help you recreate Kate Winslet's nude sketch scene from the film remains to be determined.