Australian billionaire Clive Palmer is back with his long-held dream of building and sailing the Titanic II, a replica of the infamous ship that sank in 1912. The project, first announced in 2012, has faced delays, but Palmer believes the time is finally right to bring it to life.

Palmer sees the pandemic as a major hurdle that has been overcome, with cruise ships returning to business. He has reconnected with partners to get the project moving again, aiming for a 2027 maiden voyage.

The new Titanic II will be “far superior” to the original, according to Palmer. While it will maintain the luxurious look and feel of the early 20th-century liner, it will be equipped with modern safety features and technologies unavailable in 1912. This presumably includes enough lifeboats for all passengers, a critical failing of the original ship that contributed to the tragic loss of life.

Passengers will be encouraged to dress for the 1900s, but it’s not mandatory. The ship itself will be 269 meters long and 32.2 meters wide – slightly wider than the original. Capacity will be 2,345 passengers spread across nine decks with 835 cabins. Almost half of those will be reserved for first-class passengers. Third-class passengers will be treated to stew and mash at long tables in a communal dining room – as they were on the original boat – though a spokesperson said other meals will also be available for those who want a less authentic experience.

According to the Internet