People are flocking to social media to weigh in on a billionaire's plans to build a 'far superior' Titanic.
Australian billionaire Clive Palmer has previously spoken out about his intentions to build a second 'far superior' version of the RMS Titanic in both 2012 and 2018, but will it be third time lucky?
Titanic II plans
Chairmanned by Palmer, Blue Star Line - named for the former British passenger and cargo shipping company - is creating a ship which will embody 'an authentic Titanic experience'.
The ship will measure 269 meters in length and 32.2 meters in width, weigh 56,000 tons and span nine decks.
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"It will feature 835 cabins including 383 1st class, 201 2nd class and 251 3rd class rooms, catering for up to 2,435 passengers," Blue Star Line - which is being supported in the project by ship design, offshore engineering and construction support company Deltamarin - adds.
Internally, the ship is being designed to have 'the same interiors and cabin layout as the original' Titanic vessel, however, it will 'integrat[e] modern safety vessels, navigation methods and 21st century technology to produce the highest level of luxurious comfort' such as a diesel engine opposed to coal but featuring 'four smoke stacks' like the original ship.
Palmer said during a press conference held yesterday (March 13) at Sydney Opera House: "We are bringing in some of the best designers in the world for cruise shipping to make sure nothing is overlooked and we have a specification that is far, far superior than the original Titanic.
"It will be the ship of love and the ultimate in style and luxury."
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Why a Titanic II is being built in the first place
Palmer argues the ship is 'something that needed to be built' because of the original vessel's legend being 'powered by mystery, intrigue and respect for all she stood for'.
"We all know how to make war. We get armies and we fund wars. People know about that. But it is a lot harder to make peace," he continues. "To make peace you have got to stick with it every day. You progress inch by inch. Titanic ll is something that can provide peace. It can be a ship of peace between all countries of the world."
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Palmer adds 'millions have dream't about traveling onboard the Titanic and so the ship will grant those dreams and offer an 'unparalleled journey back in time, immersing [passengers] fully in the opulence and splendour of life aboard the original Titanic, thus bridging a century with a voyage of unparalleled elegance'.
Oh, and he said building it is 'a lot more fun' than simply sitting at home and 'count[ing] [his] money'.
"Why not do it?" he said at the press conference. "I'm 70, I'm gonna do it."
Titanic II latest news
In a media release shared to Titanic II's page yesterday, Blue Star Line revealed plans for the design of the ship are 'being finalised' and Palmer responded to questions about whether the project is truly going ahead after he announced it in two other years previously.
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Palmer: "We are very pleased to announce that after unforeseen global delays, we have reengaged with partners to bring the dream of Titanic ll to life. Let the journey begin.
"The government lockdowns sent the cruise industry into a long-term shutdown but shipping is back in full business with passenger numbers now surpassing pre-COVID levels.
"We are getting the best ship-builders, designers and engineers in the world back on deck to build Titanic ll."
However, The Guardian reports the billionaire is yet to secure a shipyard where the vessel - set to cost between $500 million and $1 billion - will be built, construction hoped to begin early next year.
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Reaction to news of Titanic II
Taking to X, one user said: "Did we not learn?"
"Yeah, because the first one did great," a second wrote.
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However, another added: "Icebergs finna be melted by then so we straight."
And a fourth commented: "Billionaires doing billionaire things while the rest of the world scrapes by."
UNILAD has contacted Clive Palmer and Blue Star Line for comment.
Topics: Money, Titanic, Travel, World News, Social Media, Twitter
Poppy Bilderbeck