Leisurely travel through the water expanses quickly became a popular leisure activity of the elite. And since passengers are accustomed to luxury and comfort, the water went down real floating hotels, amazing imagination not only interior, but also modern equipment and security systems.

So, in 1907, the British company Cunard commissioned the famous "luzitania". The largest at that time the ocean liner had an automatic fire alarm, electric drive for the rapid descent of lifeboats, double bottom and watertight compartments. However, all this did not save the ship from a torpedo fired by a German submarine in may 1914 off the coast of Ireland. "Unsinkable" ocean liner RMS Lusitania sank in 18 minutes, killing 1198 of 1959 people were on Board. Under the water forever gone hanging gardens and palm trees, cabins, decorated with gold leaf, music salons, libraries, mahogany furniture, marble fireplaces and precious stained glass Windows. But no waves have not been able to wash off light cruise reputation and to stop the development of sea cruise tourism. Huge multi-decked ship in the far country was still the symbol of relaxation and happiness...

Today, on a cruise, even without going ashore, a tourist can go shopping, watch a movie or a colorful circus performance, play in the casino. For outdoor enthusiasts on Board there are swimming pools, water parks, football fields, climbing walls and artificial waves for surfing (for example, as in Oasis of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world). Many floating resorts opened the chapel and held a wedding ceremony, and the witness may speak to the captain himself.

Despite the" densely populated " cruise ships, where the number of passengers reaches 5 thousand people, especially wealthy customers always have room for recreation. The demanding public is advised to pay attention to the highest categories of cabins on the upper decks, where there is a restaurant and bar, and a separate sun deck with swimming pool and Jacuzzi. While unauthorized entry into the territory of "gods" is prohibited. A week-long trip in such conditions will cost $2500-3500.

Any whim for your money

However, luxury travelers still often prefer different VOJJNY format. Luxury cruises take place mainly on boutique ships with a capacity of 100 to 500 people. Favorite entertainment jet set-the so-called Champagne and Caviar Splash.

The liner is anchored in a secluded Bay so that guests can swim in the crystal clear waters, and on the shore they are treated to champagne and snacks with caviar, or barbecue on the beach.

Rest on a yacht is not just a special way of life, it is a whole philosophy with its own rules and conventions. It is no coincidence that in the fashion world there was such a thing as a cruise collection or resort collection. Be the first to put wealthy travelers who preferred to wait out the cold season on the shores of the South seas and did not want to flaunt on beaches and social events in the toilets last year, volunteered the legendary Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli. Since the mid-90s, the trend to create collections in the offseason has become a single trend of world-famous fashion houses. The opportunity to wear what others will see only in the coming season is another bonus for the chosen audience.

Indispensable attributes of a marine VIP cruises, the dishes from Michelin-starred chefs, opulent décor, and service on the principle: "You can think of, and we did." Concierge services on luxury cruises-is the ability to anticipate the desires and anticipate the little things, as well as to perform as quickly as possible any fantasies and aspirations of guests, ranging from Japanese diapers for baby and ending with renting a private island for a birthday celebration. The impossible is possible, even if it is a pathos cocktail evening with an auction, where paintings by Aivazovsky, Monet and Kustodiev together with ornaments of the era of Alexander the great are on sale.

Extraordinary service — the philosophical development of cruise and selection of a unique themed entertainment. Those who like the Golden 60s, probably want to feel part of the era of jet set and go to sea on the legendary yacht Aristotle Onassis, listen to Opera arias Maria Callas and pay for a week's voyage of at least 455 000 euros. Connoisseurs of ancient Greek myths will have to taste the opportunity to repeat the journey of Orpheus to Hades or visit the temple of Apollo in ancient Olympia and experience 12 minutes of absolute silence.

From dreams — to reality

Perhaps the most exciting adventure awaits marine "pilgrims" who decided to go around the globe. Unlike the novel by Jules Verne "Around the world in 80 days" classic round the world usually last for 100 days more. Tickets for "geographical survey work", during which travelers will be able to see more than a dozen countries, cost from $30 thousand should be Booked at least a year: under such a journey you need to put a number of visas.

Obviously, the world opens up with water, another filled with bright emotions and unique impressions. Even more acute feelings emphasizes the triumph of the feeling of a child's dream come true. How sweet it must be to stand on the deck of a snow-white ocean giant, to remember yourself, a little reader, in dreams transferred to a mighty ship, plowing ocean expanses in search of captain Grant.