An Australian billionaire is pressing ahead with plans to build a replica of doomed liner Titanic despite the scepticism and derision which have greeted the project.
This week, Clive Palmer announced he will host a black-tie gala dinner at London’s Natural History Museum on December 1 to publicise his scheme. It will be followed three days later by a similar event on board the USS Intrepid in New York.
With questionable taste, the menu at both events will feature the food served on board Titanic on April 14, 1912 – the night the ship hit an iceberg before sinking with the loss of more than 1,500 lives.
At least the guests, who will include Lord Boateng in London and Caroline Kennedy in New York, won’t have to fight for a place in the lifeboats after feasting on 11 courses starting with Rossmore oysters and ending with Colston Bassett Stilton.
Palmer, who made his fortune in mining, says his Titanic II will be an exact replica of the original, with modern safety features. It is to be built by CSC Jinling shipyard in China and is scheduled to make its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York in 2016.
A collection of artefacts salvaged from the wreckage will be on show at the London dinner, and entertainment will be provided by the British Imperial Military Band and the Emerald Society Pipes and Drums of the Metropolitan Police Service Band.
►There may be doubts that the new Titanic will ever get off the drawing board, but there is no mistaking the latest – and final – Celebrity Solstice class ship which made its debut this week.
Celebrity Reflection was introduced to travel agents and European media on a two-day cruise to Amsterdam. Unlike sisters Eclipse, Equinox and Silhouette, which were all christened in Southampton, it will be named in Miami on December 1 – just as Palmer and his pals are dining in London.
I’m glad that someone else has finally pointed out that elements of Clive Palmer’s venture are in “questionable taste.” Thanks, John