A BILLIONAIRE has revived hopes for Titanic II with plans for a £500 million replica of the sunken ship.

The new version is set to have the same interiors and cabin layout as the original vessel and come complete with a ballroom, swimming pool and Turkish baths.

Plans have been revived to design a £500m replica of the TitanicCredit: Facebook/BlueStarLine

The Titanic II will have the same interiors and cabin layout as the original vesselCredit: Facebook/BlueStarLine

There will even be a communal dining room with long tables to replicate the experience from 1912Credit: Facebook/BlueStarLine
The project will be spearheaded by Australian mining magnate Clive Palmer, who vowed the ship will be “far, far superior than the original”.

But just like the original, the maiden voyage will be from Southampton to New York – and is set for June, 2027.

Plans were first launched by the billionaire through his shipping company, Blue Star Line, in 2012, before a second attempt in 2018 was scuppered by Covid.

But he’s now set on recreating the famous ship and making it as every bit as luxurious as the original.

Palmer’s idea to take a step back in time will see ship guests encouraged to dress for the 1900s.

Just like on the original ship, there will be ticket options for first class, second class and third class passengers.

Of the 835 cabins, almost half will be reserved for first class passengers.

While formal dining will be available, third class passengers will be treated to stew and mash at long tables in a communal dining room just like they would have been on the original boat.

Speaking on his decision to revive plans for the major project, Palmer told 9News: “It’s a lot more fun to do the Titanic than it is to sit at home and count my money.”

Extra safety measures and better preparation can be expected to ensure there will be no repeat of the original disaster.

On April 15, 1912, the Titanic struck an iceberg in the Atlantic and sank during its journey from Southampton to New York, killing an estimated 1,500 passengers and crew.

The tragedy inspired James Cameron’s Oscar-winning 1997 blockbuster Titanic, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.

Palmer has used Jack and Rose’s love story as inspiration to bring the Titanic back to life, as it “touched the hearts of everybody”.

“Titanic II is something that can provide peace,” he added. “It can be a ship of peace between all countries of the world.”Billionaire mining magnate Clive Palmer made the announcement in Sydney, Australia, this weekCredit: EPA

First class passengers will have the option of a more formal dining experienceCredit: YouTube/9 News Australia

Ship guests will be encouraged to dress for the 1900sCredit: YouTube/9 News AustraliaTurkish baths will also be built in to Titanic IICredit: YouTube/9 News AustraliaThe original Titanic after setting sail from Southampton in 1912Credit: APThe wreckage now lies at the bottom of the North Atlantic OceanCredit: RMS Titanic