Is this creepy, dark, curious, fascinating, inspirational, or all of those?
The Titanic II — a “close replica” of the ill-fated ship that sank in 1912 (and inspired a celebrated yet overrated film 😉 ) — is gearing up for her maiden voyage, currently penciled in for 2022.
And of course, it will trace the same (intended) route the original Titanic sailed.
There’s some speculation the project may never come to full fruition. But assuming it actually does, would you be comfortable traveling on a ship designed after one that sank and brought about 1500 souls to their deaths?
Titanic II: A Quick Overview
Titanic II is the brainchild of Australian mining billionaire Clive Palmer. The eccentric Mr. Palmer — who wants to restore Australia to its previous glory (or make it great again, if you will) has been criticized for his language directed at politicians. His wealth has also been called into question.
(Reminds me of someone else in the news. Anyway … )
Mr. Palmer announced the T2 in 2012 and formed Blue Star Line — a nod to White Star Line, Titanic’s original operating company.
“The Titanic was the ship of dreams,” he said. “Titanic II is the ship where dreams will come true.”
The Titanic II will hold 2,435 passengers and 900 crew. The Telegraph reports Titanic II will have lifeboats that can carry 2,700 and life rafts with an additional capacity of 800.
Blue Star says the ship will be “every bit as luxurious as her namesake … [and] have every modern amenity along with 21st century technology and the latest navigation and safety systems.”
But how “luxurious” and “modern” as the O.G. Titanic?
This video (embedded below) says that Mr. Palmer and company considered having no television or Internet available on board — just like the original! And there’s been talk of only two baths being available for 700 third-class passengers. (Maybe a travel credit card will give elite status to some of us otherwise third-class passengers 😉 ).
In his defense, he didn’t say “luxurious” and “modern” by 21st Century standards. Only the tech, nav, and safety features specifically received that distinction.
Is the ship “unsinkable” — a quality Titanic boasted before its tragic debut?
“Anything will sink if you put a hole in it,” Mr. Palmer told the Telegraph. “I think it would be very cavalier to say it. I think people in the past have done that and lived to regret it.”
Is the Titanic II Disrespectful? Morbid? Tempting Fate? Or a Genuine Tribute?
I’m torn as to whether or not the Titanic II is a good idea in general.
There’s sort of a well-meant Let’s finish the voyage for original Titanic passengers! spirit some may have. The original ship and her journey are — understandably — a source of fascination for many people.
But I fear there could be some disrespectful grave chasers who ruin it for others.
And, to a degree, it’s sort of like building a knockoff 1961 Lincoln Continental Presidential limousine and cruising down Elm Street through Dallas’ Dealey Plaza.
Plus, there’s always the superstitious side of me that thinks it’s a bad idea. Like, it didn’t work the first time. Don’t be cute and try it again.
The Irish Examiner talked to a couple of people with Titanic ties:
Dave Fredericks, a descendant of a Titanic survivor from Southampton, is supporting a petition to block Titanic II.
“When asked why he is building Titanic II, Clive Palmer arrogantly responds ‘because I can’. I say the question should not be ‘why he is building it?’, but, more, ‘should he be building it?’ And, respectfully and morally, the answer to that question must be no,” Fredericks says.
Helen Benziger, great granddaughter of Margaret ‘The Unsinkable Molly’ Brown, agrees. “I will be on the maiden voyage of Titanic II. I am hoping for the same cabin as my great grandmother. It would be amazing to finish the voyage for her,” Benziger says.
Cunard Line (which merged with White Star) certainly has an opinion. Neil Patrick reports that Cunard “states…they ‘have always been very mindful and very respectful of such a tragic event [and] don’t think that building a replica or a Titanic II is appropriate.”
What Would You Do?
Take our poll below — and feel free to share your comments as to why you would or wouldn’t take a trip on the Titanic II.
— Chris
Loading ...Featured image: ©iStock.com/MR1805
Responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Without internet or TV I’d sail on the Titanic II but only if it cost what it did on the Titanic. And only if it was an Alaskan trip in late November: 6 nights, 1 day. BYOLB (Bring Your Own Life Boat)
I have such a visceral reaction, just seeing that photo of the originalTitanic. I’m immediately taken back to all those images we’ve all seen of the ship sitting on the bottom of the ocean, covered in rust. I’m not superstitious, don’t believe in ghosts, but there is no way I would ever want to sail on the Titanic II. It just seems like such a bad idea.
Very exciting would be intriguing to sail on the replica and making the trip.