The Iceberg did it

A tragedy that, at the time and even in today's perceptions, had a massive impact through the huge loss of life and the shaking of that unsinkable feeling of a technologically advanced mankind at the beginning of a new century is a strange subject for a Theme Park Attraction. 

Add to these irrefutable facts the controversy over the survival of wealthy passengers over those in the lower decks, some through subterfuge, bribery and influence and you would think that a respectful attitude would be expected if not demanded. 

Nevertheless, the Romandisea Seven Star International Cultural Tourism Resort in China is building a one to one scale replica of the 269 metre long steamship passenger liner, Titanic to feature as part of a landlocked visitor centre. 

The project involves significant capital investment which is in some way appropriate for what was, because of its opulence in design and specification as well as the high value status of many of the passengers on that fateful maiden voyage, euphemistically called the Money Ship. 

The Titanic has continued to capture the attention and interest of the public even now after 104 years since its collision with an iceberg in the North Atlantic whilst making its way from England to New York. Memorabilia continues to make its way to the Auction Houses and achieves record prices. The unofficial top ten artefacts in terms of realised sales prices include;

A Ticket to the Ships Turkish Baths- $11,000
The Cigar Box belonging to Captain Smith-$40,000
A Deck Plan $49,000
Life jacket $55,000
A photograph of the iceberg thought to have caused the tragedy $100,000
A Dinner menu $125,000
Cabin Master Key $138,000
Keys to the crows nest lookout $147,000
A pocket watch of a Steward $154,000
A detailed plan of the ship $362,000
The violin from one of the orchestra playing on deck during the sinking $1.7 million

There is also an accumulated total for sales of diamonds and other jewellery alleged to have belonged to victims and survivors which to date has reached in excess of $200 million.

The research by the Chinese Consortium for what has been called the New Titanic has been far reaching involving a global search for a full set of the original Blueprints of the vessel. These hand drawn engineering diagrams were dispersed widely, mainly as collectors items or simply hidden away by former employees of the White Star Company or subsidiary companies and sub contractors.

Amongst the list of top prices paid for memorabilia is that for the detailed schematic of the Titanic which was actually a large version mounted on a display board for those called to the Inquest into the tragedy to point out and explain the reasons for the sinking of the unsinkable.

The facts and myths surrounding the tragic Titanic appeal to a wide audience. The locating and documentation of the wreck by the Ballard Team gave fresh impetus to a legend which many will thought might never happen. The movie representations from A Night to Remember to Raise the Titanic and of course the Cameron Epic will ensure a continuation of interest for generations.

As for the interpretation by the Romandisea Seven Star International Cultural Tourism Resort........... I have not made up my mind yet.