Janice Thompson's Blog, page 18

Virtual Titanic Cruise, April 13th: A Chill in the Air

APRIL 13th, 1912/MORNING POST

Friends, I spent this morning visiting with Captain Smith and several crew members as they discussed our route. The Titanic is well out in the Atlantic now, and running at 21 knots. By noon today we will have covered 805 miles. Because of warnings regarding icebergs, our safety-conscious captain has decided to take a southerly route for the purpose of steering clear of the icy monsters. Let me assure you, this will not slow down our voyage. We will continue to move forward at a comfortable but safe rate of speed. Here on the Titanic we are all about the safety and comfort of our passengers.

We do expect temperatures to be a bit on the chilly side over the next couple of days, so keep that in mind as you head out to the decks. Ladies, this would be a wonderful time to show off those furs and stoles. I plan to wear a luscious fur-lined coat this evening at dinner. The coat was loaned to me by a good friend, (Mrs. Patterson) who insisted I wear it while onboard the ship. Iris is beside herself, as she thinks it’s not fashionable enough. By now, you’ve probably guessed that Iris cares far too much about where I go, what I do, and what I wear. I suppose that’s a story for another day.

If you find yourself too chilly, don’t forget our heated pool and Turkish baths. They will provide you with all the warmth you could need. I understand the card games have gotten rather heated, as well. Then again, that might have something to do with the fact that half a dozen well-known gamblers are onboard. (Cool down, fellas! Take a stroll on the boat deck if things get too fired up.)

Speaking of things getting fired up, let me offer a side note: I know that many of you have heard the story of John Coffey, one of our stokers who jumped ship back in Queenstown. I’ve heard the rumors that he had a “strange sense of foreboding” about this trip. I, for one, place no stock in such things and hope you don’t, either. We wish Mr. Coffey well, but feel his concerns were exaggerated, at best.

That’s it for this morning, folks. Why not post pictures of the coats you plan to wear? I know that many of you can’t wait to don your favorite stole!

APRIL 13th, 1912/AFTERNOON POST

Rev. John Harper

I met the loveliest young women this afternoon while strolling the Promenade Deck. Her name is Jessie Leitch, and she is the niece of a very kindly man named John Harper, a reverend from London. Jessie filled my ears with stories about her uncle. I dare say, she’s very proud of him, and of his little daughter, Nina, who is only six. Poor little Nina lost her mother some time ago, so Jessie serves as the child’s governess and seems quite content to do so.

Jessie’s uncle, Rev. Harper, is pastor of the Walworth Road Baptist Church in London. According to Jessie, he has been engaged to fill the Moody Church pulpit in Chicago, Illinois. Jessie is terribly excited about this move and can hardly wait to get to Chicago. I have heard of Chicago, of course, but have never been there. (Isn’t that the town that caught fire a few years ago? I want to steer as far away from the disaster zone as possible, thank you very much!)

Jessie shared the most interesting story about her uncle. He has had multiple near-drowning incidents in his life! Once, when he was a toddler (he nearly drowned when he fell into a well, but was resuscitated by his mother). Again, in his mid-twenties, he was swept out to sea by a reverse current and barely survived. And again, at thirty-two, he faced death on a leaking ship in the Mediterranean. My goodness. . .the man is unsinkable. (A good fellow to have around on a ship, I dare say!)

Then again, Jessie insists that has more to do with his faith. I’m not so sure. Hard as I try to believe in such things, I still find it difficult. Perhaps, in time, Jessie will win me over to her way of thinking.

Have you met any of the ministers while onboard? Which ones have caught your interest? Feel free to share.

Side note: I tried to talk Reverend Harper into singing a hymn at our talent show, but, alas, he could not be persuaded.

APRIL 13th, 1912/EVENING POST

Father Thomas Byles

Friends, I’ve just spoken with Captain Smith, who has asked me to let you know about tomorrow morning’s Sunday services here aboard the Titanic. He plans to preside over a Church of England service in the First Class dining saloon. In the second class dining saloon a similar service will be held by assistant purser, Reginald Barker. Father Thomas Byles will conduct a Catholic Mass in the Second Class lounge, (followed by another for steerage passengers).

I cannot say with any assurance that you will find me in any of those services, however. As much as I want to believe that the Almighty has a hand in my journey, my faith—what little there is of it—wavers. If you knew, truly knew, all that I have been through, all I have been asked to sacrifice, you would understand. At least, I think you would. When I spoke with Jessie Leitch earlier this afternoon, she seemed interested in my journey and promised to pray for me. I have no doubt she is doing so, even now.

Many of you I have grown to love and trust over the past few days and will, I feel sure, want to speak with me personally about my faith journey, as well. Perhaps you can somehow convince me that I should not only attend one of tomorrow’s services, but open myself up to the possibility that God cares about my situation. Right now, I’m simply not sure. If approached with great care, I might be won over. Who knows. Right now I simply know that the ache inside of me grows too hard to bear at times. I cover it up with fun-loving activities, but the real me—the one nobody sees—wonders if her much-anticipated life in New York will be just as empty as the one she left behind in England.

Much to ponder as my head hits the pillow. Goodnight, all.

Virtual Titanic Cruise, April 12th: Out to Sea

APRIL 12th, 1912/MORNING POST

Friends, we are sailing across calm waters today. I would challenge you to spend a bit of time at the ship's railing, gazing down at the waters of the Atlantic, to appreciate the grandeur of it all. Truly, is there anything more majestic than ocean waves? They rock us to sleep at night and offer us a scenic view during the day.

Speaking of lovely things to gaze upon, did anyone notice all of the fine dresses at dinner last night? My goodness! The Titanic has turned into a fashion runway. And speaking of fashion, we have many industry professionals onboard. Well-known American fashion correspondent, Edith Russell, is traveling with us, of course. She carries trunks full of French couturière for her American clients. Also on board with us is Lady "Lucile" Duff Gordon, the celebrated couturière and foremost creator of fashions in the world. She has opened a branch of her London business in New York. Of course, many theatergoers know that Lucile has also designed for London theatricals.

Speaking of theatricals, I've decided to put together a talent show on the afternoon of the 15th in the Verandah Café and Palm Court. If you are interested in performing in this show, please let me know.

Against my better judgment, I have allowed Iris, my suitemate, to talk me into acting out a heart-wrenching scene from Morgan Robertson's 1898 novel, "Futility, the Wreck of the Titan." I tried to explain that this was entirely inappropriate, but Iris would not be moved. (If you knew Iris like I know Iris, you would understand.) I'm hoping that many of you will want to take your turn on the stage, so come one, come all! Bring your songs, dances, instrumental performances, poetry readings, skits, duos and more. We will entertain the masses! I only ask that you wear an outfit sure to dazzle our fashion experts.

With all of this in mind, please leave a note letting us know:

1). What you plan to add to the talent show on the 15th. (Feel free to post a link, if applicable.)

2). What you plan to wear. (Feel free to post a photo of your outfit.)

Because of my busy schedule, you will not hear from me until this evening at dinnertime. Until then, I'm off to rehearse my scene! Please pray that I can stay afloat!

APRIL 12th, 1912/EVENING POST:

Friends, I'm so delighted with the response from so many of you regarding the talent show. Imagine my surprise when twenty of our stokers offered to entertain us with a choreographed version of "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes." (I reminded them that "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" won't be written until 1933, so they have changed it to "A Hot Time in the Old Town.") I'm also thrilled to report that stewardess Lucy Violet Snape has agreed to sing "By the Light of the Silvery Moon," a special request from her new friend, Amelia Gladstone. Luigi Gatti, our restaurant manager, is linking arms with fifteen of his favorite Italian waiters to perform "Yes, We Have No Bananas." (By the way, there is no shortage of bananas on this ship, so do not be alarmed.)

A special "Thank you!" to all who have agreed to join these in the talent show on the afternoon of the 15th. So far I've heard from mothers with talented children, a wonderful lady with a nautical poem, a (possible) skit, and a woman reciting a Shakespearean sonnet. All will be decked out (pun intended) in their finest. I've seen the dresses myself and wholeheartedly approve of them. Oh, and I should mention in passing that the show is open to people in every class. Tessa Bowen is an equal opportunity entertainer!

And speaking of entertaining: After watching me rehearse my scene from "Futility, the Wreck of the Titan," Iris has reconsidered her stance and suggested I perform something else entirely. With that in mind, I will be reading "The Wreck of the Hesperus," a narrative poem by American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Frankly, I am relieved. If you had seen my earlier rehearsal, you would be relieved, as well.

I'm signing off a bit early tonight to enjoy the orchestra in the Second Class Dining Saloon on the "D" Deck, aft of the fourth funnel. They are playing several of my favorite tunes and my toes are tapping. After such a relaxing and enjoyable day at sea, I'm ready to sing and dance the night away.

 

By the way, if you haven't taken the time to read "Travels with Lilly," you don't know what you're missing. Lilly is filing a daily report about events onboard Titanic, and has a terrific write-up about her recent visit with Ida Strauss and several authors who happen to be traveling with us! http://bit.ly/HB7LWo

 

Until tomorrow!

 

Virtual Titanic Cruise, April 11th: From Ireland to the Mighty Atlantic

APRIL 11th, 1912/MORNING POST:

Friends, I don't know about you, but I slept like a babe aboard Titanic. The gentle lull of the ship moving across the waves rocked me into a deep sleep like I haven't experienced in years. (Then again, I did work myself rather hard yesterday, so perhaps that had something to do with it.)

Now, here we are. . .our first early morning at sea. Many are already asking, "What shall I do today?" As your cruise director, I am thrilled to offer you several options. Regardless of class, our breakfast menus have much to offer, so start the day with a full belly. I ate an early breakfast in the Second Class dining room, enjoying boiled hominy, Yarmouth Bloaters and American Dry Hash au Gratin.

After breakfast, please give thought to heading over to our lending library or the barbershop, where you can purchase any number of souvenir items. Need to send a message? Take advantage of our onboard telephone system. Our first class guests might give some thought to visiting our swimming pool. If that doesn't suit your fancy, consider the gymnasium, the squash court, the Turkish bath and/or the electric bath. Many will simply want to doze the morning away in a deck chair on the boat deck. For those who prefer to spend the morning in one of our à la carte restaurants, visit our Verandah Café or the Café Parisien, which is located on a sunlit veranda, decorated to please even the most discriminating guest.

Speaking of the Café Parisien, let me give a nod to our restaurant manager, Luigi Gatti, the brilliant (and well-loved) fellow responsible for running the Café. Perhaps you have seen Luigi at the Ritz in London, or the lovely 'Gatti's' Adelphi.' He is quite well-known and brings a level of expertise to the Titanic never before seen on a luxury liner. This isn't Luigi's first trip to sea, however. He worked on the Olympic, running the à la carte restaurant there, as well. We are thrilled that many of his London staff members have joined him onboard our fair ship. Folks, you will eat well and receive the finest care from his wait staff.

What a day we will share together! You will find me in the gymnasium at ten a.m. on the stationary bicycle. I will be doing all I can to work off the excess amount of food I consumed at last night's dinner. What about you? How do you plan to spend the morning? Reading? Playing cards? Awaiting our stop in Queenstown, Ireland?

One brief note about Queenstown: We are due to arrive around 11:30 and are expecting partly cloudy skies, but warm temperatures. Because the dock facilities are not suitable for a ship of Titanic's size, tenders will be used to ferry passengers aboard. We are expecting more than a hundred new guests, as well as a few reporters! Sadly, one of my favorite passengers will be departing the ship in Queenstown. I would like to bid a fond farewell to my new friend Francis Browne, a wonderful photographer who has spent many an hour documenting our journey thus far in film.

Have a wonderful day at sea, friends. When we stop in Queenstown, be sure you take a look at the Irish lace merchants are bringing aboard. I fancy the Irish Crochet lace, myself.

April 11, 1912/NOON POST

Oh my, what a morning! I've never met finer people. To those who've paused to greet me, thank you! Your kindness is overwhelming! It's obvious you are all having the time of your lives aboard Titanic, and that makes me very happy. Many have expressed excitement over our two stops thus far. Cherbourg was quite nice, but I'm partial to coast of Ireland. Cork Harbour is truly magnificent, to my way of thinking, and Queenstown (also known at Cobh) is lovely! Have you ever seen such a rich shade of green? Except for a few clouds and that brisk wind, I have enjoyed our stop immensely. And yes, I must confess. . .I purchased a bit of Irish Crochet lace to give to my suitemate, Iris. She will be so surprised!

New passengers are coming aboard as we speak, so greet them with a smile and a kind, "How do you do?" Please do your best to accommodate immigration officers, should they have any questions, and make room for incoming mail! Of course, now that the bugle's call has sounded, many of you will be heading off to your various dining rooms for lunch. Whether you choose to order from the grill or choose from among the items on the buffet, you will not go away hungry. Titanic serves up the finest meats, vegetables and fruits to her hungry guests!

We will leave the Irish coast in an hour and a half, so enjoy the scenery while you can. Once we set our sights for New York, the Atlantic will loom before us, offering hours of leisure time. So, how will you spend it? Here's one suggestion: At three o'clock I plan to host a special tea in the Café Parisien. I will entertain passengers with the stories of what really transpired at the home of Eulalia Longbotham just two nights ago when she invited several of us over for a visit. If you cannot attend, never fear. I will be back this evening with an update of this afternoon's events. Until then, buy an extra yard of lace for me!

APRIL 11th, 1912/EVENING POST

I so enjoyed my time in the Cafe Parisien with many of our guests. A special thank you to Luigi for offering the French pastries, particularly those chocolate delights. As my tea party guests have already heard, I'm offering a special invitation to meet for a late supper on the evening of April 14th in the Cafe Parisien. We will have a wonderful time together.

And speaking of having a wonderful time together, this has been a lovely day, hasn't it? (Well, except for that one erroneous report about a rat infestation in the lower decks.) We've waved goodbye to Ireland and are on our way! My thoughts are already traveling to my new life in New York. What about you? Are you thinking of the life ahead?

I will not bore you by listing all of the magnificent foods available on the dinner menus. By now you have all experienced our dining rooms and know the quality of the food and the service. That said, I must confess one thing: Iris (my suitemate and lady's maid) has already had to loosen my corset strings! I cannot imagine how I will fit into my dresses four days from now when we land in New York. Have any of you ladies noticed a similar fate? Back to the gymnasium I go!

Gentlemen, I know that you are enjoying yourselves, as well. Already I've heard from two of our passengers who are keen on gambling while onboard. Card players, beware! Some of these men are remarkably good at turning up aces. Keep an eye on your pocketbooks if you happen to sit down to a game with these fellas.

I do hope you're enjoying your experience aboard Titanic, "the floating palace." If you have any questions or concerns, please see me immediately. For now, I'm off to the First Class Dining Saloon to sample the beef. I hear it's quite good tonight.

Until tomorrow, then!

Virtual Titanic Cruise, April 10th: Titanic Sets Sail!

APRIL 10th, 1912 MORNING POST:

The day has arrived at last! Titanic, Queen of the Ocean, will leave Southampton this very day, loaded with passengers and headed to her first stop in Cherbourg, on the coast of France.

Oh, what a morning it has been. I've barely had a moment to collect my thoughts. The sun rose this morning around five a.m. on a clear but windy day. Our crew arrived early, as you might imagine. I caught a glimpse of our Captain, Edward Smith, when he came aboard at 7:30. His lovely wife and twelve-year-old daughter came to see him off. Of course, they are accustomed to waving goodbye, as Captain Smith is often at sea. Still, there was a hint of sadness in their eyes as they exchanged farewells. I told his precious daughter not to worry, that she would see Papa again very soon.

Many of the ship's key players gathered together and the rules of the ship were read to the crew. I attended, of course. Gracious, what a lot to remember! Lifeboats 11 and 15 were let down and rowed around with a crew of eight. (Not to worry! This is routine. One can never be too cautious, you know.)

I'm sure you're all familiar with the name of Mr. J. Bruce Ismay, manager of the White Star Line. What a fine fellow! He arrived on the bridge with Mr. Thomas Andrews and they greeted Captain Smith.

At 9:30 this morning we all had a hearty breakfast. Then our wonderful captain settled in to handle some paperwork, much related to our coal supplies.

The train carrying most of our 193 First Class passengers left Waterloo Station in London at 9:45 a.m. this morning and is due to arrive at the White Star Line dock in Southampton at 11:30 a.m., just thirty minutes before Titanic's scheduled departure.

Most of our second and third class passengers are on their way via the boat train from London's Waterloo station. Third class passengers will all undergo a medical inspection upon arrival. This cursory medical examination will be given by a team of surgeons, led by Titanic's Surgeon, Dr. William Francis Norman O'Loughlin, senior surgeon of the White Star Line. Dr. O'Loughlin studied at Trinity College, and the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, so you will be in fine hands.

As for how and where you will enter this ship, please make note of the following:

FIRST CLASS: These passengers will board the ship via the First Class main entrance on the B Deck, where they will be met by Chief Steward Andrew Latimer and his staff, and escorted immediately to their cabins. One of the first things first class passengers will see on the B Deck entrance is the huge 16 foot wide, 60 foot (six deck) tall Grand Staircase, complete with a massive glass and iron dome overhead and a huge 32 light chandelier. Promise me you'll stop to examine the glass domed ceiling overhead.

SECOND CLASS: These passengers will enter aft on the C Deck Entry.

THIRD CLASS: These passengers will enter near the bow on the Well Deck or further after on the C Deck.

Soon, my friends! Soon we will meet face to face. Until then, please accept my well-wishes for safe travel. Oh, and a special thank you to Eulalia Longbotham for the delightful tea party. You're a marvelous host, Eulalia! I have a lot to learn from you. Please find me onboard so that I can thank you in person (and return that lovely lace handkerchief you loaned me when I spilled tea on my afternoon dress).

As for the rest, I will see you soon. Safe travels!

Join the "Queen of the Waves" Facebook group (an active group where you can post photos, comments and more) Today is the LAST day to join unless you are coming onboard in France or Ireland. 

APRIL 10th, 1912 NOON POST:

Oh my goodness! Can you believe the crowd? To our great amazement, over fifty thousand people flocked to the White Star Line dock in Southampton to see us off! Many of you have friends and loved ones in that crowd, no doubt. Mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and friends. . .they are filling every available space to watch us depart.

Oh, I just heard two more whistle blasts! The time has come, at last. Our sincerest apologies to the eight men who didn't quite make it up the retracting gangway. I guess that will teach you, fellas. You shouldn't have made that last minute run to the pub. We've given your stoker positions away to other workers who were waiting for a last-minute position to open up.

Looking out over the deck I can see the six tugboats as they begin to pull us away from shore. Oh, my! Even as I share this information, an incredible drama is taking place below. The New York, a smaller ship, has broken her moorings because Titanic has created such a stir of water. The tiny ship is currently bobbing up and down like a cork. I'll keep an eye on things and report back.

One we pull away from our berth, we begin the 24-mile journey down the River Test to the English Channel. From there, it will be smooth sailing to Cherbourg on the French Coast. I'll be back on later this evening to share the dinner menu and to tell you about our Cherbourg guests. In the meantime, please state your name, class, and cabin once more for the sake of our fellow guests.

APRIL 10th, 1912 EVENING POST:

Let me begin this evening's post with a bit of good news. Remember that earlier report about our near miss with the New York? Well, I'm pleased to report the little vessel managed to escape harm, and so did Titanic. We set off under sunny skies, Captain Smith offering four whistle blasts as we passed the Royal Yacht Squadron. Now, as dusk approaches, we have arrive in Cherbourg France and have taken on many more passengers, just as our ship's bugler, (P.W. Fletcher) went from deck to deck announcing meal call with his bugle.

Many are talking about what happened with the New York and some see it as an omen. I would like to encourage our passengers not to pay any attention to a certain Mrs. Henry Harris, who has told total strangers that they should get off the ship at Cherbourg if they value their lives. Such silliness! (You know how some women worry.)  Fifteen first and nine second class passengers did, indeed, get off of the Titanic at Cherbourg, but I can assure you their departure had nothing to do with Mrs. Harris's fear-filled words, so rest easy!

As for our Cherbourg guests, most of the third class passengers boarding in France are from eastern European countries like Syria and Croatia. We've taken on 142 additional first class passengers this evening, including: Colonel John Jacob Astor IV, builder of Astoria, the St. Regis and the Knickerbocker hotels. He travels with his new bride, 18-year-old Madeleine Force. (I'm biting my tongue to keep from commenting on how he left his first wife and married someone younger than his son.) They are traveling with Astor's pet Airedale, Kitty. Also boarding in France, was a friend of the Astor's, 44 year old Mrs. James J. Brown. I've found her to be very amiable. Many others have boarded, as well, but I must stop listing them, otherwise we will be here all night!

I do hope our passengers enjoy a relaxing dinner. Tonight's first class offerings include Surrey Capon and Ox Tongue, oysters and Pineapple Royale.

Virtual Titanic Cruise, Day Nine

APRIL 9th POST:

Friends, I'm giddy with excitement. Today is April the 9th and we're just one day away from leaving Southampton aboard Titanic, the Queen of the Ocean. Oh, how I wish you could see what I see! Our fair lady is dressed in her signal flags. Onboard the ship, people are working at a frantic pace to get things ready for our passengers.

The deliveries never end! Food. Linens. Glassware. Bedding. Tableware. Cargo. You name it, we've seen it deposited onto the ship over the past few days. Workers are still laying carpet, hanging wall sconces, painting walls, placing furniture, and adding the final decorating finishes. . .all in preparation for you, our guests.

Our primary concern, of course, is coal. Though the coal strike has ended, demand is high and getting enough for our journey has been a process. From what I've been told, several other ships have had to cancel their voyages to accommodate Titanic. For that, we are truly grateful. Really, though, can you think of a finer place to be? Why board the Lusitania when the Queen of the Ocean offers so much more? This is why we work so hard, to win the hearts of our passengers.

And speaking of winning hearts, might I suggest one more bit of preparation you could attend to before leaving Southampton? Examine your heart before this journey to make sure it is "fitted out" and ready for the journey ahead. One never knows where the road (er, waters) might take them. You need to be prepared for whatever "Titanic" adventures lie ahead. With that in mind, please usher up a prayer for our voyage.

So, what are you packing in your suitcase tonight? Have you added something extra-special to your trunk, something that means a lot to you? What are you hoping to squeeze in, to take with you to America? We promise not to peek inside your bags, even if you tease us with your stories.

Virtual Titanic Cruise, Day Eight

APRIL 8th POST:

WELCOME TO SOUTHAMPTON!

Since most of our passengers will be boarding in Southampton, I thought it might be fun to give you a little history of the town and share about the various modes of transportation to and from the ship.

Southampton, (a major port), is the largest city in the county of Hampshire on the south coast of England. The area been inhabited since the Stone Age. In 1348, the Black Death reached England via merchant vessels calling at Southampton. (But never fear! No illness here, of late!) During the Middle Ages, shipbuilding became an important industry for the town. Southampton became a spa town in 1740 and was a popular site for sea bathing by the 1760s. The port was the point of departure for the Pilgrim Fathers aboard the Mayflower in 1620. (Fascinating, to compare the Mayflower with Titanic, Queen of the Ocean!)

Southampton boasts many fine hotels and restaurants, so you will have plenty of options, should you arrive early. For those who are coming into Southampton on the morning of the 10th, let me give you some advice: come early! We are expecting crowds unlike anything this area has ever seen. People will arrive by train, cars, carriages, hansom cabs, bicycles and on foot. At 7:30 a.m. on the morning of the 10th, the boat train carrying the second and third glass passengers will leave London's Waterloo Station for the trip to Southampton, which is expected to take two hours.

If your loved ones are coming to Southampton to see you off, please encourage them to make their hotel reservations right away. Otherwise, they may find there's no room in the inn. If that happens, you could encourage them to come onboard and sail with us!

A FEW QUESTIONS FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE BOARDING IN SOUTHAMPTON: Which mode of transportation will you use? Boat train? Hansom Cab? Carriage? Train? Will you arrive early? (Have any of you arrived already? It is, after all, only two days until our fair ship sails!) Which hotel will you stay at? How do you plan to spend your time in Southampton before Titanic sails?

Enjoy your time on dry land. Soon enough we will all face the Mighty Atlantic together. Until then, safe travels!

(NOTE: Some of today's info was taken from this site.)

Virtual Titanic Cruise, Day Seven

APRIL 7th POST:

I must confess something at the beginning of today's post: I'm an animal lover. I've always been partial to dogs, and that's why I'm thrilled to announce our "Brings Your Animals Onboard" policy at the White Star Line. Already we have heard from several passengers, letting us know that they plan to bring their animals with them when they travel aboard the Titanic.

As your cruise director (and passionate animal lover) I have planned an informal dog show, tentatively scheduled for Monday, the 12th. Who will take the prize? Well, that's anyone's guess. Will it be Gamon de Pycombe, the French Bulldog? Perhaps it will be Kitty, an Airedale belonging to John Jacob Astor and his new bride. Maybe Frou Frou, (whose breeding remains a mystery) will win your heart. His owner, Helen Bishop, tends to think so. I'm rather smitten with Rigel, a black Newfoundland who happens to belong to a dear friend, Titanic's 1st Officer. Then again, passenger Margaret Hayes insists that her Pomeranian will surely be the finest canine onboard. Henry Sleeper Harper, owner of Sun Yat Sen, (a Pekinese) might take issue with that.

As you can see, we will have our fair share of canines aboard. Some will be kenneled, but many will be staying in the cabins with their owners. (You know how those dog lovers are. They can't part with their sweet babies, even for a minute!)

And lest you think dogs rule the day, Jenny (the ship's cat) will give them a run for their money. Titanic will also carry several hens and roosters, as well as thirty cockerels, a yellow canary, and (believe it or not) a pet pig. Talk about diversity!

So, what about you? Are you traveling with animals? (No, I'm not asking about your children!) If so, let us know name, breed, etc. If you're not traveling with animals, are you leaving any behind? We would love to hear about them.

(For more on Titanic's animals.)

Join the "Queen of the Waves" Facebook group (an active group where you can post photos, comments and more). 

Virtual Titanic Cruise, Day Six

APRIL 6th POST:

As a White Star Line cruise director, I am always thrilled to welcome passengers, young and old. I'm particularly fond of the children because they add life and laughter to our voyages.

I want to offer my personal assurance that our upcoming journey aboard Titanic will present your child with the opportunity of a lifetime—the chance to experience adventure on the high seas! Where else can your little one swim in a heated pool, walk the decks under a starlit sky, play games with new friends from other parts of the world, and enjoy meals fit for a king? Only onboard Titanic, the Queen of the Ocean!

As your cruise director, I would like to know how many of you are planning to bring children aboard so that I can be prepared with adequate games and activities. Please share the names and ages of your children here so that I can begin to put together a list. Children, feel free to chime in! We want to hear from you. What are you looking forward to the most? How can I better serve you?

For those who are interested, I've managed to capture a few photographs of Titanic's young passengers here: http://bit.ly/HkBPX3. For more information on the children of the Titanic, please click here: http://www.freewebs.com/titanic-child... Our list of youngsters is growing, and so is the opportunity to share in the fun! To sneak a peek at the list of young travelers, click here: http://www.encyclopedia-titanica.org/...

Join the "Queen of the Waves" Facebook group (an active group where you can post photos, comments and more). 

Virtual Titanic Cruise, Day Five

APRIL 5th POST:

Friends, as the day of our departure approaches, I can't help but think that many of you (particularly the ladies) are shopping for your traveling clothes. Quite a few have posted photos of dresses they plan to wear aboard the ship. Still others have posted photos of bathing suits and the like. For those who have not yet posted photos, feel free!

Two things we haven't discussed in detail are hats and shoes. As a woman with fine fashion sense, I'm always interested in what others are wearing. So, let's talk hats and shoes, ladies! (Feel free to post photos.)

NOTE FROM JANICE: If you are interested in learning more about 1912 fashion, check out my "All Things Titanic" page on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/booksbyjanice/all-things-titanic/. I've also discovered a great site, loaded with Titanic-era dresses here: http://madameguillotine.org.uk/2011/03/18/titanic-fashion-1912/

One more site to check out: http://eastangelharbor.com/

Virtual Titanic Cruise, Day Four

Traveling aboard the Titanic will offer passengers the opportunity to dine like kings.

Before every meal our ship's bugler, Peter W. Fletcher, will pass from deck to deck sounding the meal call, "The Roast Beef of Old England." Follow his call to your respective dining rooms where you can enjoy Consommé Fermier, Cockie Leekie, Fillet of Brill, Egg a l'Argenteuil, Chicken a la Maryland, Corned Beef, Dumplings, Grilled Mutton Chops, Baked Jacket Potatoes, Norwegian Anchovies, and more. Our menus offer a variety of choices for the discerning diner.

Traveling in First Class?

Enjoy Cream of Barley Soup, Roast Duckling, Sirloin of Beef, Chateau Potatoes, Roast Squab, Cold Asparagus Vinaigrette, Pate de Fois Gras in the First Class Dining Saloon. More than 500 people can dine in luxurious style in this grandiose restaurant, located on the D-deck.

Traveling in Second Class?

Our second-class dining hall is also located on the D-deck and can accommodate more than five hundred passengers at a time. In this large, elegant room you can enjoy Consomme Olga, Roast Duck with Apple Sauce, Sirloin of Beef with Forestiere Sauce, Waldorf Pudding and Peaches in Chartreuse Jelly.

Third class passengers have two options for dining, located on the Middle or F-deck. Between them, we can accommodate 473 passengers. Here, you can have a hearty breakfast, sure to get your day started right. Enjoy Oatmeal Porridge, Jacket Potatoes, Smoked Herrings, Ham & Eggs, Swedish Bread, Rice Soup, Cabin Biscuits, Plum Pudding, Stewed Figs & Rice, and much more.

Yes, the Titanic offers foods sure to delight. For more on our dining areas, please follow this link. http://www.titanic-titanic.com/titanic_dining.shtml. Until we meet in person. . .Bon Appetit!