Palmer’s faithful replica of the RMS Titanic will undergo a two-week maiden voyage from Dubai when it sets sail in 2022 from the Chinese shipyard. (Now June 2027)
After that, it will begin regular trips along the original Titanic’s planned route between Southampton and New York City. The vessel – so named the ‘Titanic II’ – will be owned and operated by Blue Star Line.
According to the brand’s chairman, Clive Palmer, the project is slightly delayed. But the maiden voyage will still include Dubai. “We’re still going to cruise from Dubai,” Palmer admitted to Cruise Arabia & Africa.
“After a shakedown cruise from the shipyard to Singapore, we’ll offer a two-week maiden voyage to Dubai, with another grand voyage from Dubai to Southampton.”
The launch date is of particular note, as 2022 will mark exactly 110-years since the original Titanic hit an iceberg and sank into the Atlantic. According to Palmer, everything is going to be faithfully recreated (except its fate, hopefully).
“Blue Star Line will create an authentic Titanic experience, providing passengers with a ship that has the same interiors and cabin layout as the original vessel, while integrating modern safety procedures, navigation methods and 21st-century technology to produce the highest levels of luxurious comfort,” Palmer added.
How will the Titanic II get around the same icebergs that sank the last one? It’s going to avoid them entirely. The new vessel will only travel between New York and Southampton over the summer. During the colder months, it will take punters on round-the-world excursions instead.
(Courtesy Esquire, Middle East)
Titanic II slide-show: HERE
Malcolm says: Sorry Clive, but your Titanic II’s maiden voyage CANNOT be Dubai to Southampton! That makes no sense at all. It must recreate the ill fated maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic, which commenced on 10th April 1912 and was the route: Southampton to New York.
What are you thinking Clive? The ship should be repositioned empty, from the Chinese Jinling shipyard, to Southampton for the maiden cruise. Mind you she would loose some revenue doing that!
*As for 2022, Clive is probably being over optimistic again. Using the Jinling shipyard is also NOT a fact, as yet.
Update on the story above:
Townsville to be broadcast worldwide when Titanic II makes historic visit
Townsville will be broadcast to the world as the first city Titanic II visits on its historic maiden voyage, Blue Star Line Chairman Clive Palmer announced from North Queensland today.
“The people of Townsville will be among the first in the world to see Titanic II. The ship of love is coming,’’ Mr Palmer said.
“Titanic II is a unique project that will generate unprecedented international exposure and public interest”.
“Its visit will put Townsville on the world map, showcasing the destination’s enormous tourism potential as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef,’’ Mr Palmer said.
Blue Star Line is creating an authentic Titanic experience, providing passengers with a ship that has the same interiors and cabin layout as the original vessel, while integrating modern safety procedures, navigation methods and 21st century technology to produce the highest level of luxurious comfort.
Blue Star Line has engaged global partners including Finnish-based marine engineering company Deltamarin and Tillberg Design of Sweden to bring the grand vision of Titanic II to life.
Following the Townsville visit, the ship will be put into service along its original route, carrying passengers from Southampton to New York. Titanic II will also circumnavigate the globe, inspiring and enchanting people while attracting unrivalled attention, intrigue and mystery in every port she visits.
“In 1912 the Titanic was the ship of dreams. For over a century Titanic’s legend has been powered by mystery, intrigue and respect for all she stood for,’’ Mr Palmer said
“Millions have dreamt of sailing on her, seeing her in port and experiencing her unique majesty. Titanic ll will be the ship where those dreams come true and Townsville will see it first,’’ he said.
(Blue Star Line)
So Where Is Townsville?
Townsville is a city on the north-eastern coast of Queensland, Australia. Townsville is Australia’s largest urban centre north of the Sunshine Coast, with a population of 173,815 as of the 2016 Australian census. Considered the unofficial capital of North Queensland by locals, Townsville hosts a significant number of governmental, community and major business administrative offices for the northern half of the state.
It is in the dry tropics region of Queensland, adjacent to the central section of the Great Barrier Reef.
The city is also a major industrial centre home to one of the worlds largest Zinc refineries with an expansion from 2019, a copper refinery, nickel refinery and many other similar activities. The Port of Townsville is also being expanded to allow much larger cargo ships from Asia and the worlds largest passenger ships to visit. It is an increasingly important port due to its proximity to Asia and major trading partners such as China.
Malcolm says: Clive Palmer owned the Townsville nickel refinery. I assume that’s why Palmer picked Townsville, because he’s very familiar with the area.
Palmer has previously commented (see above) on Titanic II’s maiden cruise “After a shakedown cruise from the shipyard to Singapore, we’ll offer a two-week maiden voyage to Dubai, with another grand voyage from Dubai to Southampton.” Mind you that would make the people of Dubai the first to see Titanic II, after it leaves the Chinese* shipyard, NOT Townsville. However Palmer does tend to contradict himself at times.
Townsville Tourist Website: HERE
What will the ticket cost for the maiden voyage? See HERE
Titanic II News 