Update on Titanic II

I wrote this back in the summer after a genuine enquiry from a potential customer…

This week has been incredibly busy and I have spoken to many people and booked lots of different cruises, from mini 3 day tasters, to Bucket List Tailor Made itineraries. You never know what you will get on your next call. I answered a call this afternoon and a very jolly gent asked me if I could give him some information on Titanic 2. This threw me somewhat, I like to think I am fairly well up on new ships that have launched or are about to be launched and I wondered if this was a bit of a ‘wind up’. It didn’t help matters when I asked the man for his name and he told me Gordon Brown!

I started to think about which of my friends might have been playing a trick on me and then something clicked that yes I thought I had heard something about this some time ago. I was trying to make conversation while I desperately Googled for info. I asked the gentleman if he had cruised before. Yes he said, a while ago, I went to Zeebrugge, from Hull. Ah yes that would be the DFDS ferry.

Anyway, here is what I found from the Chester Chronicle

‘These pictures take you inside the planned ‘Titanic 2’, an eerie copy of the doomed liner which sank in 1912.

The vessel is a replica of the RMS Titanic which sank after hitting an iceberg in the North Atlantic Ocean causing the death of more than 1,500 people.

Along with newer, safer technology, the ‘Titanic 2’ will keep retro features such as Turkish baths and an Edwardian gym.

It will offer first, second and third class tickets, a smoking room, and a grand staircase which was featured in the 1997 Hollywood film, Titanic – but sadly no promise of meeting Leonardo DiCaprio on board.

It will have 840 cabins, carrying 2,435 passengers and 900 crew.

There will be a lifeboat for everyone on board – unlike the 1912 Titanic.

‘Titanic 2’ will be 13ft wider than the original ship, but its length, height and weight will be similar and it will also have nine decks.

The ship belongs to wealthy Australian businessman and politician Clive Palmer, and is estimated to have cost between £300m and £400m.

The original Titanic was registered out of Liverpool and was operated by the White Star Line, which was based in the city.’

This article was written in January last year and I cannot find anything after that.  Having done a little research the launch was originally planned for 2016 and then put back to 2018, but there is no sign of it. It would appear that the project was abandoned due to bankruptcy.

What a shame, it would have been interesting to see how it was received. Would you sail on it if it was ever built? Sorry Gordon, I cannot help with this one ?……..

Here is an update!! Clive is back in the game! Building has resumed in China

From the Evening Standard

The Titanic II, a replica of the ill-fated ship that sank in the Atlantic, will set sail on the same journey in 2022.

The ship will embark on a two-week-long maiden voyage, travelling from Dubai to Southampton, before tracing the original ship’s journey to New York.

The original Titanic sank in the Atlantic Ocean on April 12, 1912, less than three hours after it hit an iceberg.

Blue Star Line Chairman Clive Palmer said: “Blue Star Line will create an authentic Titanic experience, providing passengers with a ship that has the same interiors and cabin layout as the original vessel, while integrating modern safety procedures, navigation methods and 21^st century technology to produce the highest level of luxurious comfort.”

After its maiden voyage, the ship will visit other locations which are yet to be disclosed.

Construction of the ship had been delayed for some years due to a financial dispute over the non-payment of millions of dollars of royalties.

Mr Palmer said: “Millions have dreamt of sailing on her, seeing her in port and experiencing her unique majesty. Titanic II will be the ship where those dreams come true.”

So is this a good thing or a bit morbid? Would you book to sail on her?

Not sure I would ?

Dee