Would you book your next vacation on the Titanic? If you're a risk-taker, or just a history buff, you'll soon be in luck. The Independent reports that a fully functioning replica of the ill-fated ship will set sail in 2018.
Clive Palmer, the Australian billionaire who runs the Blue Star Line company, had originally announced his plans to build the replica, naturally called the Titanic II, back in 2012, and expected it to debut this year. But despite the delays, the company says it's on track for 2018.
According to the Belfast Telegraph, the Titanic II will have nine floors and 840 cabins, enough to accommodate 2,400 tourists and 900 crew members arranged in first, second, and third class, like on the original boat. There will also be Turkish baths, a swimming pool, and gyms.
Though it's set to be a complete replica, there will be some modern updates. It will measure four meters wider, and its hull will be welded together rather than riveted together. There will also be modern navigation, radar, and satellite controls, and up-to-date safety procedures. Also, there will be enough lifeboats, unlike the original Titanic.
One other difference: Its maiden voyage won't cross the Atlantic. It will instead sail from Jiangsu, China, to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, because Blue Star Line has multiple business contacts there. It's unclear how much tickets will cost, but Today.com reports that some interested passengers have offered to pay up to $1 million for a ticket.
