It's not everyone's idea of a relaxing cruise, but hundreds of people have already booked their place on the cruise that will mark 100 years since the sinking of the Titanic.

With just over eight months to go until the centenary, more than 1,309 passengers from all over the world are preparing to set sail on a replication of the fateful voyage.

The original cruise leaving from Southampton is already sold out, but places are still available on a second anniversary cruise on board the Azamara Journey which is due to leave from New York on April 10, 2012.

New packages including return flights from London Heathrow to New York and an eight-night all-inclusive cruise have just gone on sale and prices start from £4,419 per person.

Flights leave from London Heathrow on April 8, 2012 and the price also includes two nights’ accommodation in New York at the Marriott East Side.

With a new ITV mini-series about the liner’s final hours penned by Downtown Abbey writer Julian Fellowes now in production and due to be broadcast alongside the centenary, organisers of the original Titanic Memorial Cruise have had a surge of interest from people who want to be part of the memorial.

As well as a host of Titanic specialists on board, including Dana McCauley, who is the author of Last Dinner on the Titanic and has designed the on-board menus, the cruise includes a visit to Halifax, the final resting place of many lost in the tragedy, and a memorial service at the site where the Titanic sank.

To book call 01926 678097 or visit www.titanicmemorialcruise.co.uk