After more than a decade of rumors, it looks like the Titanic may set sail again.
Or more accurately, a modern-day replica of the famed RMS Titanic, once called the unsinkable ship before its ill-fated meeting with an iceberg in 1912.
Titanic II, the project of Australian mining magnate Clive Palmer, is officially on the books to set sail from Southampton, England, in June 2027, nearly 115 years after the original liner did the same.
“We are very pleased to announce that after unforeseen global delays, we have re-engaged with partners to bring the dream of Titanic II to life,” said Palmer in a statement.
The announcement was confirmed by Blue Star Line, the company Palmer oversees, that is managing the project.
The new vessel plans to recreate the iconic Titanic’s appearance, from its grand interiors to class-based accommodations that millions have grown to recognize following James Cameron’s recreation of the ship for his blockbuster movie.
However, this new vessel will meet modern safety standards, including an extra deck solely dedicated to lifeboats and improved visibility from the bow of the ship.
Palmer announced his dreams to recreate the Titanic (with a happy ending) back in 2012. Construction was originally set to begin in 2014, but the project has faced multiple delays, including financial setbacks and the pandemic.
Although Palmer visited Harland & Wolff, the original builders of the first Titanic, the shipyard has not been contracted to build the new version.
Now Blue Star Lines says it will set sail in 2027, despite lacking a shipbuilder. In fact, Blue Star Line is seeking proposals from shipbuilders who may be interested in taking on this lofty endeavor.
While the announcement is clear that Palmer fully expects Titanic II to set sail in 2027, bookings are not yet available.
A Tale of Two Titanics
RMS Titanic, built for the White Star Line, was one of the largest and most luxurious passenger liners of all time. Launched in 1912, she measured roughly 883 feet in length.
Designed with 16 watertight compartments and a double bottom, Titanic was considered nearly unsinkable, but carried only 20 lifeboats, even though her capacity was over 3,500.
Setting sail from Southampton on April 10, 1912, she struck an iceberg four days later and sank, leading to the loss of around 1,500 lives and remaining one of the worst maritime tragedies in history.
Titanic II seeks to resurrect the same iconic look and feel. The ship will maintain a nine-deck, near-883-foot profile with classical exteriors. But it will be 56,000 gross tons instead of the original’s 46,329 gross tons.
Under the hull, engineering modifications include a welded structure versus the original’s riveted plates, a wider beam, reduced draft, and stabilizers for smoother sailing. Notably, the vessel will use diesel-electric propulsion, replacing the coal-fired boilers and steam engines.
Four funnels will remain, with only one functioning and the others a creative way to house staircases and ventilation systems.
Read Also: Titanic vs. Modern Cruise Ships: How Do They Compare?
Onboard amenities will mirror Titanic’s Edwardian grandeur, including a grand staircase, period-style first-class dining rooms, Turkish baths, and recreation decks that some say may even include games reminiscent of the original voyage.
Passenger capacity for the modern ship is expected to be about 2,435 guests in 835 cabins, supported by nearly 900 crew members. (The original ship could hold more than 3,500 passengers and crew but sailed that fateful journey with about 2,224 total.)
Meanwhile, modern navigation, advanced radar, and communication systems will also be integrated throughout the ship.
