Is the ‘Titanic II’ Cruise Ship Already Sunk?

Updated: March 29, 2014 (Originally published March 28, 2014)

Aussie Billionaire Clive Palmer set out for an ambitious goal when he announced plans to build a replica of the RMS Titanic, and now it seems the Titanic II project, at least as planned, may be headed towards a similar fate as its predecessor: sunk.

According to Australian media, Palmer and his Blue Star Line are yet to sign a final deal with the builder in China, state-owned CSC Jinling Shipyard, even when shipbuilding should have already started last year ahead of its planned 2016 maiden voyage, a six-day recreation from Southampton to New York of course

The Australian reports that so far China has shown little interest in building the ship, which is estimated to cost $195 million, leaving the Titanic II’s fate in question and the planned 2016 maiden voyage all but impossible.

The news comes less than a year after plans to build the ship seemed eminent with the appointment of V.Ships Leisure as the official ship manager and part of the team that would ensure a successful delivery 2016.

Original plans for the vessel showed the ship fully equipped with nine decks reminiscent of the original, included with the famous black hull, four smokestacks, separate social classes and the Grand Staircase, but with added safety features and enough lifeboats.

Biting his tongue I’m sure, Palmer has not yet declared the ship unsinkable.

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