Return of the Titanic; Titanic II – 2022

Titanic is finally getting a sequel… however I’m not talking about a follow-up to the blockbuster 1997 movie, I am in fact referring to an ambitious project to create a replica of the legendary vessel, set to make it’s maiden voyage in 2022.

Some of you may recall whisperings of such a venture back in 2012 when billionaire Clive Palmer launched his new company, Blue Star Line, and unveiled his grandiose plan to begin building Titanic II in 2013, with a proposed launch date in 2016.  It seems after a number of delays due to financial disputes, the ocean liner is finally under construction…

Clive Palmer has confirmed that Tillberg Design and Deltamarin will be responsible for the design and build of the vessel and that V.Ships Leisure will act as Titanic II’s management services partner in providing support throughout the project, with a proposed maiden voyage set for 2022.

Expected to cost $500 million, Titanic II is set to be the largest passenger vessel built in China and will accommodate 2,400 passengers & 900 crew. The ship will be 13 feet wider than the original Titanic in order to increase stability and meet modern regulations, and will feature state of the art navigation tools, as well as enough life vests and lifeboats for all passengers.

The new design will feature the same luxury vintage decor as the original Titanic and will replicate many of the public areas, including the swimming pools, Turkish baths and the iconic grand staircase. In fact, Titanic II will feature the exact same cabin layout as the original ship and passengers will have a choice of ticket categories; First, Second or Third Class.

Titanic II is set to sail from China to Dubai, before commencing the transatlantic voyage from Southampton to New York. Clive Palmer’s vision is for Titanic II to “circumnavigate the globe, inspiring and enchanting people while attracting unrivaled attention, intrigue, and mystery in every port she visits”.

Whilst superstitious souls will likely not be first in line for the opportunity to sail aboard Titanic II, those captivated by the story, and those with an interest in the history of the original ocean liner, may indeed welcome the chance to sample the revived splendour of such an ionic vessel.

Whether you see the recreation of the Titanic as a triumphant venture of nostalgia or a morbid undertaking, the launch of Titanic II will certainly attract a lot of attention and is already quite the talking point among those with an interest in the history of the ship.

However I am interested to know, as cruise enthusiasts, would you consider a voyage aboard Titanic II ? Let me know your thoughts…