How Long Did It Take the Titanic to Hit an Iceberg? (And Other Burning Questions)
Let’s talk about the Titanic. Not the movie with Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet (although, let’s be honest, Jack could have totally fit on that door). We're talking about the actual, historical, ocean-liner Titanic. And the question on everyone’s mind is: how long did it take to get from Southampton to New York?
A Voyage Through Time (or at Least, Five Days)
So, you’re planning a trip to New York and considering a vintage mode of transport? Forget about those pesky airplanes and cruise ships. You want to do it Titanic style. Well, hold your horses (or should I say, anchor your hopes?).
The Titanic was scheduled to make the transatlantic crossing in a leisurely five and a half days. That’s right, five and a half days of endless ocean, questionable food, and the very real possibility of running into an iceberg. It was basically a weeklong spa retreat, but with a higher risk of hypothermia.
Icebergs: The Unexpected Guests
Now, we all know how that trip ended. The Titanic had a rather unfortunate encounter with a large, floating chunk of ice. It was like crashing your car into a giant, frozen snowball. Not ideal.
So, to answer your question directly: the Titanic didn’t actually make it to New York. It had a detour via the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. A bit of a change of plans, wouldn’t you say?
Would You Still Take the Titanic?
Given the option, would you risk it all and board the Titanic for a trip to New York? I mean, the food probably wasn’t that bad. And you'd get to meet some interesting people. Just try not to fall in love with anyone who can't swim.
Remember: This is a hypothetical situation. The Titanic no longer exists, and modern cruise ships are much, much safer.
How To... Titanic Trivia
How to impress your friends with Titanic knowledge: Mention that the Titanic was longer than three football fields.How to avoid hitting an iceberg: Invest in a really good radar.How to survive a sinking ship: Learn to swim and pack a life jacket. Just kidding, don't actually do that.How to plan a more realistic trip to New York: Book a flight or a modern cruise.How to appreciate the Titanic's legacy: Watch the movie (but don’t cry too much).