Titanic II: Exact replica of doomed ocean liner set to sail in 2018
AN EXACT replica of the Titanic will finally set sail in 2018.
The ship immortalised in the 1997 film is set for a modern relaunch
The fully-functioning imitation of the doomed ocean liner – updated to meet modern safety requirements – will travel from Jiangsu, China, to Dubai.
Its supposedly unsinkable namesake struck an iceberg on its maiden voyage between Southampton and New York in 1912.
Titanic told the story of Jack and Rose and won 11 Oscars
Titanic's fateful collision claimed the lives of over 1,500 passengers and crew – and went on to be immortalised in the 1997 blockbuster starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.
The replica, funded by colourful Australian billionaire Clive Palmer, had initially been slated for a 2016 launch.
Barmy billionaire Clive Palmer
More than 2,000 passengers will enjoy access to Turkish baths, a gym and swimming pool.
While the ship's first, second and third class cabins will be faithful reproductions of the original, a spokesman for mining tycoon Palmer's Blue Star Line said it would be updated with a full complement of modern technology.
James McDonald, the firm's marketing director, said: "The new Titanic will of course have modern evacuation procedures, satellite controls, digital navigation and radar systems and all those things you'd expect on a 21st century ship."
Titanic - I'll never let go scene
He added that the resurrection of the legendary Titanic brand – more than a century on from the original's demise and almost two decades on from the Oscar-winning film – was exciting people the world over.
He said: "We own the Titanic II name and trademark and people are lining up to be a part of it."
The sinking of the Titanic claimed over 1,500 lives
Blue Star have been "inundated" with requests from prospective passengers, according to publicity.
The enthusiasm for the project comes despite complaints from relatives of those who died in the 1912 tragedy, who slammed the plans as insensitive.