One-sixth of a mile long the opulent RMS Titanic took the hearts of the world when she sank 12460 feet (3,750 metres) to the bottom of the Atlantic in 1912 taking hundreds of lives with her; now over 90 years later her mystique and grandeur still captivates people around the world. Pay your respects to the wreck as you glide over her decks, now encrusted in magnificent soft corals and anemones. There is no more famous shipwreck in the world and you are now offered the chance to witness and pay respect to this monument.

Expedition to ‘inner space’
You will journey to the Titanic aboard the MIR I and II submersibles, deep-dive vessels capable of reaching ocean depths of 20,000 feet. Housed aboard the mother ship Akademik Keldysh, the two MIR submersibles are part of a group of only four deep-diving vessels available to the world's scientific community. Constructed of special nickel steel, they are specifically designed to withstand the enormous pressures that exist in the depths of the oceans. Each MIR's habitat compartment is 7' (2.1m) diameter, accommodating three persons. There are no traditional bathroom facilities on board. Air pressure inside the habitat remains at a constant one atmosphere; the air is recycled in a manner similar to that used onboard spacecraft. During the dive, there will be a drop in temperature (to approx 54F or 12C) and some slight internal condensation.

Down into the Deep
Following a final briefing, you'll enter the submersible, then the Keldysh's on-board crane will lift you and the MIRs into the Atlantic's chilly waters. After pre-dive testing, ballast water will be pumped into the tanks and your adventure into the deep will begin. Three Plexiglas portholes, each 7 inches thick, will be your windows to this undersea world. By 1,000 feet, all traces of sunlight will be gone and you will be immersed in total darkness. To conserve power, the MIR submersibles run without external lights, however, the pilot will occasionally switch on the lights to observe passing marine life. Some marine life require no viewing lights; be sure to look for these tiny bioluminescent creatures as you descend. By 4,000 feet, the interior of the MIR starts to cool and your extra clothing comes in handy. Topside, the Keldysh (never out of voice contact) will help navigate the MIR to the wreck site. Observing Titanic As you reach your destination you are at 12.500ft below the surface. The MIR's large halogen-mercury-iodine lights will unveil to you the remains of the R.M.S. Titanic. The ship is in two distinct sections: the demolished stern and the bow, separated by nearly 2,000 feet. The MIRs will spend 2-3 hours exploring the wreckage as well as the surrounding debris field. An outside still and video camera will record your experience; an 8mm video inside the MIR will chronicle the expedition's operations as well as your reactions.

Upon completion of the mission, ballast water will be pumped out and the MIR will begin its ascent. Once you return to the surface, the MIR will be lifted back on board the Keldysh and you will be treated to a hot Russian sauna followed by a debriefing. The Akademik Keldysh is the best deep-diving support vessel in the world. Owned and operated by the Moscow-based P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, its crew of scientists and technicians has worked together for 15 years, participating in deep-dive expeditions all over the world. In addition to its 17 laboratories, the Keldysh features a specialized library covering underwater archaeology, oceanography, and deep-sea exploration. Your quarters aboard the Keldysh, while not lavish, will be comfortable and spacious. Meals will be first-class, prepared by a European chef and highlighted by the occasional Russian specialty. Satellite communications equipment will be available for contact with those at home.