Titanic 100th (anniversary) cruises spark buzz, debate

[Dennis Donovan]

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/09/22/titanic.anniversary.cruises/index.html?hpt=T2



(CNN) -- The frigid waters of the North Atlantic aren't among the most prominent cruise destinations, but that may change as the world remembers one of the worst maritime disasters in history.

At least two cruises are planned in the spring of 2012 to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, with both touting special activities, lectures and memorials to commemorate the tragic voyage.

Organizers insist it's a learning opportunity and a way to remember the victims, but some critics have called the trips tasteless and dubbed them "disaster voyeurism."

Still, both voyages are attracting interest as Titanic -- the subject of countless books and movies -- continues to fascinate.

<snip>

In a forum discussion on CruiseCritic.com, a poster recently slammed passengers for planning to dress up and "party" on the somber anniversary.

The member, identified as "dd714," wrote that his wife's great-grandfather died in the disaster.

"Who will be taking a memorial plunge in the 30 degree Atlantic ocean at the place where he met his death 98 years ago to experience what was described by survivors as 'a thousand knives going into the body?' " the poster wrote last month.

"This Titanic relative will NOT be attending, and I only ask when you put on your Jack and Rose costumes and drink your martinis, to remember that it is still a fresh memory of loss to many families."
</snip>

The disaster's still too fresh for me to make light of...:silly:

FYI: Another Titanic thread in GD today: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x9182076

[stray cat]

1. I don't know many of my relatives who lived a hundred years ago

actually I don't know any.

[Blue Owl]

2. Let's honor the Titanic by sinking the GOP in a similar fashion

Because the M$M seems to believe even God can't sink the GOP.

Let's show 'em that liberal bias called REALITY.

[RKP5637]

5. I'll vote for that!!!

:toast:

[Rhiannon12866]

3. K&R. Wow! It's been 100 years...

Both of my grandparents came to this country by ship in 1912. Fortunately, they sailed on other ships and in March and May of that year. As for a commemorative cruise, didn't anybody learn anything from this disaster? Yikes! On the other hand, the glaciers are melting... x(

[liberal N proud]

4. Sounds a little morbid but then there will many takers