Titanic II to be constructed in China

[Salacia]

Thanks for a great article on that fine ship. I have had the good luck to have been aboard her but I never sailed on The Big U. Still hoping something positive can be done with her but the finances and logistics are scary. Thanks again.

 

You're very welome Jim. Before I read that article, I had no idea Cunard was at one point interested in acquiring the s.s. UNITED STATES. Would have been nice if that had worked out, but I can understand why it didn't. I've never been on board, but I did see her docked in Philly, years before I knew her history. Amazing that she has avoided the scrapers thus far - thanks to those devoted to preserving maritime history. Regards, -S.

Edited March 3, 2013 by Salacia

[Cruachan]

Local media in Oz reports that the new ship will be an almost complete replica of the original Titanic although obviously with state of the art navigation and safety (!) systems. It will have the 3 segregated classes, no TV, no Internet for passengers, in fact the full 1912 "experience" (apart from the iceberg). It might work as a gimmick for a while but I'm sure the novelty value will quickly pale and Clive Palmer - who plans to sail in 3rd class/steerage BTW - will find himself with a huge white (star?) elephant.

 

And coming from a superstitious naval family as I do I'd be very wary of a ship named after a doomed predecessor.

 

Just remember, it's not only the passengers who suffer if the ship hits an iceberg. There are ecological consequences too!

 

J

 

[Happyboating]

According to this article Mr Palmer is considering building a fleet of Titanics:

 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/mar/01/titanic-ii-australian-millionaire-interview

 

He's certainly convinced that he's on to a winning formula!

 

I've wondered if QM2 might cross in tandem with Titanic II on its maiden voyage or do you think that Cunard will keep well away?

[Cruachan]

...He's certainly convinced that he's on to a winning formula!...

 

White Star Line were similarly convinced! :D

 

J

[scifisteve]

I've wondered if QM2 might cross in tandem with Titanic II on its maiden voyage or do you think that Cunard will keep well away?

 

It might make the trip more authentic having a Cunard Ship near by

[Jim Avery]

I am eagerly awaiting the Fashion Police version of the Titanic Dress Code.:eek::D

[London-Calling]

Easy, there won't BE a nightclub. This is 1912 remember?

 

He's added an extra deck called 'the safety deck' . This is where the modern lifeboats are located. The deck will also have modern public rooms like a casino and Theatre. Who knows he may include ea night-club?

 

The whole concept is far from finalised and Palmer has already changes his mid and contradicted himself in the past year!

[Cruise Liner Fan]

It might make the trip more authentic having a Cunard Ship near by

If there was a tandem crossing with the QM2 and Titanic II, When both ships are at the wreck site, aboard QM2 they could serve the same dinner that was served aboard Carpathia on the evening of April 14,1912 and of course there will be the recreation of the last dinner served aboard Titanic that will be served aboard Titanic II. To make it more authentic there could be the lowering of the lifeboats aboard Titanic II and Titanic II passengers could volunteer to board the lifeboats and row over the QM2 spend some time aboard QM2 and then row back to the Titanic II. But would the Blue Star Line and the Cunard Line want to get together on this idea? I don't think so. Regards,Jerry Edited March 3, 2013 by Cruise Liner Fan

[VallyD]

I'm no Cunard loyal, I've never sailed the ships. I was, however, fascinated by the Titanic from age 10+...and I think this is deplorable. :( Disagree if you will, but the Titanic is not just a movie, it's a harrowing bit of history that should be respected and let be.

 

I've read the interviews, listened, and all I see is a man trying to recreate a MOVIE, not an actual event, in which Cameron has gone back to the site and even stated his own depiction of the sinking was wrong and would be corrected if he could/(felt like/ afford it?).

 

I know he (Clive Parker) pulled a survivor aside to promote the idea...but that is one (correct me if I am wrong, please). I simply cannot picture a replica of this beautiful ship in modern day with people sitting in their "period costumes" texting on their ipods (as far as I know internet access will be available). It is a disgrace. Unfortunately, all I can think is that in the gift shop, be it on the cruise or at the end, there will be shirts entitled "I survived the Titanic 2" and the thought makes me sick :(

 

I agree with others that the idea of recreating the ship as a "floating hotel" or museum would be fabulous, and I would go. This man has absolutely gone too far. Now he is talking about making several or a "fleet" of these ships? I'm sorry, I cannot respect it. The Titanic sits in peaceful silence at the location of which she sank, and all other ships should recognize and respect that "graveyard" unique to the most famous oceanliner sinking of all time.

 

I just cannot get on with this :( It saddens my heart, I hope it never comes to pass.

 

As others have stated...there are other ships that deserve renovations without the divisive idea of recreating the Titanic... :mad:

 

xoxo

Val

[glojo]

An interesting post and yes the human loss aboard that ship was something I hope will never be repeated but should the name go down with the ship?

 

I have an open mind on this and whilst in numbers there is no comparision, the loss of HMS Prince of Wales was a major event during the Second World War and this ship is now quite understandably a war grave.

 

Who here remembers that awful sight of the RFA Sir Galahad that was lost during the Falklands conflict? I mention these two iconic events as their names live on and we already have a replacement, operational RFA Sir Galahad and as we speak a new HMS Prince of Wales is being built.

 

I have no issues with a cruise ship being named Titanic although just like most folks here I feel it is in bad taste, but taste and profit are not words that are necessarily a requirement to be used in the same sentence?

 

Quality and being made in China might be another contradiction when looking at the construction of this new ship.

 

I for one will most certainly not be buying shares in this company nor will I EVER set foot aboard the ship. (if it is ever built)

[VallyD]

An interesting post and yes the human loss aboard that ship was something I hope will never be repeated but should the name go down with the ship?

 

I have an open mind on this and whilst in numbers there is no comparision, the loss of HMS Prince of Wales was a major event during the Second World War and this ship is now quite understandably a war grave.

 

Who here remembers that awful sight of the RFA Sir Galahad that was lost during the Falklands conflict? I mention these two iconic events as their names live on and we already have a replacement, operational RFA Sir Galahad and as we speak a new HMS Prince of Wales is being built.

 

I have no issues with a cruise ship being named Titanic although just like most folks here I feel it is in bad taste, but taste and profit are not words that are necessarily a requirement to be used in the same sentence?

 

Quality and being made in China might be another contradiction when looking at the construction of this new ship.

 

I for one will most certainly not be buying shares in this company nor will I EVER set foot aboard the ship. (if it is ever built)

 

You are right, taste and profit are not words that normally go together. I am not familiar with the other ships you mentioned but I do intend to research them... to answer your question though, I do feel the name should go down with the ship, just like the 1,517 passengers that did :(

[Cruachan]

You are right, taste and profit are not words that normally go together. I am not familiar with the other ships you mentioned but I do intend to research them... to answer your question though, I do feel the name should go down with the ship, just like the 1,517 passengers that did :(

 

And you have to ask yourself, if Mr Palmer is interested in the goulish recreation of great maritime disasters why does he stop at Titanic which only ranks seventh in terms of peacetime loss of life. In wartime terms, of course, it pales into insignificance - why doesn't he build a replica of Wilhelm Gustloff (at least 9,000 dead), or even HMT Lancastria (a former Cunarder - estimated 4,000 dead but could have been many more).

 

J

[glojo]

You are right, taste and profit are not words that normally go together. I am not familiar with the other ships you mentioned but I do intend to research them... to answer your question though, I do feel the name should go down with the ship, just like the 1,517 passengers that did :(

The Sir Galahad is absolutely iconic with the Falklands Conflict, it is the ship that is on fire with soldiers trapped below decks and extremely brave Fleet Air Arm helicopter pilots flying into the very dense, thick, black acrid smoke.

 

Prince of Wales I believe was the first capital ship to be sunk in action solely by attacks from the air.

 

We are going to have to teach you folks some general knowledge ;):)

 

Sir Galahad a war grave

 

I do agree with you that the ship is the final resting place of far too many innocent souls and to make money out of death is not something I personally could do!

[Cruachan]

...Prince of Wales I believe was the first capital ship to be sunk in action solely by attacks from the air.

 

And the surviving Royal Marines from Prince of Wales and Repulse (sunk in the same action) all volunteered to serve with 2nd Battalion the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, so beginning an association that continues to this day.

 

J

[glojo]

And the surviving Royal Marines from Prince of Wales and Repulse (sunk in the same action) all volunteered to serve with 2nd Battalion the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, so beginning an association that continues to this day.

 

J

Well said ;)

[London-Calling]

...of course if you want the romance of a bygone age and want to cross to NY, I'd recommend the biggest ocean liner ever built, the 'Queen Mary 2'.

[Cruise Liner Fan]

...of course if you want the romance of a bygone age and want to cross to NY, I'd recommend the biggest ocean liner ever built, the 'Queen Mary 2'.

If the Titanic II is built maybe there will be some good as a result.For example Cunard fearing the transatlantic competition from Titanic II may lower the transatlantic fares aboard QM2 :) I myself would prefer the QM2 over the Titanic II because the QM2 is a larger ship and I do like the outdoor pools and the pool on 12 Deck under the dome aboard QM2. Regards,Jerry

[Jim Avery]

If the Titanic II is built maybe there will be some good as a result.For example Cunard fearing the transatlantic competition from Titanic II may lower the transatlantic fares aboard QM2 :) I myself would prefer the QM2 over the Titanic II because the QM2 is a larger ship and I do like the outdoor pools and the pool on 12 Deck under the dome aboard QM2. Regards,Jerry

 

Fares are pretty low already. The issue from where I sit is the otherway exorbitant airfares.:eek:

[glojo]

If the Titanic II is built maybe there will be some good as a result.For example Cunard fearing the transatlantic competition from Titanic II may lower the transatlantic fares aboard QM2 :) I myself would prefer the QM2 over the Titanic II because the QM2 is a larger ship and I do like the outdoor pools and the pool on 12 Deck under the dome aboard QM2. Regards,Jerry

Do you think Cunard believe the Transatlantic ferry service is more profitable than having the queen Mary 2 deploy on numerous cruises for most of the year?

 

My own thoughts are that they will always try to generate as much income as possible from these ships and at the moment are these Transatlantic runs a better option?

 

:o:oShould I be asking this question on a Cunard forum where a minuscule number of dedicated, very nice people will probably say bring back regular, high speed back to back crossings. ;)

[Cruise Liner Fan]

Do you think Cunard believe the Transatlantic ferry service is more profitable than having the queen Mary 2 deploy on numerous cruises for most of the year?

 

My own thoughts are that they will always try to generate as much income as possible from these ships and at the moment are these Transatlantic runs a better option?

 

:o:oShould I be asking this question on a Cunard forum where a minuscule number of dedicated, very nice people will probably say bring back regular, high speed back to back crossings. ;)

I never said that Cunard should have the QM2 do only transatlantic crossings 52 weeks a year.I was only refering to the 20 crossings that the QM2 does each year. Regards,Jerry

[frenchmartiniplease]

Hi all,

 

We live in Southampton and as a family we often go to see special ship arrivals and departures. Eg The three Queens, the seven P&O ship day, naming days and sometimes just to wave you off on busy days.

I think most people here have great affection and pride in our merchant fleet history.

 

On the hundreth anniversary of the Titantic, they sounded her horn. Even living outside Southhampton, we could hear her. It was a melancolic and poigniant sound.

 

Nearly half the people who lost their lives were crew who lived in Southampton.

Small communities were shattered as nearly every house on some streets lost one, sometimes two members of their families.

 

As some have said. There are many other great ships that could be replicated other than the tragic Titanic. In fact why not use the money to save some much loved ships that enthusiasts are trying to save?

 

Other than a museum piece to remember her by, the thought of seeing her docked here makes me shudder.

 

JMHO

[VallyD]

Hi all,

 

Other than a museum piece to remember her by, the thought of seeing her docked here makes me shudder.

 

JMHO

 

I couldn't agree more.

[Rotterdam]

of respect & common sense regarding this topic.

 

Thank you Frenchmartiniplease.

 

 

 

Hi all,

 

We live in Southampton and as a family we often go to see special ship arrivals and departures. Eg The three Queens, the seven P&O ship day, naming days and sometimes just to wave you off on busy days.

I think most people here have great affection and pride in our merchant fleet history.

 

On the hundreth anniversary of the Titantic, they sounded her horn. Even living outside Southhampton, we could hear her. It was a melancolic and poigniant sound.

 

Nearly half the people who lost their lives were crew who lived in Southampton.

Small communities were shattered as nearly every house on some streets lost one, sometimes two members of their families.

 

As some have said. There are many other great ships that could be replicated other than the tragic Titanic. In fact why not use the money to save some much loved ships that enthusiasts are trying to save?

 

Other than a museum piece to remember her by, the thought of seeing her docked here makes me shudder.

 

JMHO

[Germancruiser]

All in all I agree with Vallyd- I am facinated with this ship also since I was about 10 years old- after secretly watching the movie- Titanic- with Barbara Stanwyck and Clifton Webb- one of my favorite films every since!

People are facinated with deasasters since manhood I presume- so I understand this guy´s enthusiasm. The thing with the costumes and the 3 class system is just beyond me in our days. The ship´s exterior- all right, but we are over a hundered years later...! Would I sail her- hm I thing about is since I heard from the newbuilt!

I am sure there will be memorial services held in the honor of the lost souls in 1912.

Michael

[London-Calling]

From what I have read Titanic II is being built more as a cruise ship, than a proper Ocean Liner.

 

Let me explain. Stephen Payne specifically designed the Queen Mary 2 for the rigours of the North Atlantic. Her hull is extra thick, streamlined, very stable, her bridge extra high, she has a breakwater on her bow, she has extra speed (some 30 knots available).

 

Payne looked at the North Atlantic weather charts for 100 years and designed the QM2 so she will never arrive at NY or Southampton late (assuming the weather is never any worse that the past 100 years). She can slow down in a storm to make the ride comfortable for the passengers and still has the reserve speed to make up the time.

 

The Titanic 2 will have a 1912 designed hull which has been modified (widened) to be more stable. I’m not aware that she will have any specially capabilities for the North Atlantic. After all she’s quite a small ship – much smaller than the QE2 for example.

 

Palmer says that Titanic 2 able to achieve 23 knots and do a six day crossing. I’m told that 23 knots will more likely give you a seven day crossing. In heavy seas that could extend to eight days. She’s unlikely to offer direct crossings in winter, unlike the QM2.

 

Titanic 2 might win on charm and publicity, but technically she will be no match for the QM2.

Edited March 7, 2013 by London-Calling