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Asked if Titanic II could meet the same fate as its predecessor,
Palmer told reporters: "Of course it will sink if you put a hole in it."
He added: "Of course, if you are superstitious …
you never know what could happen."
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An Australian billionaire is apparently replicating the Titanic to scale, fitting it with modern amenities, and then having it sail the same maiden voyage the original never completed. My immediate reaction was: when can I buy a ticket? and, less dignified, TAKE MY MONEY TAKE IT.
That might seem strange to the skeptics and superstitious out there who see this as a bad idea or tempting fate, but I've always held an unshakeable fascination for the Titanic. As a history lover, I'm frequently exposed to important human events in the past, and every now and then one of them takes hold of my heart and refuses to let go. With Titanic, it started with the James Cameron film and has since evolved into a hungry consumption of documentaries and non-fiction works related to the ship's sinking. Anything and everything I can get my hands on.
Something about the disaster keeps me wondering, marveling at the tragedy. All you have to do is look at pictures of the ship -- black and white and pristine and huge, they called the ship unsinkable and that's exactly how it comes across. Then imagine it disappearing beneath the waves on a black April night, taking over a thousand souls with it. It's as unbelievable now as it was when it happened.
In all likelihood, I will not be sailing the Titanic II's maiden voyage, not out of fear but because of funds. I imagine tickets will sell like hotcakes, no matter the price, as soon as they go on sale. That's fine, though. I'd be just as happy (and probably quite emotional) to watch the Titanic II pull into port in New York -- something it's spiritual predecessor never did. Because, to me, that's what this endeavor represents: A second chance at something great.
What about you? Would you sail on the Titanic II?
Oh jeez, I don't know if I would! I think the open ocean alone would scare me half to death. THERE ARE SHARKS IN THERE.
ReplyDeleteSee, for me, the freezing water is more frightening. xD But the Titanic II's being accompanied by the Chinese navy, so no worries about a speedy rescue this time if it does go down!
DeleteO.K. but where will the Chinese take you?
ReplyDeleteTo New York! They're invested in this shipping expedition, looking to become leading competitors in new kind of cruises, so kidnapping their patrons to China is not good business sense. ;)
DeleteI would sail on it in a minute. Just think how fun and exciting that would be. And if we can't get tickets, you and I are in New York standing on the dock watching it arrive. Just remember the Kleenex because that will be pretty emotional.
ReplyDeleteSounds good to me! =D Now I just need to get published so I can spend some of that hard-earned advance on tickets. ;)
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