Ever since James Cameron’s 1997 blockbuster, Titanic captured the hearts of romantics around the world, fans have been fighting to keep that flame alive. Now, for a lucky few, they could experience the majesty of the sunken loveboat face-to-hull.

Deep Ocean Expeditions now offers fans, albeit wealthy ones, the opportunity to witness the Titanic in its eternal resting place at the bottom of the ocean. For just under $60 000 (that’s just less than half a million rand) customers can embark on a two week cruise which includes one dive to view the infamous ship. Despite the hefty price tag the dive is far from a luxurious affair; the mini-sub can only accommodate three passengers, has no restroom, and the portholes only offer a measly five to eight inch hole to peep through. Oh, and it’ll take between eight and 10 hours to reach the site.

However, the organisers are confident that finding customers will not be a problem and with fans like Renata Rojas it’s easy to see why,

“This is the opportunity of a lifetime,” [she] said of diving more than two miles down to the muddy seabed. “I’ve been obsessed with the Titanic since I was 10 years old.”

In fact, demand has been so great that the tour operators have increased their initial offering of two cruises to four and are even considering a fifth. This despite the fact that the wreck is in terrible condition, due to long-term exposure the underwater elements.

The commercial offering comes at the perfect time as it will coincide with the centennial anniversary of the liner’s demise (15 April 2012) as well as Cameron’s 3D re-release of the original which is set to hit cinemas on 6 April 2012.

[Source: NY Times]