titanic signals

The Titanic was the first ship to use the SOS signal. It was adopted as the international signal for distress in 1912, and the Titanic struck the iceberg in April of that year.

The Titanic ship is perhaps the most infamous ship in history, the story of the sinking of the Titanic is known by many, but what was the ship actually like before it sank?

On April 10, 1912, the Titanic, largest ship afloat, left Southampton, England on its maiden voyage to New York City. The White Star Line had spared no expense in assuring the Titanic ship's luxury. A legend even before it set sail, the entire ship's passengers were a mixture of the world's wealthiest basking in the elegance of first class accommodations and immigrants packed into steerage.

It took over 3,000 men two years to build the Titanic, three million rivets held its massive hull together. Although the titanic is shown with 4 funnel smoke stacks, only 3 were operational, the 4th funnel was for looks to make it more appealing to higher paying customers. A first class ticket on the Titanic ship cost around $4,350, which in todays economy translates into $50,000.

The Titanic featured these luxuries and accommodations, which is why many have said it was the most luxurious ship of it's time:

28 fully decorated First Class Suites. Heated swimming pool. 4 electric elevators (3 in First Class and 1 in Second Class). Indoor squash court on F Deck. Indoor toilets. 2 libraries. 4 restaurants. 3 galleys. 2 musical ensembles (a quintet for First Class Lounge and a trio for the a-la carte reception room). Fully equipped gymnasium. 2 barber shops. a fully equipped darkroom. a fully staffed medical bay with 2 physicians and an operating room. Titanic used 14,000 gallons of drinking water each day.