This is just the moment NY Times readers have been waiting for — a Mediterranean cruise with journalists from the paper.

The Times has partnered with Insight Cruises and launched Times Journeys, billing it as an “educational travel program that connects readers and lifelong learners with Times journalists while they enjoy the pleasures of travel.”

And travel they will. Over the course of 12 nights, the round-trip cruise from Venice, Italy will stop in Montenegro, Greece, Turkey and Croatia.

While on board, readers will have the opportunity to listen to a variety of speakers. The group currently includes op-ed columnist Joe Nocera, who is scheduled to speak on the shape of the American economy and to give a world finance report, which may be very useful considering the state of the Eurozone in which they will be traveling.

The only other confirmed speakers, according to the Times Journey’s website, are film critic A.O. Scott and science editor Barbara Strauch. But with 24 sessions planned, it looks like they are planning on having about six speakers on the cruise.

All of this for just $1,799 per person for an inside cabin to $6,099 for a deluxe suite (plus taxes and gratuities). And if readers want to attend the journalist’s seminars that will set them back another $1,575.

The Times isn’t doing this because they want to interact with their readers, but because this type of event can be very profitable. They buy the rooms from the cruise operator at a discount and then sell them to readers at a stiff markup. Then they add on the seminar fees and depending on the total number of slots they sell, they could make a hefty profit.

What could be better? A Mediterranean cruise, the New York Times liberal perspective on issues and the chance to help the paper’s bottom line, all for just a few thousand dollars.

I think I’ll pass.

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