Deep-pocketed adventure seekers who want to tempt fate by hitting the open seas aboard the Titanic II – the planned and highly publicized replica of its ill-fated predecessor – may be waiting awhile. It seems the ship, originally slated to launch this year, has run into troubled waters.
According to this article in the Belfast Telegraph, the Titanic II – the brainchild of Australian tycoon, businessman and politician Clive Palmer – is now supposed to make its maiden voyage in 2018. But that plan also appears to be floundering.
Plans for the Titanic II call for it to be built to replicate — as nearly as possible — the original Belfast-built luxury ship, which struck an iceberg and sank on its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York in 1912, taking the lives of some 1,500 people.
Like the original, the Titanic II would offer first-, second- and third-class cabins and dining areas, as well as the famed grand staircase, Turkish baths, a squash court and swimming pools. But it would also come equipped with modern amenities and the latest navigation and safety systems, according to the ship’s website.
But here’s the thing: Despite what you’ve seen or read on the news about the Titanic II, there’s been little to no progress on Palmer’s dream to build the luxury liner for at least two years.
The successor to the Titanic was supposed to be built at CSC Jinling shipyard in Nanjing, China. But Jalopnik said construction hasn’t begun. The pictures of the ship that have been publicized are computer renderings from a few years aback.
The most recent update on the Titanic II’s website was posted in May, 2014. The project’s Twitter page was updated with a post on May 15, 2014, and then it went dark until just a few days ago, when it shared this Facebook video post on the ship’s plans that was put together by BuzzFeed.
Plans for the ship could also be capsized by an investigation of Palmer. According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the Australian Securities and Investment Commission is investigating Palmer and the collapse of his company, Queensland Nickel.
Palmer could face criminal charges over alleged use of aliases in company dealings and moving money from his failed business into his self-titled political party. The company owes creditors roughly $100 million.
Sure, the Titanic II could become a reality. But at this point, I think it’s safe to say that the Titanic II is nothing more than a tycoon’s dream.
What do you think of the plans for the Titanic II? Do you think the ship will ever make its voyage? Share your comments below or on our Facebook page.
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