By
Rebecca Gibson |
The design plans for Titanic II, the modern-day replica of the ill-fated Titanic, which sank in 1912, were revealed at a press conference in New York on 26 February.
The 270-metre ship will have nine floors and 835 cabins, as well as gymnasiums, swimming pools, Turkish baths, a smoking room, libraries, a theatre, casino and a hospital. Guests will be provided with 1912-style outfits and will be segregated into the original first, second and third classes throughout the cruise. They will be unable to use modern technology such as telephones and televisions, while the provision of internet access has yet to be decided.
However, the replica liner will feature contemporary air conditioning systems, a high-tech engine and a safety deck with additional lifeboats, including 18 covered motorised lifeboats.
“It will be every bit as luxurious as the original Titanic but of course it will have
state-of-the-art twenty first century technology and the latest navigation and safety systems,” said Australian mining billionaire and owner of Blue Star Line, Clive Palmer.
The construction of Titanic II will begin at the state-owned CSC Jinling Shipyard in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, China, in 2013. The vessel will then embark on its maiden voyage in 2016, retracing the original route from Southampton, UK, to New York, US. A confirmed 40,000 passengers have already registered for tickets for the first voyage.