The Mail Online has reported on a little spat taking place on the Cruise Critic forum. The debate, it seems, is about the Titanic memorial voyage that will take place in April 2012, exactly 100 years after the White Star liner sank, with terrible loss of life.
The Titanic, 1912
The voyage, a special charter on Fred. Olsen’s Balmoral, sold in the UK by Miles Morgan Travel, will trace the route of the doomed Titanic, with a memorial ceremony held over the spot at which it collided with an iceberg and sank. Various guest speakers, all with an interest in Titanic, as well as many Cruise Critic members, will be on board.
According to the Mail, some who have booked a place are having period outfits tailor-made, or fantasising about which (fictitious) character from the hit movie, Titanic, they would like to play.
But the plans for commemorating the event have upset Cruise Critic member DD714, whose wife’s great grandfather died in the tragedy. DD714 points out acidly: “Who will be dressing up as my wife’s great grandfather? More specifically, who will be taking a memorial plunge in the 30 degree Atlantic ocean at the place where he met his death 98 years ago to experience what was described by survivors as ‘a thousand knives going into the body’?”
Well, quite. Marking the event is one thing but turning it into a costume party is another. Or is it? Other members on the forum have said they intend to treat the occasion with respect. Cruzin-K points out: “I hardly think that at 2.20 a.m. on the anniversary of the sinking people will be up on deck with streamers and martinis at a memorial service.” Member Rob6852 from Yeovil in Somerset simply says: “The whole idea of sailing in period dress in a great idea. I do know one or two relatives in this area that had family on that ship and they think this a wonderful idea.”
Personally, I think that the mood on board will be more sombre than DD714 fears, especially at this 2.20 a.m. memorial service. I sailed close to the spot where Titanic lies on Queen Mary 2 a couple of years ago and when the captain announced where we were, I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. When you’re out there on the ocean, the whole thought of that fateful night is extremely sobering.
What do you think? Is a Titanic memorial voyage in good taste? Or is it a macabre idea? What is it about this ship that arouses such fascination?
Here, by the way, is the link to the story on the Mail website.
–Sue Bryant
42 Comments
September 7, 2010 at 5:48 pm
I can understand the sensitivity felt by relatives of passengers and crew lost when Titanic went down, but those planning to dress up in costume appear to be emulating the characters in the movie rather than real-life passengers. Did DD71 take the same exception to Leonardo di Caprio and Kate Winslet in James Cameron’s film?
September 7, 2010 at 6:30 pm
I thought it was weird when I read the first posts about, and I still think so.
It may be something to remember if you had family on board, but they aren’t going to have been family you know.
For the rest it just seems to be an ‘i was there’ opportunity. Dressing up, I guess it’s a party cruise…
Peter(goesrock)
September 7, 2010 at 6:34 pm
I think it’s a wonderful idea. The fact that so many people still think of the ship and it’s victims warms the heart. I too don’t think anyone will be waving flags and partying. I do believe it’s a special tribute to the people on board that night.
God bless them and all involved.
September 7, 2010 at 7:06 pm
Why do so many live in the past?
September 9, 2010 at 11:14 am
I get quite fed up with constantly listening about the titanic. I am ex cunard and also from southampton. There were many other ships that sank and these are never mentioned, and some of these lost more lifes.
regards alan.
April 11, 2012 at 6:05 pm
Because we’ve seen the present.
September 7, 2010 at 7:13 pm
I think a memorial is a wonderful idea as long as it is a true memorial honoring the lives of those who were lost. I shared a similar experience sailing near the spot of the collision on QE2 years ago. A shiver went up my spine thinking of what happened that night realizing that a few inches of steel were all that separated me from a similar fate.
September 7, 2010 at 8:01 pm
I think this is a wonderful way to remember Titanic and her legacy. The purpose is to keep the memory alive – so we don’t forget, and actually learn from our past. It also pays respect to those who lost their lives.
We must never forget.
September 7, 2010 at 9:07 pm
Wow, I was quoted! I still think this is a great idea and will be more of a somber memorial (at least on that night) than a “party cruise”. I would love to have been able to go, but money is just too tight unfortunately. I’ve been interested in the Titanic since I was 12 years old and would have loved to attend all the lectures and learn even more. I can tell you that the only thing on my mind at 2:20 am would have been those poor souls who lost their lives. It was a huge tragedy and I would have treated the memory of that night with great respect.
September 7, 2010 at 9:31 pm
Well, thanks to all of you for joining the discussion and Cruzin K, sorry you won’t be able to join the cruise! Sue
September 7, 2010 at 9:15 pm
I am the Author of the thread on Cruise Critic.
I wish only to pay my respects in a very special way whilst learning about this disaster.
Gavin.
September 7, 2010 at 9:47 pm
as I said in my quote, I really think this is great idea, to be able to dree the part, feel the mood and pay respects on the day , no one wants to make light or poke fun at the event.
I wish all who sail on the voyage well
September 8, 2010 at 12:42 am
My wife and I purchased two first class Suite tickets for this Memorial Cruise soon after it was announced. As an educator who has built lesson plans in regards to the Titanic, written numerous college papers on the Titanic, have read numerous books, visited the Titanic Museum and have been totally fascinated with this great trajedy since age 10, I am bothered to read today that the possibility exists of individuals on this Memorial Cruise “dressing up” in era clothing. I would like to think that most of us sailing on this once in a lifetime Memorial Cruise to commemorate the 100th year aniversary of the Titanic’s sinking are going for the right reason; to pay our respects. Rest assured that as the cruise embarkation nears, I am certain that Fred Olsen Cruiselines will define the dress code. Note to James; not all of us going on this cruise; “…live in the past”.
September 9, 2010 at 10:53 am
This Titanic Commemoration cruise is the most disgusting thing I have heard in a long time, what mind blowing cretin thought this up.Fifteen Hundred and Seventeen people died a horrible death freezing and drowning slowly that night and you Mr Howard want to hold a “costume party” above wreck site You are the lowest of the low.
What is your next project a dance at Auschwitz
September 9, 2010 at 4:55 pm
I highly suggest “Graham” that you re-read my posting. If you do, you will hopefully see the comment in my above mentioned letter that you so obviously missed the first time, which states; “…I am BOTHERED to read today that the possibility exists of individuals on this Memorial Cruise “dressing up” in era clothing.” Also, being of the Jewish faith, I am appalled that you would even make references to Auschwitz. Being an educator, I would be more than happy to refer you to some great educational institutions who could perhaps teach you to read; it may not be too late.
September 9, 2010 at 10:43 pm
I agree with you – goulish, like enjoying the Black Museum
September 9, 2010 at 11:53 am
This is a memorial cruise for those lost on that dreadful night and a chance for us all to remember them and pay our respects…how we do so is in the traditional way…we fall silent and think of them in our own way…regardless of whether we knew any of the victims or not.What we don’t do however is mimic them in fancy dress…that is not respectful I’m afraid.The example previously used is spot on…would you go to a memorial service at ground zero dressed as a fireman ? Unfortunately the glamour of the movie has clouded the judgement of some who want the “Titanic” style cruise experience too….Balmoral is a lovely ship but she is not built to provide this type of cruise experience….why not book a Queen Elizabeth,Queen Victoria or QM2 voyage and dress up in surroundings that closer match the Titanic grandeur.I will be happy to help !
September 9, 2010 at 5:04 pm
Keith,
I suggest that like, Graham, you too should re-read my original posting AND my reply to his un-educated interpretation of what was in pure black and white. My posting clearly stated: “…I am BOTHERED to read today that the possibility exists of individuals on this Memorial Cruise “dressing up” in era clothing”. What part of read the article before jumping on the band wagon, are people having trouble with? I too am AGAINST costuming, and have made that very clear to those who actually read my postings, before ranting and raving about comments that were NEVER made by myself.
September 9, 2010 at 12:02 pm
As you enjoy your drinks and your fancy dress, just remember the crew, often not even listed in the many books on the disaster. My father remembered as a boy the impact on our city of Southampton, the many families left to live on charity, rather than the generosity of the Company, who also stopped pay to survivors at the moment of the sinking.
Perhaps you should sweat a while in the engine room. Or feel the terror of the third class passengers , locked below, till the first class passengers were largely in boats.
September 9, 2010 at 1:01 pm
I think this is a great way to remember that dreadful night that took so many lives. I can honestly say that those people who will be going on this cruise and thinking of dressing up are doing so to pay respect to those who lost their lives rather then to party. Considering the prices of these cruises all passengers onboard must have a great interest in Titanic rahter then someone looking for a jolly.
September 9, 2010 at 3:31 pm
I do not agree with the fancy dress it is totally immoral,i whole heartedly support the service to remember those poor souls as long as the proper clergy from all denominations take part and treat it with sensitivity.
September 9, 2010 at 5:24 pm
I agree with both “Cruises” and James. My wife and I have an extreme interest in the Titanic and therefore did not mind paying the price tag of this trip for the sole purpose (which I stated earlier); “…I would like to think that most of us sailing on this once in a lifetime Memorial Cruise to commemorate the 100th year anniversary of the Titanic’s sinking are going for the right reason; to pay our respects”. As an educator, I am particularly interested in the presentations, lectures and the honor of being onboard during the memorial service. However, I DO NOT concur with costuming as I feel it does not belong on this cruise as it takes away from the honor and respect those victims deserve by adding a gala effect that DOES NOT BELONG on this cruise. Are you reading THIS posting correct, “Graham”, or are you going to take another shot at my religious beliefs and heritage by once again bringing up Auschwitz?
September 9, 2010 at 4:46 pm
Just another way of milking money from gullible people and playing the sympathy card. It is amazing how low some people will go to make death and destruction into a money making opportunity but as long as there are sick minds out there they are on to a good thing.
September 9, 2010 at 5:11 pm
On this day in history – the 9/11 disaster at the World Trade Centre in New York – has to be remembered, as we all recall ‘exaxctly’ where we were and what we were doing on that day.
The Titanic’s memorial cruise in 2012 should be a ‘time of reflection’ for all those souls lost in the disaster. I am sure a great number of people who have feelings about the disaster and have read so much about – and are drawn into it in heart and soul, will be on the cruise with great respect for those lost. There are so many reasons for remembering this unsinkable ship – a disaster that should not have happened, but it did. I am sure that at 2.30 am at the moment the Titanic foundered – all those on the memorial cruise will remember how safe they are at that precise time!
I trust a dignified church service with a rousing hymm or two will show a christian spirit in remembering all those lost in the tragedy. God bless all who sail on this anniversay cruise. A Night to Remberer – comes to mind…………………
September 9, 2010 at 7:03 pm
Back in 2001 the SS Norway, on her ‘last Atlantic Crossing’, hove to and we had a ‘get together’ to remember the Titanic and its tragic loss. All though well meaning it did come over as very corny event which couldn’t separate the real event and the fantasy of the film. The ‘star of the ocean’ was thrown into the sea by a lady dressed in blue escorted by the Captain. Real fingers down the throat stuff.
When the Balmoral sets sail I hope that it will be the ‘real’ event that is commemorated. I can quite understand the families and enthusiasts wanting to be nearer to the heart of the tragedy so I hope this is foremost in their minds.
I have visited every destination that arose in the Titanic’s short existence and there is so much interest and respect, I am a shipping enthusiast not just Titanic fan, but wish the trip ‘God’s Speed’ and hope it keeps the real Titanic in its sights.
The date on the SS Norway 10/9/01 !
September 9, 2010 at 7:12 pm
It will not be a cruise of great respect, but an insult to all who lost their lives in Titanic. Let them rest in peace People have already robbed their grave and made ‘blood money’ since Titanic was discovered. I wonder how they sleep at nights.
September 9, 2010 at 10:02 pm
I loved the film i think it,wonderful to reminish on our history would love to be a part of this !!
September 9, 2010 at 10:10 pm
As the originator of the controversy, I do owe my response. And perhaps it belongs here rather than in the forum thread where people are trying to plan the cruise. I said my peace in the original post, and have very little to add – except that I am glad it opening up perhaps some cruisers eye’s who perceive it as a giant 5 day custom party. I still have my reservations about the sincerity of the planners of this cruise, but I do believe the intent of most cruisers is honorable. I have trouble grasping the custom party aspect, but to each his own.
I can add a little bit more about my grandmother-in-law. She passed on around the same time that Cameron’s Titanic movie was released. When she heard it was in the making her simple response was “another one, again?”, shaking her head in an exasperating manner. She wasn’t angry, wasn’t sad, she just did not understand what the interest was in it, she did not get the fascination with the subject. To her it was simply an event where her father died, very long ago.
People tend to glamorize events in history, even tragedies. It becomes depersonalized, unreal, fiction grows up around it, heroes and villains are defined. That is what is happening here I think. But I don’t see this as history, yet, when one living generation can still personally feel the loss of the previous generation. It’s just too soon…too soon. But that’s my opinion.
September 9, 2010 at 10:54 pm
Good to hear from you! I think the whole thing must be completely different for someone with a direct connection to the event. But I also think you can have no personal connection to an event like the sinking of Titanic and still be deeply moved by it. As I said in the blog, I think that when people go on this cruise and see the locations for themselves, the whole thing will become more real to them – and the characters from the movie will find their place in fiction. And some will be affected more than others. I personally didn’t like the movie but I am interested in the story and found some of the locations on the Titanic trail in Southampton really quite disturbing. Sue
September 10, 2010 at 2:35 am
Understood.
I might add – I am very dissapointed in a few of the responses I got in the forum, which was really only one single posting by me, not exactly what I would explain as a drawn out debate on my part.
-one response was simply a “LOL” with a few emoticons.
-another told me (I assume it was directed to me) to “shut up”.
I didn’t expect a receptive response, but neither did I expect the few tasteless responses to a post that partly dealt with a death of a relative, and the life of another that grew up without a father.
September 10, 2010 at 2:29 pm
Will the people on the cruise also jump overboard and sail about in life boats when they arrive at the dissaster site?
September 10, 2010 at 5:25 pm
Ironically, one member did say she desired to “get inside the skin” of a titanic passenger by attending this cruise and reliving the event. Apparantly that only meant dressing up as John Jacob Astor or similiar and living the first class rich lifestyle that they enjoyed before the sinking. How convenient.
No suprise, that’s the same one that told me to “shut up” – she didn’t want to be so disturbed as to hear about the death of my relative. Some of the cruisers are honorable, some are just plain clueless.
September 10, 2010 at 3:18 pm
I went to the Titanic Exhibition in New York last September. As I entered, I was handed an authentic looking ticket, with the name and details of one of the actual passengers. At the exit, I was invited to look at the full list of passengers to see if I, (the passenger on the ticket), had survived. This made me really think about the horror that must have been experienced on that fateful night. However, I can’t say I thought it in the best of taste. (I had sailed over to NY on the QM2). I assume the names on all the tickets were survivors.
September 11, 2010 at 12:01 pm
I think that’s one of the tackiest of the Titanic stories I’ve heard! What is it about this ship that has so captured the public’s imagination? I can’t think of any parallel to it. The ship in itself is fascinating and the human stories very moving but essentially, it was a horrible event. I can’t think of any other natural disasters that have been romanticised like this, at least not in which so many people died. Sue
September 11, 2010 at 9:28 pm
The most goulish thing I have heard of in along time. No respectable citizen should take part in this awful cruise
September 11, 2010 at 11:10 pm
I have to say, I am not totally convinced this cruise is tasteful and is likely to attract the ghouls and those who just want to be seen. Says a lot that Cunard, (the successor to the White Star Line) are having nothing to do with these people. But I am sure the cruise will go down well (excuse the pun) with some.
September 12, 2010 at 1:48 am
Many of the cruise lines will have a ship at the site on the anniversary date, not just the Balmoral. There is going to be a laying of a plague of remembrance on the Titanic as well. It is a way to remember those who lost their lives that night that caused the laws to be changed because of this disaster. Every cruise ship now has enough life boats for everyone and drills so that you know where to go and what to do, all because of that horrible night.
We need to remember history so that the mistakes cannot be repeated. I do NOT feel that the fancy dress is appropriate, nor comfortable to wear on a 12 day cruise. The people who are writing in that it is ghoulish, sick, for gullible people, etc. seem to be the ones who cannot afford the cost of the ticket. I am going to hear the speakers, honor the deceased and pay respects at the grave sites in Halifax. I am traveling first class but will NOT be dressing up in costume.
February 17, 2011 at 4:10 am
Titanic was a ship of dreams and its fate became sealed by a iceberg. Until then they lived, they loved, they ate, they had fun, they made love, they enjoyed life and had dreams of the new world awaiting them. Some were rich and returning home. The memorial is different for each of us! Some see it as homage from the moment they board the Balmoral to go to the Titanic site! Others will see it as a once in a life time event! For myself it is to remember someone my grandfather knew who perished. It is to remember those who willingly died to save others. It is to remember those who died, women, child and animal. It is to remember the arrogance of a society that felt their first class status made them more worthy to be saved than those of a lessor class. So what am I seeing here? The same judgment as they held in 1912 regarding who felt what was appropriate over who felt otherwise! To me, this is a cruise with a theme surrounding Titanic! So if I choose to dress up in 1912 attire then that is my choice but my clothing will only be what I want to wear due to my choice to do so. It will have nothing to do with anyone dead or alive, it will be what I want to wear because up to the memorial we are supposed to be engrossed in all things Titanic!!!
If you judge me or I judge you one thing is for certain.
We may have learned safety due to their deaths, but we did not lose our arrogance in judging.
That kind of judgment took many to their deaths that night because others felt it was their right to see them as lessor, distasteful or beneath what they saw as relative in the scheme of life.
So lets look at this. Many died, many gave life, so Titanic showed us the importance to live life to our fullest!
Isn’t the memorial the moment we are over the site when we all pray together in memory of any given situation where many have died?
What we do or wear before we arrive to that grave site, does not mean a thing to the dead.
How we react and feel in our hearts over their grave will have meaning.
My view. If you want to dress up do it and if you don’t then don’t.
Just refuse to re-enact anyone dead in this cruise and tell others I’m Jane the first class passenger from deck 9 if that is your name, and then it just being fun for the moment before we arrive to a place we are all going to to show our respects.
This cruise should be to learn about Titanic, to socialize and to also have fun.
Once we arrive at the site we should have only one common goal as people.
To show respect to those who died, just as we would at any other site whether it be 911 or not. Someone asked? Would someone wear a construction outfit at 911? Then why would someone on a cruise that surrounds Titanic wear clothing in mockery when its so wrong?
Well dear if by chance that man wearing a construction outfit has his heart in the right place I doubt if I died in 911, it would matter to me what he is wearing.
What is in his heart at my place of death would have meaning whether he was thinking of me, or everyone that died that day!
I think the same applies to Titanic.
Its what you will have in your soul for those lost that will truly matter at that moment at the place they now rest at. Not what you wear or not before or after you leave the resting place! So lets just accept that we have a right to disagree and let everyone celebrate Titanic and its memory as they feel is for them, or else why would they go? After all they paid just like I did, and btw, I’m going first class and dressing up!
We are all different but my clothing will mean nothing disrespectful to anyone who has died! Trust me on that! And should I meet a 3rd class passenger, you be more than welcome for tea in my quarters!
The lesson learned by Titanic was we are all equals in frigid cold water. Until then we judge for ourselves who was the better or not! If you are going to be looking at others on the cruise as inferior because they are different than your choices than we’ve really learned nothing at all! If this is the case then the memorial for them is hypocritical and has no purpose!
Let us just enjoy our cruise and keep one promise that at the moment we hold the memorial that each and everyone of us will have within our hearts the hopes that no more people will die in another Titanic at any given time, or in any other event such as 911.
Let us remember that we are truly going to show our respects to those who died, not judge those living!
April 3, 2011 at 1:48 am
Well said Tylicia. Thank you for putting into words everything I was thinking too and more. I whole heartedly agree with you. See you on board
June 14, 2011 at 8:30 am
Excellent post Tylicia and JJ. Our thoughts exactly.
See you onboard
Derek & Lynn 4099
Belfast Titanic Society
June 24, 2011 at 5:38 am
Wonderfully said Tylicia, JJ, Lynn and Derek. You have all said what I have been thinking while reading through all of these comments. My choice of dress is nothing disrespectful either. To me, it gives me a real feeling of what life must have felt like for them. It puts it into perspective for me. We all deal with things differently, as Tylicia said. I have nothing but respect and honor for everyone that was on the Titanic that night, and THAT is the reason I’m going on this cruise. For them. I’ll see you all onboard.
Lydia
July 6, 2011 at 11:15 pm
\The lesson learned by Titanic was we are all equals in frigid cold water. Until then we judge for ourselves who was the better or not! If you are going to be looking at others on the cruise as inferior because they are different than your choices than we’ve really learned nothing at all! If this is the case then the memorial for them is hypocritical and has no purpose!\
This is old history, still had this link buried in my favorites….but I have to laugh at those that think hypocrosy and judgement, or the lack of it, only relates to others.
Perhaps post your message to those that choose to answer the heartfelt explanation of the death of a relative with a simple \LOL\ (one of the event organizers, strangely enough), or the one that told me to shut up (lest she be offended of the news that people actually died on the Titanic).
I will take your post at face value, but realize judgement goes both ways.