Titanic 2: Everything You Need to Know
Just when you thought the concept had been sunk forever ... Australian billionaire Clive Palmer has revived his long-cherished dream to build Titanic II. After a number of false starts, abandoned plans and a lot of talk, Palmer has once again announced plans to replicate the doomed liner, with a planned launch date of 2027.
Hmm. We've been here before – in 2013, when the plans were first announced; then in 2018, with a planned launch of 2022. But then the pandemic happened, and all plans were put on ice, again.
At a news conference at the Sydney Opera House, Palmer (the fifth-richest man in Australia), stated: "We are very pleased to announce that after unforeseen global delays, we have re-engaged with partners to bring the dream of Titanic II to life. Let the journey begin."
Here's what we know about the supposed return of this legendary vessel.
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Will Titanic II Actually Be Built?
The plans to build T2 are very similar to previous ones, in that the ship will be an exact replica of the original (though with more lifeboats and a design that complies with all current safety regulations). To that end, according to cruise blogger Dave Monk, the project is backed by Finnish-based ship design and marine engineering company Deltamarin.
Other global partners are said to include V.Ships Leisure and Swedish marine architecture and interior design company Tillberg Design.
What is the History of Titanic II?
In April 2012, Clive Palmer launched a new company called Blue Star Line -- a nod to the company behind the original Titanic vessel, White Star Line -- to create a replica of the Titanic, to be named Titanic II. His hope is that people captivated by the Titanic's dramatic story would want to relive the ship's crossing.
Palmer's original news conference announcing the new-build coincided with the 100th anniversary of Titanic's doomed maiden voyage from Southampton, England, to New York City. The original RMS Titanic, built by Belfast-based Harland and Wolff, hit an iceberg and sank April 15, 1912, killing 1,503 passengers and crew.
Palmer's original plan was to set sail in 2016, but the build, which was supposed to begin in China in late 2013, never got off the ground due to financial disputes. Design work and wave testing on a model of the ocean liner reportedly started during fall 2018.
Titanic II Info and Stats
The new ocean liner will accommodate 2,400 passengers and 900 crew members, same as the original (but worth noting, significantly smaller than modern cruise ships, such as Icon of the Seas). It will also, thankfully, be equipped with modern navigation tools, a wider hull for extra stability and yes, enough lifeboats and life vests for all.
The design features an identical cabin layout and the same architecture, interiors and luxury finishes as Titanic. Even the same class categories -- First, Second and Third -- will be made available. Passengers will even be encouraged to dress up in period costume – though Palmer has said this is not mandatory.
Titanic II Itinerary
The new ship is slated to follow the same route as Titanic, carrying passengers across the Atlantic from Southampton, England, to New York City. According to reports, it will also offer World Cruises.
How Much Will a Sailing on Titanic II Cost?
Fares have not been revealed, but chances are they'll be many times more than those from 1912, when third-class staterooms cost about $40, while first-class berths were $150 and the four Parlor suites topped out at $4,350.