Vacationers are finding it easier than ever to venture deep in the ocean

July 24, 2006

Tourists can now explore the world beneath the waves without ever getting wet. From tourist submarines to underwater dining, undersea tourism is making a big splash.

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Tourist submarines
The popularity of submarine tours has grown rapidly in the last decade. Now, tourist subs operate in more than 20 locations worldwide, including the waters around Okinawa and Taiwan’s Green Island. The subs carry nearly 2 million tourists each year. Large windows offer passengers spectacular views as the submarines explore colorful coral reefs and sunken ships. Most one-hour tours cost about US$80.

Underwater dining
For a more upscale experience, tourists can enjoy fine dining under the sea. Last summer the Hiton Maldives resort opened the world's first underwater restaurant, Ithaa. Diners walk down a staircase into the restaurant, which rests 35 feet(10 meters) beneath the waves of the Indian Ocean. Transparent walls surround the dining area,
treating guests to a panoramic ocean view. But this stunning view doesn't come cheap. The tasting menu costs US$200 per person. Be sure to make reservations early, too. The restaurant seats only 14 people.


Word Bank
Submarine (n)潛水艇
Scientists travel in a submarine to explore the bottom of the ocean.

Make a big splash (diom)掀起熱潮；引起轟動
This new band is making a big splash. It first album has already sold 1 million copies.

Upscale (adj)高檔的；高級的
I can’t afford to shop at this upscale department store. Everything here is too expensive.

Resort (n)度假村
We stayed five days at a beach resort during our trip to Thailand.

July 25, 2006


Luxury hotels
Soon, tourists will be able to spend several nights under the sea in five-star accommodations. Two underwater hotels are racing to complete construction, Both the Poseidon Undersea resort in the Bahamas and the Hydro polis hotel in Dubai plan to open in December.

Guests at both hotels will need no underwater training. They will simply access the hotels by tunnels. The air pressure in the hotels will remain identical to that on land, too. This will allow guests to stay underwater without the risk of getting the bends.

The Poseidon will sit 50 feet(15 meters)underwater. The hotel's 22 suites will have large transparent walls. Guests can push a button to feed the fish outside. Each suite also comes with a private Jacuzzi-and a US$1,500-a-night price tag.

Even more grand will be the Hydropolis. It will be submerged 66 feet (20 meters) below the Persian Gulf. This hotel will have 220 bubble-shaped suites. It will also boast an underwater concert hall, ballroom and restaurants. And at an expected US$500 per night, it may be the best bargain under the sea.

Word Bank
Transparent (adj) 透明的；
They put transparent plastic instead of glass in the windows.

Identical (adj)完全相同的，同卵的
Bob and Rob are identical twins. They look exactly alike.

Submerge (v)在水下...之處；沉于水下
After the heavy rain, many houses were submerged under muddy water for days.

Ballroom (n)舞廳
We will hold our New Year’s dance in the ballroom of the Rits hotel.
More Information

The bends (n)潛水?。粶p壓過急病癥
Divers can get the bends if they rise to the ocean/s surface too quickly.

Jacuzzi (n)按摩浴缸
After I sat in the warm Jacuzzi, my aches and pains went away.
Talk about it

Which of these undersea experiences would you most like to try?Why?

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