New hopes for Titanic II as billionaire revives plans for £500m replica of doomed ship…and sets date for maiden voyage
A BILLIONAIRE has revived hopes for Titanic II with plans for a £500 million replica of the sunken ship.
The new version is set to have the same interiors and cabin layout as the original vessel and come complete with a ballroom, swimming pool and Turkish baths.
The project will be spearheaded by Australian mining magnate Clive Palmer, who vowed the ship will be “far, far superior than the original”.
Plans were first launched by the billionaire through his shipping company, Blue Star Line, in 2012, before a second attempt in 2018 was scuppered by Covid.
But he’s now set on recreating the famous ship and making it as every bit as luxurious as the original.
Palmer’s idea to take a step back in time will see ship guests encouraged to dress for the 1900s.
Just like on the original ship, there will be ticket options for first class, second class and third class passengers.
Of the 835 cabins, almost half will be reserved for first class passengers.
While formal dining will be available, third class passengers will be treated to stew and mash at long tables in a communal dining room just like they would have been on the original boat.
Speaking on his decision to revive plans for the major project, Palmer told 9News: “It’s a lot more fun to do the Titanic than it is to sit at home and count my money.”
And just like the doomed original, the maiden voyage is set for June, 2027.
Extra safety measures and better preparation can be expected to ensure there will be no repeat of the original disaster.
On April 15, 1912, the Titanic struck an iceberg in the Atlantic and sank during its journey from Southampton to New York, killing an estimated 1,500 passengers and crew.
The tragedy inspired James Cameron’s Oscar-winning 1997 blockbuster Titanic, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.
Palmer has used Jack and Rose’s love story as inspiration to bring the Titanic back to life, as it “touched the hearts of everybody”.
“Titanic II is something that can provide peace,” he added. “It can be a ship of peace between all countries of the world.”