While some might hesitate at the thought of boarding the Titanic, given its tragic maiden voyage in 1912 that resulted in the loss of 1,517 lives, one deep-pocketed Australian investor is banking on the allure of sailing on a replica. The ambitious project to recreate the iconic ship kicked off in 2012, with billionaire mining magnate Clive Palmer announcing plans for its maiden voyage as early as 2027.
So, would you brave the seas aboard Titanic II, or do you think it's just tempting fate all over again?
From Yahoo Life:
Now the billionaire has pencilled in 2027 for the launch, telling an audience at Sydney Opera House: “We are very pleased to announce that after unforeseen global delays, we have re-engaged with partners to bring the dream of Titanic ll to life. Let the journey begin.”
Though Palmer claimed in the past to have would-be passengers willing to offer up to £1million to join the maiden voyage – first scheduled to be in 2016 – British travel experts are sceptical as to whether modern-day cruisers want to return to the sailing experience of the early 20th century, even without a tragic ending.
Palmer’s idea is for a 56,000 gross-ton, nine-deck ship to carry 2,435 passengers with the same interior spaces and cabin layout as Titanic. Of the 835 cabins, 383 would be in first class, 201 in second and 251 in third.
A grand staircase under a large iron-and-glass dome and illuminated by a 50-light crystal chandelier would wind down many of the decks.
Other facilities on the 882ft-long, diesel-powered ship would reflect those on the original, with traditional dining rooms, a ballroom, indoor pool, Turkish baths, theatre, smoking room and old-fashioned gym. Palmer has previously hinted that period costumes would be provided in cabins for guests to dress up and that they could pay a premium to experience all three classes during an ocean crossing.
