Cruise is a concept that, as a rule, is associated with relaxation, the sea, the sun, a pleasant pastime. But this is a general idea, and here what not all know features of this type of travel. This is the issue we will consider today, and also we will understand that this is a cruise.
What is said in the dictionary?
The meaning of the word "cruise" in the explanatory dictionary is as follows:
- The first option says that this is a tourist trip.
- The second specifies that a cruise is a journey by sea in accordance with a given route.
It should be noted that the first option is a generalized understanding of the term, since the definition of a tourist trip includes not only a cruise, but also other types of travel.
Concept extension
But the second option also lends itself to refinement, since “sea voyage” is the initial interpretation of the word “cruise”. Today we are witnessing its significant expansion, because travel companies offer several alternatives. These are river cruises and trains.
Thus, we can conclude that the modern interpretation of the studied word is a long-term organized trip along a given route, carried out using various types of transport - sea, river, rail, road, ferry. Often it includes trips made from ports inland.
Words close in meaning
For a full acquaintance with the meaning of "cruise" we give synonyms for this word. These include such as:
- voyage;
- tour;
- swimming;
- Trip;
- tour;
- travel;
- tour trip;
- hike;
- road;
- wandering.
Next, we trace the etymology of the studied linguistic object.
Origin of the word
It sounds paradoxical, but according to etymologists, the term we are studying has a direct bearing on the word “cross”. I wonder how? Indeed, rather, the cruise is associated with a closed line.
The fact is that the researchers propose a version that the roots of the word "cruise" go back to the history of navigation. And even deeper - in the Latin language. As you know, the Dutch are considered one of the most “marine nations”, who have made a great contribution to the development of shipbuilding.
By the 15th century, the equipment of ships and knowledge of navigation were at such a level that made it possible to make sea crossings over long distances. It was at the end of the XV - beginning of the XVI century that Great geographical discoveries were made. And in this case, the Dutch were third, following the Spanish mariners.
Therefore, it is not surprising that the Dutch verb kruisen with the meaning "cross across", that is, figuratively speaking, plow the seas and oceans, began to be used to denote a large number of voyages made over long distances.
But this verb itself came from the Latin noun crux, the meaning of which is “cross”. According to researchers, the German word Kreuzfahrt, which designates a cruise, is also a confirmation of this version. It consists of two words Kreuz (cross) and fahrt (riding, riding).
From the Dutch language, the verb kruisen went into English under the guise of cruise, meaning "make flights, travels." Then an English noun was formed from it, which is written in the same way as the verb cruise. And it means "sea voyage." And finally, in the 60s of the last century, the Russian noun “cruise” was formed from the last.
In conclusion of the study of the fact that this is a cruise, we give some details of this type of travel.
History and Modernity
The origin of sea tourism took place around the middle of the 19th century. Then the line companies tried to solve the problems of idle passenger ships in the offseason. In this regard, they began to provide them for the transport of emigrants to the American continent from 1846 to 1940. With increasing competition, shipowners constantly improved living conditions, decoration, and the entire service system. Gradually, ships turned into superior hotels.
Today, cruises on large liners resembling entire cities are very popular. They have cinemas, libraries, restaurants, banquets and gyms, and even parks with real trees. Modern liners, as a rule, consist of 12 passenger decks.
From April to October, the most popular cruises are trips around the Mediterranean Sea. In the fall, liners often depart for transatlantic flights, the duration of which starts from ten days. They continue sailing along the islands of the Caribbean and the coast of Brazil. In winter, Asian cruises are very popular. With the onset of spring, most liners return to Europe.
At the same time, cruises made on small vessels - sailing yachts, catamarans, which accommodate from 4 to 12 people, are gaining great popularity today. They contain the amenities necessary for life. For example, sleeping places, stove, toilet, shower, refrigerator. Such trips last from one week or more, and the crew, as a rule, is one or two people.