DISASTER tourism is not new. The Titanic Memorial Cruise has perhaps taken it to a new level but every one of us who has visited the site of a tragedy has some experience of it. I have.

Last year I went to Auschwitz on a day trip organised with schools.

I’ve also visited Ground Zero and the place where John Lennon was shot, both in New York, and I’ll happily admit I’d like to visit the Normandy beaches one day.

Is there anything wrong with that?

Well, my trip to Ground Zero was fairly unremarkable in itself although the man selling brochures and glossy photos of the burning towers did cheapen it a little.

My visit to Auschwitz was very moving but it was odd to hear the concentration camp has become a daytime destination for stag parties based in nearby Krakow.

So there seem to be unwritten rules about this kind of thing.

An observational pilgrimage is okay, but taking home souvenirs is a definite no-no.

Of course it helps if as much time as possible has passed since the disaster happened so it’s based more on an historical interest than mawkish curiosity.

On those grounds, the Titanic Memorial Cruise ought to be home free.

It’s 100 long years since the ship set sail on its ill-fated journey.

But there is still something odd in my eyes about recreating a journey taken by the doomed passengers.

It’s strange that the cruise will offer voyagers the same menus as on the original trip.

It’s also peculiar that some thought it appropriate to wear period costume – fancy dress if you like – to board the ship.

You start to wonder whether they would welcome reaching the exact spot of the tragedy to find a giant iceberg blocking their way.

That would be a truly realistic re-enactment.

Perhaps the most odd aspect of the cruise is that, for some on board, it is their annual holiday.

You can understand the motivations of the relatives of those who perished who probably feel it’s a fitting tribute.

You can see why historians who have researched this event throughout their lives may have booked their passage.

But the rest?

Well, there’s nothing wrong with being curious about people and places.

That’s a human instinct.

But not one you should always follow.