Clive Palmer’s wants the Titanic II to resemble the original RMS Titanic as closely as possible and this aim includes the ships original sports, health and recreational facilities.
Modern cruise ships have very extensive sports, health and recreational facilities. These often include pools and hot tubs on deck, even water parks. RMS Titanic’s were state-of-the-art in the day, but much more modest.
Palmer’s Titanic II will feature re-creations of the original Gymnasium, Bathing Pool, Turkish Bath and a Squash Court on board.
The Gym
Titanic’s Gymnasium was located just aft of the forward Grand Staircase along the Starboard side of the Boat Deck. It was described as a wonderful innovation for an ocean-going liner at the time.
It was a brightly lit room with white-painted oak panelling and tile floors. The room was equipped with state-of-the-art exercise equipment, including two electric camels, an electric horse, a rowing machine, a punching bag, a weightlifting machine, and mechanical bicycles. All were very popular in the era.
Tickets, priced at one shilling, were available from the purser and entitled First Class passengers only to one session in this facility. There was a permanent ‘Physical Educator’ on the staff.
The gymnasium was open during selected hours and, like other recreational facilities aboard the Titanic, segregated by gender and age.
The Bathing Pool
Titanic had a swimming bath, located inside the hull, on the starboard side of the ship at the forward end of F Deck. Once again this facility was for the benefit of first class passengers only. It was 30ft long by 14ft wide and included a number of changing rooms. The bath contained heated sea water.
There were no pools (or hot tubs for that matter) on the open deck.
The Turkish Bath
Titanic’s Turkish Baths They were located on F Deck between the Swimming Bath and the Third Class Dining Room. Yes, you have guessed it: they were exclusively for First Class passengers only. The baths were designed in a Moorish style with heated blankets and service waiters.
The Cool Room was the central feature of the Turkish Baths, decorated in a mix of Moorish/Arabic styles. Throughout the room were teak folding chairs, Damascus tables and cushioned chaise lounges for relaxation. There were also small curtained cubicles for changing.
The Baths were segregated by gender. There was a charge of 4 shillings, per person for admission.
The Squash Court
The Titanic featured a squash racquet court, deep within the bow of the ship on G-Deck. It measured 30 ft. long X 20 ft. wide and like the Gymnasium, it had its own instructor on the staff. The charge for First Class passengers to play was 2 shillings, for half an hour.
There was an accompanying Spectator’s Gallery on F Deck overlooking the court. It could be entered by a separate staircase.
In conclusion, modern cruise passengers have come to expect so much more than was offered in 1912.
(Some text from Fandom)
See my page about Titanic II accommodation – HERE
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