She was carrying 2,224 passengers and crew, but after sinking there were only an estimated 705 survivors.

The short life of the magnificent ship began in 1909 when construction began at the shipyard in Belfast. As the birthplace of the fated vessel, Belfast is home to one of the finest museums dedicated to the liner in the world.

Titanic Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK by Titanic Belfast

Titanic Belfast Visitor Experience

The building itself is a work of art as an artistic impression of four ships hulls towering 90 feet high. It’s the world’s largest attraction dedicated to the Titanic, the main exhibition taking up 11,000 square metres of space.

The façade of the building has a dynamic appearance, covered in thousands of 3D aluminium plates that, especially on a sunny day, are spectacularly enhanced by the surrounding reflective pools. It is situated just 100 yards from where Titanic’s hull was first launched. With the help of the ship building the Northern Irish city enjoyed its greatest economic boom of the 20th century.

As soon as you enter the vast exhibition you see everything from the early beginnings when the liner was just an idea to its tragic end in 1912.

The Launch

On 31 May 1911 Titanic was launched, watched by an adoring crowd of around 100,000 people. At the centre you can stand at a window and look down the slipway where Titanic once sat. State of the art technology means that you can flick a switch and as if my magic you will see the ship resting on the slipway.

The Wreckage

Titanic lies 13,000 feet below the waves in the North Atlantic, but thanks to the tireless work of oceanographers you can walk through a detailed gallery of the amazing images and footage that have been collected over the years, as the ship every day becomes more a part of the seabed.

Legendary Tales

Few stories have received as much attention in story and film as the Titanic. There’s a gallery that shows just how much it has features in pop culture. Can you tell the difference between fact and fiction?Check out the posters and paraphernalia to see how much you really know about the legend.

You mustn’t miss this, and it’s an easy trip from any centrally located hotel in Belfast, and I’m sure you won’t be far from some knowledgeable people who can help you get there.

It’s the greatest maritime story in the world and Titanic Belfast is a fitting testament.

Catherine Halsey writes for a digital marketing agency on a range of subjects. This article links back to http://www.parkinn.co.uk/hotel-belfast

The post Belfast’s Titanic Maritime Heritage | Northern Ireland, UK appeared first on Best of European Union.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Jan Smith

The Difference of “Ocean Liners” and “Cruise Ships”

In general, there are two main differences of ocean liners and cruise ships, first is the point of origin and last stop and second is the build.

Ocean liners carry their passengers from one point to another. Most commonly, these trips have no stops in between. Passengers get on board on point A and they get off board at point B. Cruise ships on the other hand take passengers from point A, but do not leave them on point B. Passengers of cruise ships still have point A as their last stop. In the duration of the trip, passengers get to visit several destinations depending on the itinerary of the cruise trip.

These passenger ships also differ greatly in build. Ocean liners have heavier and thicker hulls. These ships use more steel to withstand the tough conditions of being in the middle of the ocean. Cruise ships have a hull with sleek designs.

Also, they differ in the freeboard. Cruise ships have lower freeboards compared to ocean liners. Ocean liners have higher freeboards to weather out rough waters in the open seas. Cruise ships rarely encounter rough waters, so they can afford to have lower freeboards.

Probably the most famous ocean liner, the RMS Titanic is a traditional picture of how ocean liners look like. On the other hand, one of the most famous cruise ships is the luxury ship Queen Elizabeth 2.

Which Is Better For Traveling?

This question can be easily answered depending on the type of travel the passenger has in mind. If the passenger wishes to go from one place to another via marine transport, choosing an ocean liner is more practical.

Ocean liners travel on a faster speed compared to cruise ships and this makes ocean travel from one point to another faster. Cruise ships, from the term “cruise” itself, go about in a slower pace. This sets a more relaxed feel for passengers since cruise trips are more of a luxury and recreational experience.

Both ships have the amenities which passengers need for extended journeys. But when comparing the comfort, cruise ships tend to provide more comfortable rooms for the passengers. Ocean liner passenger cabins can be very minimal since the ship is built mainly for travel and basic accommodations are given. Cruise ship passenger cabins can be more spacious and decorated to set an atmosphere of relaxation.

Cruise ships can be compared to small cities floating on the ocean. They have boutiques, restaurants of many different themes, facilities like gyms and spas, and they even have swimming pools. These are provided for the entertainment of the passengers. While ocean liners may also have such amenities, they are not as numerous or grand as those on cruise ships.

Travellers who wish to experience ocean travel can go for ocean liners, while those who want to have fun and lavish experiences can go for cruise ships.

Visit Smart Cruiser to find the best cruise deals and tips on affordable and cheap cruising.

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