Titanic: Reconnecting a Century Later

BY DIANA BIERMAN

Never let go

It’s been 100 years since the RMS Titanic sank in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean.

It was on the fourth day of the Titanic’s maiden voyage from Southampton England to New York City when tragedy struck. On April 14, 1912, at 11:40 p.m., the starboard side of the ship rammed an iceberg and, less than three hours later, the largest ship at the time made its way to the bottom of the ocean.

Over 1,500 passengers out of the 2,223 on board were killed after the thought-to-be-unsinkable ship perished. More than 1,000 people went into the water when Titanic did—many men and second classers, due to the “women and children first” protocol, and many died almost immediately from hypothermia and the shock of hitting the frigid water.

Titanic was equipped with a swimming pool and gym, the most upscale restaurants, and lavish cabins—and at least four elevators, considered a luxury at the time. Some of the wealthiest people in the world were on the White Star Line-operated ship, but it didn’t matter come the sinking. There was no distinction anymore—panic and terror took over everyone, despite their class.

People all over the world are commemorating the grim “anniversary” of Titanic’s sinking, whether it’s by dressing up in Edwardian frocks, recreating Titanic-esque meals, or splurging on movie tickets for the re-release of Titanic 3D. Dramas and documentaries are spanning across televisions and commemorative events are being held worldwide. It seems that many, no matter the generation, feel arbitrarily connected to the event.

Perhaps the biggest event being held is a Titanic Memorial Cruise, which has 440 people from all over the world sailing from Southampton England, the same place the Titanic departed 100 years ago, to New York, and back to Southampton. The cruise set sail April 8 for a twelve-night night voyage and will be stopping at the tragic site where the Titanic sunk, for a memorial service. The food served on the Titanic is recreated as well as the music and dress of the time. Miles Morgan Travel Agency, the creator of the modern-day cruise, promises a completely authentic reenactment of the 100-old cruise.

So will Jack Dawson and Rose DeWitt Bukater be on board this memorial cruise as well? Unfortunately no, these characters were fictionalized for the James Cameron romanticized version of Titanic, stealing America’s heart since 1997.

Did you mark Titanic’s centennial? Did you dress up in your most luxurious jewelry—the Heart of the Ocean, perhaps—or scream “I’m king of the world,” on the balcony of a ship? Whether you’re remembering the actual sinking or reliving it through the 11-time Oscar winning movie, take a moment to reconnect with the event sometime this week.

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