Replica of the Titanic to Sail in 2022

Category: Human Interest

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. set sail / sɛt seɪl / (idiom) – to begin a trip on a ship or a boat
    Example:

    My father and I are going to set sail for the Caribbean.


  2. constraint / kənˈstreɪnt / (n) – a limitation
    Example:

    We did not meet the project’s deadline due to time constraints.


  3. doomed / duːmd / (adj) – having bad luck
    Example:

    I felt that the project was doomed from the start because it already had a lot of problems.


  4. grandeur / ˈgrænʤɚ / (n) – the condition of being impressive
    Example:

    The guests are fascinated by the hotel’s grandeur.


  5. reservoir / ˈrɛzəˌvwɑɚ / (n) – an area where huge amounts of water are stored
    Example:

    The reservoir supplied my whole village with drinking water.


Article

Read the text below.

A replica of the Titanic, called Titanic II, is expected to set sail in 2022.


British cargo shipping company Blue Star Line is currently creating the replica. The company revealed the project in 2012, but it was postponed because of budget constraints. But because the budget issue had finally been resolved, Blue Star Line announced the project’s resumption.


The Titanic II’s journey in 2022 will start in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It will disembark in Southampton, England, then travel to New York. This is the same route that the original Titanic took before sinking in April 1912.


The doomed ship was one of the largest ships ever made. It had a total of ten decks, a pool, a gym, and a grand staircase–its most famous feature.


To replicate the original’s grandeur, the same attractions will be seen in the Titanic II, according to Blue Star Chairman Clive Palmer. However, unlike the original, the replica will boast more modern navigation technology and lifeboats to ensure safety. It can accommodate 2,400 people and 900 staff, just like the Titanic.


Another replica of the Titanic is under construction in China. It will imitate the Titanic’s original features but will only be displayed as a tourist attraction at a reservoir. The replica will be open to the public in 2019.


The ship is expected to be the main attraction of a resort called Romandisea. For a one-night stay, the cabins and rooms inside the ship will cost around $430 to $14,390. While inside, guests can enjoy a ballroom, a movie theater, and swimming pools.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• Do you think it is a good idea for companies to replicate the Titanic? Why or why not?
• Do you think a lot of people would join the Titanic II cruise once it opens to the public? Why or why not?

Discussion B

• If you were given the opportunity to replicate a structure, what would it be? Why?
• Would you make your replica an exact copy of the structure or would you add more features to it? Discuss.