When word got out that an Australian billionaire Clive Palmer was planning to build a functional replica of the Titanic in April 2012, it made waves in more ways than one. After all, people are fascinated by the story of the original Titanic and its tragic sinking in 1912, and there are a few memorial cruises out there already. But some wonder if it's a good idea to saddle a new ship with such a dubious legacy. After all, why tempt fate?
Nevertheless, Palmer, founder of the Blue Star Line, is forging ahead with plans for the Titanic II. He showed off blueprints for the project Tuesday at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum and said construction of the ship will begin in China this year. Come 2016, you'll be able to book passage on it -- something which most people seem to think is not such a hot idea. On the other hand, the new cruise liner will have enough lifeboats for everyone and a host of new amenities (air conditioning!), so perhaps it will tempt people to give it a try.
The announcement caused quite a stir on Twitter, and as usual, the comedians came to the rescue. It's no surprise that Carnival got picked on right away:
Titanic II, I'm assuming that's a Carnival idea?
— Mike Schmitt (@Schmitt2021) February 27, 2013
Word from the Death Star PR Twitter is that they've been through this kind of thing before.
Take it from us, Titanic II, maybe building an exact replica of a giant ship with a huge engineering flaw isn't the BEST idea ever.
— Death Star PR (@DeathStarPR) February 26, 2013
Cartoonist Marshall Ramsey poked some fun at the announcement in his strip.
Today's Twitter #Cartoon 2: #Titanic II twitter.com/MarshallRamsey…
— Marshall Ramsey (@MarshallRamsey) February 27, 2013
The Internet's meme army was on hand to Photoshop pics of Leonardo diCaprio ASAP:
In response to the Titanic II being built. twitter.com/UWConfessions/…
— UWMadisonConfessions (@UWConfessions) February 27, 2013
Even comedian Ellen DeGeneres weighed in, saying she might sit out the ship's maiden voyage if it's up to her.
A billionaire is trying to make Titanic II. I think I'll buy my ticket for the second ride.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) February 27, 2013
Is it unsinkable, though? Not quite.
"Anything will sink if you put a hole in it,” Palmer said.
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