Layout of the Titanic
At an astonishing 882 feet and 6 inches, the Titanic was almost as long as three football fields. From the bottom of her keel to the top of her stacks, Titanic was 175 feet high. There were a total of nine decks, or level’s to the ship. The Titanic actually had a heated swimming pool, a gym, two libraries, and two barber shops’. From top to bottom the boat was structured like this, first was the boat deck. The boat deck contained the captain’s bridge, where the ship was navigated. Also, it contained the gym and the pine-paneled deck. Next was the promenade deck, or deck A. Next, was the bridge deck, which included all first class cabins. Under the bridge Deck was the shelter deck, or deck C. This was the site of the purser’s office, and the second class library and lounge. The saloon deck was another level. This was the first class reception room, and the first class dining saloon. The upper deck, or deck E, contained the second and third class cabins. There were middle and lower decks as well as the tank top, which housed the boiler and engine rooms. The movie Titanic suggests that the third class passengers were locked below. And yes, this did take place, but not exactly in the way that the film shows. Titanic history tells us that gates did exist which barred the third class passengers from the other passengers. However, these gates weren't in place to stop a third class passenger from taking a first class passenger's seat on a lifeboat. Instead, the gates were in place as a regulatory measure to prevent the "less cleanly" third class passengers from transmitting diseases and infections to the others. This method would save time when the ship arrived in New York, as only the third class passengers would need a health inspection. At the time of the sinking, some stewards kept gates locked waiting for instructions, while others allowed women and children to the upper decks. As a result of poor communication from the upper decks, the dire reality of the situation was never conveyed. The crew failed to search for passengers in the cabins and common areas, and the fact that some third class passengers did not speak English, also presented a problem. As a result, many of the third class passengers were left to fend for themselves. In fact only 25 percent of the third class passengers survived the disaster. Many of those traveling third class were emigrants traveling to the United States from Ireland and Scandinavia. In all some 33 nationalities were represented in the passenger lists.Passengers traveling second class on the Titanic enjoyed a luxury that rivaled first class on other ships. The Titanic was also the first ship to have an electric elevator for the second class passengers. “Traveling First Class on the Titanic placed you in a private and privileged world where separation of the classes was strictly observed.” Your stateroom reinforced this sense of entitlement with its rich furnishings, electric fireplace, writing table and adult living area. Separate quarters were available for servants. There were six parlor suites reserved for the rich that opened to a private promenade deck. Luxury living at sea had its price. Much like today, rates varied according to season, locations on the ship and the size of the stateroom. Children and dogs in the first Class traveled at half fare. First-class aboard the Titanic was heaven the stories told about the atmosphere didn't even give credit to the ship. She was amazing, and called "a floating hotel."
-Katherine Jolly
-Katherine Jolly
