Cruise is a concept that is usually associated with relaxation, the sea, the sun, a pleasant pastime. But this is a general idea, but not everyone knows what the features of this type of travel are. This is the question we will consider today, and we will also understand that this is a cruise.
What does the dictionary say?
The meaning of the word "cruise" in the explanatory dictionary says the following:
- The first option says that this is a tourist trip.
- The second clarifies 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.
Expanding the concept
But the second option also lends itself to clarification, since "sea travel" is the original interpretation of the word "cruise". To date, we are seeing its significant expansion, because travel companies offer several alternatives. These are both river cruises and train cruises.
Thus, we can conclude that the modern interpretation of the word being studied is a long-term organized journey along a given route, carried out using various modes of transport - sea, river, rail, road, ferry. It often includes trips from ports inland.
Similar words
For a full acquaintance with the meaning of "cruise" we give synonyms for this word. These include the following:
- voyage;
- tour;
- swimming;
- trip;
- tour;
- travel;
- trip;
- hike;
- road;
- travel.
Next, let's trace the etymology of the studied linguistic object.
Origin of the word
No matter how paradoxical it sounds, but according to etymologists, the term we are studying is directly related to the word "cross". I wonder how? After all, rather, the cruise evokes associations with a closed line.
The fact is that researchers offer 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 a level that made it possible to make sea crossings over long distances. It was at the end of the fifteenthAt the beginning of the 16th century, great geographical discoveries were made. And in this case, the Dutch were the third, following the Spanish navigators.
Therefore, it is not surprising that the Dutch verb kruisen began to be used to denote a large number of voyages made over long distances, meaning “to cross across”, that is, figuratively speaking, to plow the seas and oceans far and wide.
But this verb itself comes from the Latin noun crux, the meaning of which is “cross”. According to the researchers, this version is also confirmed by the German word Kreuzfahrt, which denotes a cruise. It consists of two words Kreuz (cross) and fahrt (ride, trip).
From the Dutch language, the verb kruisen passed into English under the guise of cruise, meaning "to make flights, travel." 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 latter.
In conclusion of the study of the question of what it is - a cruise, here are some details of this type of travel.
History and present
The birth of sea tourism took place around the middle of the 19th century. At that time, liner companies tried to solve the problems of idle passenger ships during the off-season. In this regard, they began to provide them for the transport of emigrants to the American continent in the period from 1846 to 1940. With increased competition, shipownersconstantly improved living conditions, interior decoration, the entire service system. Gradually ships turned into luxury hotels.
Cruises on large ships resembling entire cities are very popular today. They have cinemas, libraries, restaurants, banquet 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 in the Mediterranean. In autumn, liners often go on transatlantic flights, the duration of which starts from ten days. They continue to sail along the islands of the Caribbean and the coast of Brazil. In winter, Asian cruises are very popular. With the onset of the spring period, most liners return to Europe.
At the same time, cruises made on small ships - sailing yachts, catamarans, which can accommodate from 4 to 12 people, are gaining more 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 is usually one or two people.
