Titanic and Prophecy

"Similarities are chilling..both liners were “unsinkable”, both hit icebergs, both met with disaster in the month of April, and both ships were approximately 400 miles from Newfoundland traveling at over 20 knots."

The page reads:

“And with her keel cutting the ice like the steel runner of an iceboat, and her great weight resting on the starboard bilge, she rose out of the sea, higher and higher–until the propellers in the Stern were half exposed–then, meeting in easy, spiral rise in the ice under her port bow, she heeled, overbalanced, and crashed down on her side, to starboard.” 

The dramatic text continues:

“The holding down bolts of 12 boilers and 3 triple expansion engines, unintended to hold such weights from a perpendicular flooring, snapped, and down through a maze of ladders, gratings, and fore-and-aft bulkheads came these giant masses of steel and iron, puncturing the sides of the ship.” 

And further still:

“Amid the roar of escaping steam, and the bee like buzzing of nearly 3000 human voices, raised in agonized screams and calling from within the enclosed walls, and the whistling of air through hundreds of open dead lights is the water, entering the holes of the crushed and riven starboard side...”

This is not an excerpt from the New York Times or London Illustrated News in April of 1912, rather this text is quoted from Morgan Robertson’s novella “The Wreck of the Titan”, originally published as “Futility” in 1898, fourteen years before the Titanic’s fateful Maiden Voyage.  Other similarities are chilling, besides the very names being so close. Both liners were “unsinkable”, both hit icebergs, both met with disaster in the month of April, and both ships were approximately 400 miles from Newfoundland traveling at over 20 knots.

Published in 1976, Clive Cussler fans enjoyed further adventures of action hero Dirk Pitt in Cussler’s fantasy novel “Raise the Titanic”. Along with the subsequent film adaptation of the novel released in 1980, here was another uncanny precursor to actual events connected with Titanic. 


In “Raise the Titanic” a rare substance, byzanium, is needed for a major defense project. The only known quantity of this substance sank in the cargo holds of the RMS Titanic back in 1912. In order for his world saving mission to succeed, Pitt must locate Titanic and find a way to access the byzanium.  Pitt and his team locate the sunken wreck using deep-sea submersibles, sonar and other technology that would foreshadow the stunning real life efforts of Bob Ballard in 1985. Ballard discovered the debris field surrounding Titanic and then found the remains of the great White Star liner herself on the bottom of the Atlantic.  In Cussler’s version, Titanic’s hull was intact and was brought to the surface,  Perhaps Ballard may have been inspired by this written and cinematic fantasy to create reality, but nonetheless it’s a remarkable connection.

Without question, these works of fiction were created prior to the true events of history. Perhaps there is some sort of ethereal energy or connection with “the other side” where future visions were channeled into the minds of these authors to share a projection of what was to come.  Contemplate, for just a moment, what other works of contemporary fiction of disaster, innovation or modern development will prove true in the decades to come. It cannot be as simple as common logic, which would dictate these futures, for the details of both “The Wreck of the Titan” and “Raise the Titanic” are far too specific to real life events.

Captain Arthur Henry Rostron - Brief Portrait of a Hero

"Rostron worked on multiple Cunard liners, becoming First Office of LUSITANIA 1907. He then took the helm of CARPATHIA as Captain in January of 1912"

Sir Arthur Henry Rostron

Shortly before midnight on April 14th, 1912 CARPATHIA Marconi Operator Harold Cottom was undressing for bed, still with headsets on, waiting for a reply from nearby Allen liner PARISIAN.  As a courtesy Cottom, who heard press communications coming from Cape Cod for TITANIC, called the White Star Liner asking him if he was aware that Cape Cod was sending messages for him. Back came a stunning reply that changed history: “Come at once!”  Cottam, along with First Officer Horace Dean, burst into Captain Arthur Henry Rostron's cabin delivering the incomprehensible news that TITANIC had struck an iceberg and was sending out distress calls.

Harold Cottam

Rostron, known to be a solid and responsible Captain with twenty-seven years of experience, joined the Cunard Line seventeen years earlier in 1895. Originally Fourth Officer on the UMBRIA, Rostron worked on multiple Cunard liners, becoming First Officer of LUSITANIA 1907. He then took the helm of CARPATHIA as Captain in January of 1912, just a few months before this collision with fate.  Without hesitation, Rostron turned around the Eastbound CARPATHIA steaming its way towards the last reported coordinates for TITANIC of latitude 41.46 longitude North 50.14 West.


With all the focus and strength of a true hero, Captain Rostron worked through a massive preparation check list he carefully coordinated with his most capable crew.  The following excerpt, from my new play 41W 50N  adapted from actual 1912 TITANIC Senate Hearings held by Senator William Alden Smith, show in Rostron’s own words how he wasted no time preparing for whatever circumstances awaited at the scene of disaster:

Mr. ROSTRON

Have all hands on call to have coffee and tea ready to serve out to all our crew, in addition to each saloon along with blankets in saloons, at the gangways, and some for the boats. We must see all rescued are cared for and that all their immediate wants are attended to. My cabin and all officials' cabins are to be given up. Smoke rooms, library, dining rooms, and so forth should be utilized to accommodate the survivors.  All spare berths in steerage are to be utilized for Titanic's passengers. Have all our own steerage passengers grouped together.   

Mr. HUGHES 

May I suggest, Sir, that all stewards should be placed in each alleyway. This will reassure our own passengers, should they inquire about noise in getting our boats out or the working of engines.  

Mr. ROSTRON 

To all I strictly enjoined the necessity for order, discipline and quietness and to avoid all confusion. Hankinson, I will need you and all officers, all the hands, to prepare and swing out all boats. All gangway doors to be opened with Electric sprays in each gangway and over side. Have a Boatswains' chair at each gangway, for getting up sick or wounded. Also, pilot ladders and canvas ash bags to be at each gangway which will be of great assistance in getting the infants and children aboard. Lastly, rockets to be fired at 2:45 a. m. and every quarter of an hour after to reassure Titanic.

One of the more historic images of Captain Rostron shows him receiving a “Loving Cup” from Margaret “Unsinkable Molly” Brown for his noble actions in saving the TITANIC survivors.  Rostron eventually took command of several of the greatest Cunard Liners, including the BERENGARIA and his favourite the MAURETANIA, being made a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1926.  In 1928 Rostron became Commodore of the Cunard fleet, one of the highest honors which, in modern day, has included some familiar names such as Commodore Ronald Warwick and Commodore Bernard Warner.

 It is written that Rostron was confirmed to sail on the MAURETANIA’s final voyage to the breakers, but could not set foot upon her when the emotion became overwhelming. Rostron chose to stay landside and bid adieu to his beloved lady. Sir Arthur Henry Rostron was laid to rest 4th November 1940 at the age of 71. Coming soon, more profiles of the key players connected with TITANIC on that fateful night of April 14th/15th 1912.... 


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Wardrobe Considerations

"To reach the TITANIC wardrobe Larry had to drive a huge fork lift that raised him up some 30 feet into the air to the upper atmosphere of this overwhelming collection." 

Bill Miller recently forwarded me the itinerary and pre-trip information for this upcoming TITANIC 100th Anniversary cruise. It included all the basics about embarkation, schedules, dietary needs, available excursions, etc, as well as the usual breakdown of attire for various nights. Elegant Casual appears to be the standard fare, although we are told there will be two (2) formal nights. What caught my eye was the added notice "During both formal nights you may choose to wear costumes from the era, if you wish."  At first I thought this a bit silly, but then the significance of the voyage inspired me.  Without too huge an investment, I wondered where could I find a period costume from 1912, or even thereabouts? I further hesitated to rent something, thinking of a scene in the Jane Seymour and Christopher Reeve film SOMEWHERE IN TIME when Reeve purchases a period suit to go back in time and meet Seymour, only to discover that his choice was several years out of date!  I would certainly not want to show up for 1912 in a suit that was from the Spring collection of 1910!

Larry Munsey

My dear friend Larry Munsey is a multi talented Director, Actor, Costume Designer extraordinaire.  He has been nominated multiple times by the prestigious Helen Hayes Awards for his remarkable work over the years with Toby's Dinner Theatre in both Columbia and Baltimore Maryland. Larry has access to Toby's huge warehouse packed with thousands of costumes, props & set pieces from endless productions.  One call and Larry said "Let's meet up at the warehouse and I'll find you something from a production of TITANIC we did a few years back."   I told him I'd be thrilled if anything at all was available, if it was from RAGTIME or maybe even HELLO DOLLY... something ...anything early 1900's!

Just walking through the place is amazing with racks hanging from the ceiling, up the walls, in endless aisles.  If you are a bit of a theatre geek, like me, you can start playing a warped version of "Name That Show" by just looking at the costume or set pieces.  The large circular gold coins immediately screamed 42ND STREET.

Ivanna Barrientos (Tracy Turnblad)
and Larry Munsey (Edna Turnblad)

Plastic headpieces that created silver crowns made out of hairdresser combs and curlers shouted "Beauty School Dropout" from GREASE and the unmistakable swirling colored ensemble with feather trim was "Edna Turnblad" from HAIRSPRAY, which Larry is about to reprise once again.

To reach the TITANIC wardrobe Larry had to drive a huge fork lift that raised him up some 30 feet into the air to the upper atmosphere of this overwhelming collection.  Without even having to take measurements Larry pulled out a charcoal grey suit which fit me perfectly.   To add to the overall effect he found a period shirt with rounded collar, black tie, the ultimate black bowler hat with silver grey ribbon, and to top it all off an elegant gentleman's overcoat with fur collar.

The shirt has been reconstructed using velcro for the actors in the actual show to be able to make flash costume changes, however the ensemble comes together beautifully and no one could tell.  So the preparations have begun. I have wardrobe for at least 2 nights... now to start a check list... more to follow....

April 1912

Rescue Boats - 9/11 & Titanic Connection

“C.Q.D” was the initial and internationally accepted distress call sent out by the White Star Liner TITANIC the evening of April 14th 1912. “C.Q.” is a preface indicating “All Ships/All Stations” or “General Call” alerting other vessels and receiving stations that the message is of great urgency.  The next letter “D” meant “Distress”.  There have been misconceptions that CQD meant “Come Quick Distress” and, although the ultimate interpretation would be the same, this simply was not the case. This code was adopted by the Marconi Company in 1904 for the concise purpose of seeking urgent assistance.

The more familiar “SOS” was originally adopted in 1905, signed as a new Worldwide standard by the second International Radiotelegraphic Convention in 1906, becoming effective on July 1, 1908.  To some, “SOS” may bring to mind the ABBA chart topping song with images of Frida and Agnetha in outlandish 70's costumes.. or perhaps Meryl Streep writhing on the roof of a greek cottage in Mamma Mia. "Oh, Ms. Streep...!" Others may assume SOS meant “Save Our Ship” or “Save Our Souls”, however as with CQD these digits are simple morse code dots and dashes with an international recognition.  SOS was still accepted until 1999 when it was replaced by the Global Maritime Distress Safety System, which takes advantage of modern communications and satellite operations. No one, however, would misinterpret a call of SOS.

Cunard Liner CARPATHIA

That cold but crystal clear night in 1912 dozens of ships altered their course to make a direct line for TITANIC.  History bears witness to the Cunard Liner CARPATHIA who was the first to arrive on the scene at 4:00am, racing at top speed through massive fields of ice, carefully maneuvering and dodging icebergs all the way.  By 8:30am CARPATHIA, guided by the skilled hands of Captain Arthur Henry Rostron, had picked up the last survivors of TITANIC, plus lifeboats, and was already turning back towards New York. The Leyland Liner CALIFORNIAN, located mere miles away and still today under a cloud of controversy, arrived at the scene of the disaster just as CARPATHIA was nearly done with the rescue.

TITANIC's sister ship OLYMPIC

TITANIC’s sister ship OLYMPIC was steaming to the rescue until a message came from White Star Line chairman J Bruce Ismay on CARPATHIA saying the TITANIC survivors should not see an exact duplicate of TITANIC. It was agreed that the sight of the sister ship would be too much to bear after the horrors they all had experienced. Convinced that nothing more could be done, OLYMPIC continued on her original course.  


Other ships in the general vicinity include the BALTIC, MOUNT TEMPLE, PARISIAN, VIRGINIAN, ASIAN, BIRMA, CINCINNATI and FRANKFURT.

Via Facebook a friend had sent me a link to a recent 11 minute documentary called BOATLIFT, narrated by Tom Hanks. This short film tells the deeply emotional story of all the various boats on 9/11 that came to the rescue as hundreds of thousands sought to evacuate lower Manhattan as the twin towers crumbled in a massive storm of fire and concrete dust.   Hanks points out that this heroic modern day maritime operation evacuated over 500,000 souls, larger that the famous Dunkirk evacuation when over 300,000 soldiers were rescued during World War II.

I could not help but think of the parallels of these rescue boats of September 11, 2001 and the night of April 14/15 1912.  The humanity was the same, the need to help, the fear of the unknown, and a desire to survive.  I have included a link to this moving documentary. If you don’t have time to watch it now, please bookmark the clip and be sure to catch it later.

Bill Miller Interview - Part II

"This is not the 92nd anniversary, this is the 100th anniversary where we are going right to the very spot where it happened. "

In Part 2 of my interview with Maritime Historian and Author Bill Miller, “MR. OCEAN LINER”, we continued to discuss the the Costa CONCORDIA incident and then talked more about our upcoming voyage on the AZAMARA JOURNEY to the site of the TITANIC disaster on the 100th Anniversary of her sinking. Below is a preview clip from MR OCEAN LINER - The Life And Times of Bill Miller, available online from www.MrOceanLiner.com

RNM - So Bill,  we talked about what has changed in light of the CONCORDIA accident. What do you think has NOT changed in 100 years since TITANIC?


BM - It's a combination of the mechanical and the human element, just like any form of transport -  hideous accidents can occur and today a ship can sink, just as we've seen with the CONCORDIA or other disasters that have occurred within the last last 50/60 years or so. Also, the fact that human error will continue until the very end of time. There will always be that element of miscalculation, simple mistakes, simple things that could have been so easily avoided. Not even a major or highly technical area, just simple things.  This will always be the case and that has not changed.  So, although ships are no longer being described as “unsinkable,” they are still - just like the TITANIC was - very subject to the elements and all the things that go with travel and voyages.


RNM - What do you think you're looking forward to most about this upcoming TITANIC 100th Anniversary sailing?


BM - I'm looking forward to two things:  One, it's taking part in what I consider to be a very historic event. This is wonderful for someone like me because it's useful for future writings,  for lectures.  It’s taking part in a pivotal event, something that's very significant.  This is not the 92nd anniversary, this is the 100TH anniversary where we are going right to the very spot where it happened.  The second part is participating with all the fellow speakers and passengers who are all all interested in the topic.  It's sort of like going to the bowling club - You don't have to ask “Do you bowl?” You know they bowl! They are all there for that reason, so we all share, in an indirect or direct way, an interest in ocean liners and TITANIC. So, to spend 8 days with them I think is fascinating.


RNM - What do you think you will take away from this voyage?


BM - The memory of being there and experiencing this event.  You know,  I can't predict how I will feel 11:40 at night, or over the spot at 2:20 am when we are standing on the deck. It might be chilly,  just as it was 100 years ago. In a way it’s going back, but at the same time bringing it forward. I'll always be able to say I was somehow directly connected the TITANIC because I was on the 100th anniversary cruise.  So I think that's what I'll bring back. It’s also a kind of spiritual feeling, perhaps, and as I said earlier the connection to it will intensify.  Commodore Ronald Warwick [of the QE2 and Queen Mary 2] told me that when he went down in the diving submersible he felt so much closer to the whole thing because he was right there next to the wreckage... next to the TITANIC on the bottom of the Atlantic. I'm not going down to the bottom, but this will be getting as close as most ordinary folks can get by being on the very site, on the very moment, 100 years later.


RNM - Would you want to go down in a submersible to TITANIC if you could? Would you go?

BM - I would go, yes.  I would certainly go.  I'm not an adventurer, someone who would hike up the Himalayas or jump out of planes,  but I would take a chance and go because of the value of doing something like that would be tremendous. Think of the experience!  You can relay that to others through lectures and writing. I think it would be very fascinating and I’d make a big issue about it if I went down. I'd make a big issue of telling people about it.


RNM - Many have commented over the years that many similar elements and artifacts from TITANIC’s time are in existence today because of her sister ship OLYMPIC - much of the same  woodwork,  the design, plus other historical items of that era, clothing, dishes,  memorabilia.  Peoples ask “Why do we need to go to TITANIC?” when most everything that was on TITANIC can be found elsewhere.  What are your thoughts on this?

(Cristoforo Columbo 1st Class Lounge Source: Brochure)

BM - I suppose when it comes down to the bottom line it's because it's not the real McCoy.  Some items exist from the OLYMPIC, but it's the items directly connected to the TITANIC that people want.  They push the envelope a little further, I think.  If someone had a chair from the CRISTOFORO COLOMBO, the sister of the ANDREA DORIA, they might say “Well it's not from the ANDREA DORIA ... that's the ship I wanted it from.” Some people want exactly the real thing. Some would be quite happy with something from the OLYMPIC or the COLOMBO, but many people want the real thing.”

RNM - Any closing thoughts?

BM - It's now about three weeks before the voyage and I can feel my own sense of excitement mounting. I'm looking forward to it. It will be special, unique.  And, it’s because I'm doing three special trips this year -  the second is the Queen's Jubilee sailing on the QUEEN MARY 2 and the QUEEN ELIZABETH. Then P&O's 175th anniversary in July when their seven liners all sail from Southampton all at the same time.  So, I feel I'm very lucky this year to participate in the top three ocean liner events. This is a year of celebrations. I feel, not in the same way as the Titanic which is much more spiritual and emotional, but I feel connected with these pivotal links to ships and other aspects their history. It intensifies the link to these sorts of things.   Plus we will relay this, share it, get new insights into TITANIC from people on board like Ken Marschall, John Langley, and Günter Bäbler, others like that.  People can look forward to scribblings, future writings.  I will write about it. I’ll be able speak more afterwards through my lectures, perhaps in book form. To tell the story with clarity, once I've been there, and then bring it to the podium or with a word processor.


RNM - I want to thank Bill Miller, once again, for his time and wonderful insights. There will be much more to come as we get closer to the April 10th 2012 departure of AZAMARA JOURNEY from the New York West Side piers and as we set sail on a course to rendezvous with history. 

Bill Miller Interview - Part I

Bill Miller is considered an international authority on the subject of ocean liners & cruise ships.   This includes those great ships of the past “floating palaces,” as well as the current generation of cruise ships.   Called “Mr. Ocean Liner,” he has written over 70 books on the subject:  from early steamers, immigrant ships and liners at war to other titles on their fabulous interiors. 

In all, Bill has also written over 1,000 articles for newspapers, magazines and nautical journals & newsletters.  He has appeared in some three dozen video & television series, both in the USA, Britain, Europe and Australia, including Castles of the Sea, The Floating Palaces, The Superliners, Inside the World of a Cruise Ship, Disasters at Sea and Deco: Age of Glamor.  He has also appeared on TheToday Show, CBS Evening News, CBS Sunday Morning, Good Morning America and many other news broadcasts. 

He has been guest lecturer aboard over 50 different liners.  As a public school teacher, in middle school and for social studies for 32 years Bill was named “Teacher of the Year” in 2002. His remarkable life story has been documented in my film “MR OCEAN LINER” www.MrOceanLiner.com  which made it’s New York premiere in 2011 at Lincoln Center as well as an International premiere on board the Cunard Liner RMS Queen Mary 2. 

Bill Miller & Robert Neal Marshall
at MR OCEAN LINER premiere
on Queen Mary 2 (photo: Peter Knego)

Bill sat down with me for an interview about this upcoming Titanic 100th Anniversary Cruise. 

Part I

RNM -  Bill, Why do you think that people are so fascinated, perhaps even obsessed, by the TITANIC history?

BM - I think there are many reasons but I think two of the most common would be that it was defiance of what you might call the “Powers of the Almighty” by creating a ship said to be unsinkable. It would be like giving birth to a human and saying it can't die. So they created a ship that turns out sinks - not later in its life - but on the maiden voyage!  It was as if to say “I'm going to show you!"  And then the very fact that the whole thing was a disaster, a loss of over 1500 lives that was really unnecessary. Of course, no ship could be unsinkable so I think it's also that twist on tempting fate, plus creating something that is supposed to be invincible.

RNM - What does it mean to you, personally, to be on this voyage and to go to the site of TITANIC on the 100th anniversary?

BM - I can say it only enhances the closeness,  and I might even use the word “intimacy” with the TITANIC. It’s the whole history of it and the disaster. To be right there at the very spot 100 years later where it all occurred. I remember in the late 1990's going on the Royal Yacht BRITANNIA up in Edinburgh and I thought to myself “Wow! I'm standing on the Royal Yacht,” which I never thought I would get aboard. You're suddenly brought right to it, which is certainly true of the TITANIC. On that night when we think of the tragedy right on the spot, surrounded by people who are fascinated by it. It will create this tremendous closeness, or for lack of a better word “intimacy” with the TITANIC.

RNM - You will be presenting several lectures on board the AZAMARA JOURNEY. Can you talk a little bit about your topics?

BM - I'll be talking more about the overview of the great liners that would have been  TITANIC's contemporaries back in the Edwardian period, World War I, the era of the great liners. I’ll also be talking about the history of New York Harbor where TITANIC was destined. I’ll share anecdotes about the rich and famous and how liners were the principal form of transport until the jet changed everything. I will talk about the current booming cruise industry which, oddly enough, people say is not as glamorous ... I'm not sure it is not as glamorous,  but it's much more comfortable with more and more people traveling now than ever before.  So, I'm going to bring what surrounds the TITANIC then and now.. and the supporting cast of the whole TITANIC event.  I'm not specifically an expert on TITANIC, so I will leave that to the experts who will be on board. 

RNM - How would you compare the TITANIC tragedy to the Costa CONCORDIA disaster 100 years later?

BM - There are a number of things. There is the factor of human error which occurred in both situations. Certainly the CONCORDIA was not called "unsinkable," but you would not have thought hitting a reef would have done such hideous damage.  The same with TITANIC...in both cases it is huge losses.  The CONCORDIA of course hasn't sunk, but most likely she's going to be scrapped. There is also a very strong similarity of human error. All the tentacles that have come out of it. There are endless stories, tens of thousands stories about the TITANIC, but in the case of the CONCORDIA,  the Captain “tripping” into the lifeboat with the Coast Guard ordering him back, unqualified crew in lifeboats, and more.  In a modern age, 100 years later, it shows that  accidents are by no means eliminated. Even simple things like unchartered reefs can be devastating.

RNM - What do you think has changed since the TITANIC regarding safety and maritime law?

Wilhelm Gustloff (photo courtesy of 
Michael Pocock at www.maritimequest.com)

BM - One of the biggest things that has changed is the increase in safety. No ship can set out without adequate safety equipment since the TITANIC.  Although there have been many disasters since then, there is a much greater chance to survive than before TITANIC when there were not enough lifeboats. God only knows about the WILHELM GUSTLOFF  during World War II when when over 9,000 perished in the worst maritime tragedy of all. That being said, of course, you have better methods in general of handling a ship, detecting things like an iceberg, going through fog, it is much safer today than it would have been 100 years ago, although I do not preclude or eliminate the fact that accidents can still occur. (To be continued.....)

Check back soon for Part II of my interview with Bill Miller where he talks more about the CONCORDIA accident, what he hopes to take away from the TITANIC 100th Anniversary commemoration, and his thoughts on going down in a submersible to the final resting site of the historic White Star Liner. 

Introducing Azamara Journey

Azamara Club Cruises introduced the 592 foot Azamara Journey to its elite fleet in 2007 after the ship's previous life with Renassiance as the R6.  Built by Chantiers de L'Atlantique in Nazaire, France (the same shipyard that build the Normandie, France and RMS Queen Mary 2) the Azamara Journey can accomodate 694 guests (double occupancy) with 408 International Officers and Crew. This elegant liner has a draught of 19.85 ft with a tonnage of 30,227. 

Winning a four ribbon rating from Cruise Critic and touted in 2011 as one of the "World’s Top 10 Cruise lines" by both Conde Nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure, Azamara refers to itself as the “new, deluxe cruise experience for discerning travelers who long to reach out-of-the-ordinary destinations and indulge in amenities and service unparalleled on the high seas.”  Azamara lives up to this claim as a visit to the site of TITANIC on the 100th Anniversary of her Maiden Voyage and sinking can certainly be considered "out of the ordinary"!


A note from the Azamara website explains the origin of their unique name as a “coined term derived from the Romance languages” with references to the color blue “Azul” and “Mar” meaning Sea. Azamara also earned some inspiration from a star called "Acamar" a southernmost celestial light seen brightly in the sky from the latitude of Greece and the Aegean Sea. 

Azamara Journey Martini Bar (top) & Main Atrium (photos: Azamara Cruises)

The Azamara experience is described as capturing the feel and tone of top “boutique hotels” found across Europe.  This modern vessel has every luxury available from superb entertainment, a full service spa and fitness center, to fine dining with a “world-class’ wine cellar. However, much of the interior design appears to present an old world elegance reminiscent of the grand Floating Palaces of the White Star Line, including an Edwardian Grand Staircase Main Atrium. Truly the perfect venue for a memorial voyage to TITANIC. 


As with most top cruise lines today, Azamara Journey offers a wide variety of accommodations from Grand Owner Suites (replete with classic Butler service) to a large selection of Veranda Staterooms, plus exceptionally comfortable outside and interior cabins. All come with "plush European bedding and luxurious Egyptian cotton bathrobes", not to mention welcome fruit baskets, complimentary shoe shine service, fresh cut flowers, 24 hour room service and much more.

Suite Accommodations (photo: Azamara Cruises)

Wireless Internet service is available so regular updates can be beamed across the waves. Imagine how history would have been entirely different were simple communications more advanced than the Marconi Wireless used in 1912. Although the electric pulses sent out in a series of dots and dashes were as modern then as the world wide web is today,  our instant global access is seemingly light years away from a system that could often not transmit more than 100-250 miles. Try to imagine a time when messages had to be sent from ship to ship then via relay stations like Sable Island and Cape Race. It sometimes took days for messages to arrive at their intended destination. Truly an imperfect art, even in the best of situations. Now reflect, for just a moment, how much that technology would impact distress calls and news reports in a time of disaster. Much more to follow....

Visit www.AzamaraClubCruises.com for more info about the Azamara Journey and the Azamara Club Experience. 

TITANIC 100th Anniversary Cruise Itinerary

Itinerary and Day by Day description of the planned TITANIC Anniversary Azamara Journey sailing:

Day	Ports of Call	Arrive	Depart	Description
Tuesday 10th Apil	New York - USA		5:00pm	We depart New York today on our voyage of a lifetime on this momentous occasion, exactly 100 years to the day that the Titanic departed Southampton (UK)
Wed 11th April	At Sea			Whilst making our way to Halifax you will have time relax and enjoy our elegant ship indulging in the wonderful onboard facilities. Our specialist lecturers will also begin telling the fascinating story of the Titanic.
Thu 12th April	Halifax - Nova Scotia, Canada	9:00am	5:00pm	We arrive in Halifax, which has one of the most moving and intimate connections with the Titanic disaster, playing a key role during the tragedy's aftermath and becoming the final resting place of many of her unclaimed victims. There is plenty to see and do in Halifax; you will have the opportunity of visiting Fairview Lawn Cemetery where victims of the RMS Titanic sinking are interred. There will be other interesting excursions on offer for those of you who want to travel further a field from Halifax.
Fri 13th April	At Sea			Today our lectures will be based around life on board the Titanic 100 years ago as we approach the site of the Titanics resting place.
Sat 14th April	Titanic Site(41°43'57"N, 49°56'49"W)	5:00pm		Today is a day of reflection leading up to the evenings memorial events.
Sun 15th April	Titanic Site / At Sea		4:00am	We will hold a memorial service at 2:20am to commemorate the 100th year anniversary and to pay tribute to all the brave passengers and crew on board that fateful night.
Mon 16th April Tue 17th April	At Sea			Our final two days at sea gives us chance to socialise with new friends and acquaintances and to enjoy the ships fabulous facilities for last time.
Wed 18th April	New York	07:00am		Our Historic voyage brings us back to New York the Titanic’s intended destination. Here we admire the glitz, glamour and bright lights of the Big Apple, visit one of the cities many Museums, join a titanic tour, shop till you drop or even take in a Broadway show. Whatever you decide we are sure that this epic adventure will leave you with no shortage of experiences and memories to talk about.

Courtesy:  Miles Morgan Travel www.TitanicAniversaryCruise.Com

Welcome - Introduction

On April 10th 2012 I will have the distinct honor of sailing with Maritime Historian and celebrated author Bill Miller, better known as "MR. OCEAN LINER" on the Azamara Journey to Halifax, NS and then to the final coordinates of the TITANIC on the 100th Anniversary of her sinking. Join me here for an ongoing narration of this historic event with first hand accounts of the voyage. Bill Miller will be presenting a series of dynamic talks and other distinguished guest include Ken Marschall who is recognized as the world’s foremost Titanic artist whose iconic images "have become part of Titanic’s history itself". Also on board will be Captain William S. Wright, Senior Vice President, Marine Operations Royal Caribbean International, John Langley, Chairman Cunard Steamship Society and others. I am told many relatives of TITANIC survivors and victims will also be sailing. In upcoming entries I will be including expanded profiles for all of the guest speakers, interviews, photos, and a personal diary as this event unfolds. Please feel free to check back, follow this blog, post to Facebook and re-post as this unknown chapter unfolds! Best, Robert Neal Marshall