Titanic II Plans Revealed

Australian mining billionaire Clive Palmer has unveiled blueprints for the Titanic II, a modern replica of the ill-fated ocean liner.

The ship will largely recreate the design and decor of the original, with some changes to keep it in line with current safety rules and shipbuilding practices, reports Reuters India. Just like on the original cruise ship, the three passenger classes will be prevented from intermingling.

However, Palmer, who created Blue Star Line in 2012, will not make the infamous “unsinkable ship” claim that the original operators did. Titanic II will have ample lifeboat spaces for each person aboard the vessel, and will have extra escape staircases.

Palmer declined to answer questions about the project's cost.

China’s CSC Jinling Shipyard is slated to build the Titanic II, although a contract for the job has not been signed yet. Construction is expected to begin later this year, with the maiden voyage scheduled for 2016. It will follow the original trans-Atlantic crossing route.

Passengers will find 1912-style clothing in their rooms to dress up and pretend they are living in an earlier era, if desired, as they visit reproductions of the original first-class dining and smoking rooms. Although the classes will be kept essentially separate, Palmer is considering offering ticket packages that would allow passengers to experience all three classes during a typical six-day Atlantic crossing. Prices for the tickets have not yet been announced.