An Australian billionaire and former member of the Australian parliament has revived his plan to build a replica of the Titanic that is “far, far superior than the original” and will carry passengers around the world in “style and luxury.”
In previous years, Palmer had launched plans to build the Titanic II, in 2012 and 2018.
Payment issues had earlier caused the building of the Titanic to stop in 2015 and Palmer also blamed the COVID-19 pandemic and cruise industry shutdowns for delays.
The billionaire held a press conference at the Sydney Opera House to announce that his dream of completing the vessel called the Titanic II, is still alive.
He plans to start building the vessel early next year. The ship will recreate the one that sank in 1912, with the same interior, and will be constructed by Palmer’s company, Blue Star Line.
The inaugural voyage of Titanic II is planned for June 2027 and would follow the footsteps of its predecessor, setting sail from Southampton, England, to New York.
The ship is set to feature modern safety procedures and upgraded navigation technology.
Palmer estimates that it will cost between $500 million to $1 billion, to build the Titanic II.
“I’ve got more money now,” he said. “It’s a lot more fun to do the Titanic than it is to sit at home and count my money.”
Melissa Enoch
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