The SS Nomadic, tender vessel to the Titanic and the last existing White Star Line ship in the world, was officially opened last Friday, May 31 at her Hamilton Dock berth in Belfast.
Over the past seven years, the SS Nomadic — known as Titanic’s little sister — has undergone a £7m restoration programme which has seen the Cherbourg-registered vessel which conveyed 1st and 2nd class passengers to the ill-fated liner restored to her former glory.
The SS Nomadic was built on slipway No1 at the Harland & Wolff yard in Belfast alongside RMS Titanic and RMS Olympic and was launched on April 25, 1911.
The vessel is permanently moored at Hamilton Dock, adjacent to the £97m Titanic Belfast exhibition centre in the Titanic Quarter and is now open to visitors.
On board, a series of audio visual presentations traces the history of the ship, introduces different characters from Nomadic’s past and provides insights into what it would have been like to be a passenger or crew member.
The virtual barman, whose image is projected on to a wall, is a terrible gossip and tells titillating tales about the rich and famous who boarded Titanic, but unfortunately he serves only virtual drink.
Visitors can also find out about some of the vessel’s passengers and experience and interact with the history that surrounds the ship.
Tickets for pre-bookable tours of SS Nomadic can be bought online at www.nomadicbelfast.com Prices are £8.50 for adults and £5 for children, and family passes are available from £22. You can also buy tickets by calling 0044 (0) 28 9024 6609; from the Belfast Welcome Centre (47 Donegall Place); and on board.
See also www.discovernorthernireland.com for details of holidays in Northern Ireland.
SS NOMADIC IN PICTURES
