Titanic Memorial Cruise

On Sunday the 8th April 2012 Fred Olsen’s Balmoral set sail on the 100th anniversary memorial cruise.

Sailing from Southampton she set sail on her 12 night voyage across to New York including memorial services at the spot out in the ocean in which the ill-fated Titanic first hit the iceberg at 11.40pm and then again when she sank at 02.20am on Sunday 15th April the service was held to pay tribute to the 1517 brave passengers and crew that lost their life that night. It is reported that wreaths were cast onto the waves as the ships whistle sounded followed by the captain reading out the names of those who lost their lives.

The cruise will also feature lectures and talks about how life was on board the Titanic and the history of the Titanic, and will also offer passengers to chance to ‘hear the music’ and ‘eat the foods’ that would have been offered 100 years ago.

Personally i think the cruise is a great idea, offering many family and friends of passengers who were on board the titanic to get as close as they can to where their relatives lost their lives and of course pay tribute with the memorial services. I’m not quite sure about the dress code for many of the passengers though! the sailing from Southampton was broadcasted quote widely on TV and many passengers had decided to wear period clothing to keep in with the theme of the sailing.

Around 50 of the 1309 passengers on board have a connection to family member who was on board the Titanic which must be a great feeling to be a part of this fantastic journey and a proud moment!

The Balmoral is a traditional ship, which I have personally sailed on also and I think she made a great choice to the memorial cruise.