The story of Titanic has captured hearts and minds worldwide, arguably none more so than the love story between Kate and Leo’s Jack and Rose in James Cameron’s TITANIC movie. On the 20th anniversary of TITANIC, the movie, Titanic Belfast, which was crowned the World’s Leading Visitor Attraction earlier this year, has unveiled its top movie magic moments.
Discover some of the real love stories on board in the Titanic Experience
• See what the 13 known honeymooning couples on board Titanic’s maiden voyage would have experienced, including J.J Astor, owner of Waldorf Astoria Hotel (aged 47), and his nineteen year old wife. According to the New York Times Astor “put up and owned more hotels and skyscrapers than any other New Yorker”.
• Learn about the true love story of the owners of Macy’s Department Store, New York, Mr Isidor Straus, and his wife, Ida. Once it was clear Titanic was sinking, Ida refused to leave Isidor and would not get into a lifeboat without him, apparently stating, "I will not be separated from my husband. As we have lived, so will we die, together.” Although Isidor was offered a seat in a lifeboat to accompany Ida, he refused seating while there were still women and children on board.
• Shop for your own ‘Heart of the Ocean’ and discover the story of the ‘Love of the Sea’ necklace, which may have been the inspiration behind the movie storyline. Kate Florence Philips (aged 19) eloped with the owner of the shop she worked for, to start a new life together. Her partner, Henry, gave her a sapphire diamond necklace set in platinum, called the ‘Love of the Sea’. Henry did not survive the tragedy, however, Kate got onboard a lifeboat and brought the necklace with her. She gave birth to Henry’s daughter a few months later.
• Take a photo on the bow of SS Nomadic, the last remaining White Star Line vessel and the biggest Titanic artefact in the world. Due to its similarities to RMS Titanic, it has proved to be a popular proposal location.
• Jump on board SS Nomadic, the vessel famous as a tender ship for Titanic, and a quarter of her size in every dimension. Marvel at the original ornate doors, panels, plasterwork and staircases that greeted first, second class and celebrity passengers including Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.
Have a romantic dining experience like no other
• Step back in time to a period of luxury, elegance and 5-star service with Titanic Belfast’s Sunday Afternoon Tea! Set in the opulent surroundings of the Titanic Suite featuring the stunning replica staircase, enjoy a delicious selection of finger sandwiches, classic scones with fresh cream, mouth-watering cakes and exquisite patisserie inspired by the food served on board!
Take a romantic stroll
• Complete the day with a romantic walk down the historic slipways at dusk, tracing the illuminated outlines of RMS Titanic and sister ship Olympic and pause for a moment at one of the benches, positioned exactly as they would have been on board the deck of the ship. Enjoy the view of the iconic building in the evening light.
Discover more about RMS Titanic, visit Titanic Belfast, Northern Ireland, where the Titanic was built and launched. The world-class galleries tell the story of the Titanic, from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through to her construction and launch, to her famous maiden voyage and tragic end.
The iconic attraction has now welcomed over 4 million visitors and was also recently named the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction in the prestigious World Travel Awards. It is easily accessible from both George Best Belfast City Airport, Belfast International Airport and only 90 minutes from Dublin. To delve deeper, visit www.titanicbelfast.com.