Over 100 years after the original ship was lost to the Atlantic Ocean, the Titanic II will set sail on the same route as its predecessor.
These days, people are probably more familiar with the movie Titanic than with the real life events, but although the tragic love story of Jack and Rose was fictional, the situation surrounding their relationship was devastatingly derived from fact.
The Titanic began its venture on April 10, 1912, and just four days into the voyage, the ship hit an iceberg, causing sea water to flood the boat.
Take a look at the new ship and its interior here:
Although some passengers were evacuated to the ship’s lifeboats, many were still on the ship when it broke apart and sank. According to The Titanic Page, of the estimated 2,200 passengers and crew aboard, more than 1,500 died.
Given the nature of the events, you’d think the entire concept of the Titanic would be better left in the past, but in fact the Titanic II will set sail in 2022.
In order to pay tribute to the original ship, the new ship from Australian company Blue Star Line will sail on the same route as the Titanic did back in 1912, from Southampton to New York City.
The boat has been designed with a nod to the sunken ship, with the layout and interior inspired by the original Titanic. It will even have a near identical version of the ship’s grand staircase, which was made iconic in the 1997 film as Leonardo DiCaprio, aka Jack, waited for Kate Winslet, who played Rose, at the top.
Although the Titanic II is reminiscent of the original ship, the new creation will of course have much more up-to-date safety features and navigation technology.
In a statement, Clive Palmer, Chairman of Blue Star Line, 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 21st century technology to produce the highest level of luxurious comfort.
It is expected to carry approximately 2,400 passengers as well as 900 members of crew, though I have to admit, I’d certainly be wary of going on a ship named the Titanic II, given the fate of its predecessor.
But I’m sure it will manage attract a lot of customers, some of who will no doubt be hoping to find their true love just as Jack and Rose did.
The project has been in the works for some time, with the company first announcing plans to build the ship in 2012, however due to financial difficulties fabrication was postponed until 2018.
The exact date of its maiden voyage is yet to be confirmed, but it is set to launch some time in 2022.
Hopefully the experience of travelling on the Titanic II will be nothing but extraordinary!
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Emily Brown first began delivering important news stories aged just 13, when she launched her career with a paper round. She graduated with a BA Hons in English Language in the Media from Lancaster University, and went on to become a freelance writer and blogger. Emily contributed to The Sunday Times Travel Magazine and Student Problems before becoming a journalist at UNILAD, where she works on breaking news as well as longer form features.