We've gotten accustomed to associating gigantic things with the Titanic--size, disaster, box office revenue, movie length, James Cameron's ego--so we were disappointed when we heard that Titanic II, a ship set to sail in 2016, will be smaller than most cruise ships today. Australia's fifth richest person, one Clive Palmer, announced on Monday that he's commissioned a plan for his not-so titanic Titanic replica that will be built in China and will set on a course from England to New York in four years. "While the Titanic II would carry around 1,680 passengers, most modern cruise ships create economies of scale by catering for more than 2,000 passengers," reports The Associated Press.

What the Titanic II lacks in size, it will likely make up in luxury. "Titanic II will be the ultimate in comfort and luxury with on-board gymnasiums and swimming pools, libraries, high class restaurants and luxury cabins," Palmer told  The Telegraph's Jonathan Pearlman while the AP adds that there would be mechanical changes too, " including welding rather than rivets, a bulbous bow for greater fuel efficiency and enlarged rudder and bow thrusters for increased maneuverability." Sounds great. What could go wrong?

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Alexander Abad-Santos