It’s been 84 years—well, more like 112 years now, Rose—since the Titanic went down after striking an iceberg that claimed the lives of more than 1,500 passengers. After breaking apart and sinking in the North Atlantic Ocean on April 15, 1912, an Australian billionaire is heading toward finalizing plans to recreate the majestic vessel.
The Titanic, a symbol of grandeur and tragedy, is one of the most famous shipwrecks in history, deeply ingrained in popular culture. Constructed in Belfast, Northern Ireland, the Titanic was a British-registered ship owned by a US company, with the renowned American financier John Pierpont (JP) Morgan as a dominant stockholder. Setting sail on its maiden voyage from Southampton, England, on April 10, 1912, the Titanic was destined for New York City, carrying 2,240 passengers and crew members. This opulent passenger ship, however, has yet to reach its destination, its remnants resting over 12,000 feet below sea level and more than 350 nautical miles off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada.
Leading the charge to rewrite history with “Titanic II” is Clive Palmer, an Australian billionaire who has been steadfast in his mission to recreate the ship for over a decade. Palmer, whose wealth stems from mining, has announced that the maiden voyage of Titanic II is scheduled for June 2027. In a press release, the billionaire expressed his delight: “We are thrilled to announce that, despite unforeseen global delays, we have re-engaged with partners to bring the dream of Titanic II to life… Let the journey begin.”
While it may be reasonable to think and/or fear disaster for Titanic II, Palmer has yet to face true disaster because nothing has been built in the years Palmer has been pitching his idea.
The chairman of the Blue Star Line company originally announced plans for a full-size replica of the Titanic in 2012 and again in 2018, when the global pandemic thwarted his attempts. With the world settling down, Palmer is full steam ahead with his plans for Titanic II.
Envisioning a historically accurate recreation of its namesake, Titanic II will be designed almost exactly as the original majestic ship, with minor tweaks. Palmer plans to add cutting-edge navigation equipment, safety systems, and plenty of lifeboats.
Despite the years since Palmer first announced his goals, very little of his plan has changed. The Titanic II will be a replica of the original, down to the cramped steerage cabins. With plans to build 835 cabins across nine decks, the Titanic II will also be an experience of the lived realities of its namesake’s passengers in 1912. This updated version will have first-, second-, and third-class tickets, each offering accurate experiences, recreating the experience from the maiden voyage. Third-class passengers can expect stew and mash at communal tables (with a tweak of additional options being added), and passengers are encouraged to dress in clothing similar to those from the 1900s.
When asked why he wanted to replicate such a historical piece, Palmer confessed his mission of bringing the world together, further explaining that the “Titanic ll is something that can provide peace. It can be a ship of peace between all countries of the world… Millions have dreamt of sailing on her, seeing her in port, and experiencing her unique majesty. Titanic ll will be the ship where those dreams come true.”
So far, it looks like fair winds are following the seas for Palmer’s plans to rewrite history.
