Floating Menageries is a term used to describe the large, ornate ships that were used by wealthy Europeans in the 19th century to travel around the world. The term is derived from the French word 'MENAGERIE', which means a collection of exotic animals. The ships were often equipped with luxurious amenities and stocked with rare animals, plants, and other items from around the world. The term ARKS, which is the answer to the crossword puzzle, is an acronym for 'Aquatic Recreational Kaleidoscope Ships'. These ships were designed to provide a unique and luxurious experience for their passengers.