Titanic II, replica of the original, to sail in 2022
110 years after Titanic sank in Atlantic, a replica of the doomed ship is expected to start its maiden voyage in 2022. The ship is being built by Blue Star, an Australian shipping company, which is owned by billionaire Clive Palmer. Work on the $700 million vessel started in 2012 but stopped due to financial disputes, and has now resumed. Here's more on this.
The 'unsinkable' Titanic met with a tragedy like none other
In the morning of April 15, 1912, the Titanic hit an iceberg in the North Atlantic Ocean and sunk. As many as 1,500 people died, making the incident the worst sea tragedy in history. The ship had started on its maiden journey from Southampton to New York City and was dubbed 'unsinkable'. At the time of the incident, most passengers had gone to sleep.
Everything's the same, but technology is better
Apart from being technologically advanced (it will have improved navigation and safety technologies), the new ship will be just like the original, from the cabin layout to interiors. In fact, the number of people on board will be the same too, 2,400 passengers and 900 crew. The ship is being built in China's shipyard and not at Belfast's, where original was made.
After navigating original's route, Titanic-II to embark on other trips
In its maiden journey, Titanic II will follow the route of its namesake. Starting in Dubai, it will take the North Atlantic route from Southampton, England to New York. The first journey is expected to last two weeks, after which the vessel will go on other global routes. Like the first ship, Titanic II will also have three classes: first, second and third.
The ship will inspire and enchant people, believes Palmer
"The ship will follow the original journey, carrying passengers from Southampton to New York, but she will also circumnavigate the globe, inspiring and enchanting people while attracting unrivaled attention, intrigue, and mystery in every port she visits," Palmer said in a statement.
