is a yacht bigger than the titanic

Is Tom Brady's Yacht Bigger Than the Titanic?

Seven-time super bowl champion tom brady does own a yacht, but this claim from an online ad left us scratching our heads., jordan liles, published june 7, 2022.

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In early June 2022, an online advertisement claimed, " Tom Brady 's New Yacht Is Bigger Than the Titanic ." However, this was little more than misleading clickbait.

At the time that we reviewed this ad, Brady , a seven-time Super Bowl champion , was the quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the National Football League ( NFL ).

We clicked the ad about Brady owning a yacht bigger than the Titanic . It led to a 43-page slideshow article on YourDIY.com. Brady appeared on page 35 . However, the page said nothing of Brady owning a yacht bigger than the Titanic . It simply said that Brady owned a Wajer 55 S yacht, which he named Viva a Viva . It measured 55 feet (17 meters) long.

Brady later upgraded to a Wajer 77 model yacht that measured 77 feet (23 meters) long.

By comparison, the Titanic measured more than 882 feet (269 meters) long. The Titanic was more than eleven times larger in length than Brady's Wajer 77, and that's before getting into the obvious disparities in width and height. (The voyage of the Titanic ended in April 1912. Its sinking led to the deaths of around 1,500 people.)

Had Brady purchased a boat that truly was bigger than the Titanic , it would have been major news across the world. We're not ship experts, but one can only imagine the cost of building, delivering, and managing a yacht that's larger than the Titanic . According to a few articles that we found online that provided the estimated cost of building large cruise ships (potentially more than $1 billion), even someone as famous and successful as Brady didn't appear to have enough money to build one. Several websites that showed up in Google search results provided an unofficial and unverified estimate of Brady's net worth (supposedly around $250 to $400 million), which is far less than large cruise ship construction estimates.

This wasn't the first time that Brady was featured in a misleading online ad about owning an expensive mode of transportation. In 2021, we looked at an ad that claimed , "Tom Brady's Private Jet Was a Gift from Whom?" While it's true that Brady has traveled on private jets, there's no evidence that he ever received one as a gift. The clickbait ad led to a story that never mentioned anything of anyone buying one for Brady's family.

In sum, no, Brady did not own a yacht that was bigger than the Titanic . Our explanation below details why these kinds of ads lead to lengthy slideshow articles.

Gardocki, Jon. “Celeb Yachts: The Most Expensive Ships in Hollywood’s Fleet.” YourDIY.com , https://yourdiy.com/celeb-yachts/.

Gartland, Dan. “Tom Brady Buys $6 Million Yacht.” Sports Illustrated , 7 May 2021, https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2021/05/07/buccaneers-tom-brady-new-yacht-wajer-77-photos.

Grant, Robert. “How Much Does a Cruise Ship Cost to Build?” Cruise Deals Expert , 19 Mar. 2020, https://cruisedeals.expert/how-much-does-a-cruise-ship-cost-to-build/.

“How Big Was the Titanic?” Titanic Facts , 4 June 2018, https://titanicfacts.net/how-big-was-the-titanic/.

“How Much Does It Cost to Build a Cruise Ship?” Cruise.blog , 30 Sept. 2021, https://cruise.blog/2021/09/how-much-does-it-cost-build-cruise-ship.

Introducing Tom Brady’s Wajer 77 . Tom Brady Daily Fans, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvqxoTrk8_w.

Liles, Jordan. “Did Tom Brady Receive a Private Jet as a Gift?” Snopes.com , 8 Feb. 2021, https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/tom-brady-private-jet/.

Ma, Haiyan. “How Much Does It Cost to Build a Cruise Ship?” Cruise Hive , 27 Apr. 2022, https://www.cruisehive.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-build-a-cruise-ship/70619.

“Tom Brady Net Worth - Google Search.” Google , https://www.google.com/search?q=tom+brady+net+worth.

Tom Brady’s Blinged-out Yacht “Viva a Vida.” FOX 13 Tampa Bay, 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJzPnNDAnC4.

“Wajer 55 S.” Wajer Yachts , https://www.wajer.com/models/wajer-55-s.

“Wajer 77.” Wajer Yachts , https://www.wajer.com/models/wajer-77.

By Jordan Liles

Jordan Liles is a Senior Reporter who has been with Snopes since 2016.

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Tom Brady’s Yacht: Everything You Want To Know

Tom Brady is arguably one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. He cemented his legacy by playing for 20 years with the New England Patriots before joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020. And as a Buccaneer, shouldn’t the man have a suitable yacht ? Of course! Let’s take a look at the details about Tom’s yacht, a Wajer 77 model that he named Viva La Vida, to see how much it cost and what makes it so interesting. 

How Big is Tom Brady’s Yacht?

Brady’s yacht clocks in at 77-feet which does make it on the smaller end of some of the luxury yachts that other celebrities and millionaires own. Consider that Jess Bezos’s high-priced yacht Y721 cost $500 million and it is over 400 feet long. That dwarfs Brady’s clearly, but this boat is no joke. You can take a look at the yacht here in this video profile.

The vessel has a maximum capacity of 20 passengers, with sleeping space for 9, so it’s well equipped for being a party boat assuming Tom’s down for taking friends out on the water.

Is Tom Brady’s Yacht Bigger Than the Titanic?

Yes, this is a weird question but if you know why someone might ask it, it gets a little less weird. Still weird, but less weird. 

For reasons unknown there was an online ad/clickbait post that was going around in the summer of 2022 that showed a picture of a really exotic looking yacht with the title “Tom Brady’s New Yacht is Bigger Than the Titanic.”

For the record, the Titanic was 269 meters long or just over 882 feet. There is no yacht in the world that big and, to be fair, the Titanic was no yacht. The RMS Titanic was a luxury steamship, what most people would call an ocean liner or cruise ship today. It was completely different from a yacht.

The biggest yacht in the world today is called the Azzam and it is just under 600 feet long. As you can see, Brady’s 77 foot yacht is decidedly smaller than the Titanic in pretty much every way.

The ad was just weird clickbait and Brady appeared to have never made such a silly claim. But the ad seems to have worked enough that a number of people now search for the details. In fact, if you Google “Tom Brady” plus “yacht” plus “Titanic” you get a whopping 138,000 results. So set your mind at ease, his boat is nothing like the Titanic.

Who Made Tom Brady’s Yacht?

Brady’s yacht is a Wajer 77 yacht made by Wajer yachts. Based out of the Netherlands, Wajer is known for its luxury yachts and they take an approach that is more what you’d expect from a luxury car maker like Ferrari or Lamborghini than a boatmaker. 

The company is a family owned business that started in 1992 and today they’re renowned for making some of the fastest yachts in their class, as well as some of the most luxurious. They use something called the Volvo Penta Inboard Propulsion System which is an engine system that claims to give you 20% more speed at 40% less fuel. They have won some awards as well, so they seem to be able to back up those claims.

Brady actually owned an older, smaller model, the Wajer 55S, which was about $2 million when he bought it back in the day. Word is that Brady really loved the yacht and is apparently loyal to his brand so he upgraded when the opportunity arose to get a bit bigger boat. 

How Much Did Tom Brady Pay for his Yacht?

Rumor has it that Brady spent an impressive $6 million on his yacht. At 77-feet, that makes it a very high priced craft. Compare that to something like the Lamborghini 63 yacht which is, of course, 14 feet shorter and costs about $3.5 million.

In terms of added costs, the fuel alone for Brady’s yacht is probably going to set him back around $135,000 per year though that will obviously fluctuate depending on how often he chooses to use the yacht. Of course, with a crew to keep the yacht working and other expenses it’s believed his yearly operating cost for the boat is going to be about $600,000. 

These are relatively new models, and the first Wajer 77 only hit the water in August of 2021. They had pre sold 15 models earlier in the year and Brady was one of the buyers. The 77 is the biggest yacht Wajer has ever made.

The price for a Wajer 77 starts at €5.25million which is nearly the same in US dollars so it’s possible Brady decided to add a few custom items onto his build to jack up the price by about $750,000. The upholstery, hull and color scheme are all customizable so Brady likely had a lot of options when he made his choice.

Brady is believed to have a personal fortune of about $250 million, so the $6 million he spent on the yacht was just a drop in the bucket.

How Fast is Tom Brady’s Yacht?

Wajer says the Wajer 77 yacht is able to hit an impressive 37 knots , which is pretty incredible for a yacht of this size. Definitely shows off the prowess of that Volvo Penta engines it has inside. The standard model, and it’s unclear if Brady tweaked his at all, comes with three Volvo Penta IPS 1200 D13-900 HP engines. 

It also boasts a range of 400 nautical miles with a 4,800 liter fuel tank, which isn’t too bad for a yacht of this size, either. Fuel consumption is listed at 300 liters per hour at 26 knots. 

What Does Tom Brady’s Yacht Interior Look Like?

Let’s start with some general specs here since the company offers those up for the Wajer 77 right on their site. Obviously the vessel is 77 feet long but it also boasts a 19 foot beam.

In the center of the boat is a 16’5″ wide master suite. There’s also a junior suite in the bow that features a double bed and beyond that is the port-side guest cabin. This one has a queen-size and a single bed. 

Elsewhere you’ll find the crew cabin which has room for 2 and also has a separate private entrance. Each of these cabins have ensuite bathrooms that are all designed to limit sound transmission. There’s also a fully equipped galley and even a coffee bar.

The yacht is able to carry Seabobs, jet surfboards, a Williams 325 Jet Tender and it also has space for diving equipment and a Jet Ski.

What Else Does Tom Brady’s Yacht Feature?

For the price you’d expect Wajer to include some cool features and they really do. In addition to the fun and luxury stuff,  there’s a lot of features that just make the yacht itself a standout in the world of boats. For instance:

• There’s deck cooling technology to keep you from getting scorched on a sunny day
• An adjustable deck layout that lets you pick how you want your yacht to look rather than choosing a single design. No word on which layout Brady chose.
• An automatic Targa roof
• There’s even a hybrid fender system , which automatically inflates the fenders when you need them and deflates them for easy storage. Maybe not as cool as a hot tub, but still a great feature.

Does Brady’s Yacht Have Anything to do With The New England Patriots?

Despite the fact that Tom Brady rose to fame as part of the New England Patriots and he’ll likely be associated with them for the rest of his life, he actually bought this vessel when he was a Tampa Bay Buccaneer. It’s his own personal yacht and has nothing to do with the NFL or any of the teams he’s played for.

The Bottom Line

The Super Bowl champ was quoted as saying the Wajer 77 yacht he purchased was well suited for what he and his family needs. He wanted a yacht to be able to take him down to the Bahamas on weekend trips when the mood arose and the $6 million yacht definitely fit the bill. He said he wanted to spend more weekends and day trips with the family since he lives in Florida ont he east coast and can easily scoot down to the Bahamas in his yacht when he has a day or two free.

With tons of custom and luxury features as well as powerful engines that give the yacht the power to hit 37 knots it’s an amazing boat that also has a lot of fun features for Brady, his family and any guests they choose to bring along.

My grandfather first took me fishing when I was too young to actually hold up a rod on my own. As an avid camper, hiker, and nature enthusiast I'm always looking for a new adventure.

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Inside the world's largest cruise ship that's five times bigger than the Titanic

Icon of the Seas set sail in the open ocean for the first time last week, and has reportedly already gained £5 million in advance sales before her maiden voyage in January

• 03:06, 16 Jul 2023

The world's largest cruise ship has been described as a 'floating city' - and is five times bigger than the Titanic.

Icon of the Seas set sail in the open ocean for the first time last week, and has reportedly already gained £5 million in advance sales before her maiden voyage in January.

The ship is 20 decks high and 1,198 ft long with a gross tonnage of 250,800. It's home to the world's largest onboard waterpark with a free-fall slide with a heart-stopping 66 degree incline drop.

She also has 40 bars and restaurants, a mini-golf course and ice rink and if that wasn't enough, a 55ft indoor waterfall. Designed for a younger crowd, the £1.5 billion ship also has a zip-line 154 ft above the ocean, a rock-climbing wall, obstacle course, arcade and a karaoke bar.

The Royal Caribbean vessel is 10 ft longer than the current record-holder, Wonder Of The Seas, and can carry up to 7,600 passengers and some 2,350 crew.

And it doesn't stop there. The ship also holds a three-storey 'townhouse', which is the largest cabin at sea. It sleeps eight and comes with a 35ft red slide running from top to bottom.

One source said: "If you leave your shoes in the kitchen and you are in the bedroom, it's a pretty fun way to retrieve them." A private lift then returns you to the third-floor master bedroom.

While some critics have labelled it a 'garish monstrosity', a spokesman for the vessel said it has smashed sales records and is almost fully booked for January, when it will embark from Miami on four cruises around the Caribbean.

An insider said: "This is the future. People can sneer but the sales figures show this is precisely what tourists want. Our lines have been ringing non-stop since she went on sea trials last week. People have been saving hard for the holiday of a lifetime – and this is it."

It also promises to be one of the most eco-friendly vessels ever built. It is powered by liquified natural gas which runs six engines, generating 67,500 kW (90,520 hp) of power.

Royal Caribbean chief executive Michael Bayley said: "Looking at the energy and time that has gone into this ship, it's mind-blowing."

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Is There A Boat Bigger Than The Titanic?

January 8, 2024

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‍ Key Takeaways

• The Titanic was the biggest cruise ship of its time.
• Modern cruise ships surpass the Titanic in size.
• The Icon of the Seas is currently the world’s largest cruise ship.
• Size isn't the only factor in ship design; safety and amenities also matter.
• Technological advancements have allowed for the construction of even larger ships.

‍ The legacy of the Titanic remains one of the most enduring and poignant stories in maritime history. But is there a boat bigger than the Titanic?

Yes, there is a boat bigger than the Titanic. The Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas surpasses the Titanic and revolutionizes maritime gigantism as the largest ship in the world. It vastly exceeds the Titanic in size, measuring over five times larger in gross tonnage.

As a seasoned maritime enthusiast, I’ve gained unique insights into the evolution of shipbuilding and the construction of larger vessels. I’m well-versed in the history of iconic ships like the Titanic and the subsequent advancements in maritime technology that have led to the development of larger and more sophisticated vessels. Rest assured, my information is rooted in accurate data and a genuine passion for maritime developments.

Table of contents

‍ is there a boat bigger than the titanic.

When I explore the historical context of ocean liners, the RMS Titanic often assumes a central role. Built as the pinnacle of maritime engineering of its time, the Titanic wasn't just any ocean liner; it was a symbol of industrial might and luxurious travel.

But is there a boat that’s bigger than the Titanic?

Yes, there are indeed boats larger than the Titanic. Modern cruise ships and giants of Royal Caribbean International dwarf the main Titanic ship in size and capacity.

While the Titanic extended approximately 882 feet in length, today’s marine giants, like the Icon of the Seas , surpass 1,180 feet. However, the scale and grandeur of the ill-fated Titanic continue to captivate the imagination of many.

The Icon of the Seas, the first of its kind, sets a new benchmark for cruise ships with its astonishing scale. Deemed the biggest cruise ship ever built , this vessel boasts a mind-boggling gross tonnage and a capacity to host thousands of guests that's just as impressive.

Now, let’s explore various features and specs of modern ships and how they compare to the Titanic.

Passenger Experience and Amenities

On the Titanic, first-class passengers enjoyed luxurious cabins and exclusive access to grand dining halls. However, the ship's offerings, though opulent for the era, were limited compared to today's standards.

On the contrary, a new cruise ship provides such a diverse range of services and activities that sailing on one makes for an entire vacation experience. Imagine an array of restaurants, theaters showing Broadway-style performances, and spas offering a sanctuary of relaxation—all at sea.

Every person aboard is a guest entitled to an all-encompassing holiday, irrespective of their cabin class, which is a significant departure from the distinct class system observed on the Titanic.

Some of their onboard amenities are:

• Swimming Pools and water Parks
• Spa and fitness Centers
• Gourmet Dining Options
• Entertainment Venues
• Wi-Fi and connectivity

Technical Specifications and Innovations

The cruise industry has outdone itself by constructing the breathtaking Icon of the Seas. This phenomenal masterpiece surpasses the Titanic in size, technological advancements, and luxurious accommodations.

This modern leviathan is a symbol of how far we've come in shipbuilding. Over time, I’ve closely followed the construction of ships like Icon of the Seas, making me appreciate the might and innovative spirit that propels the creation of these modern titans.

Their technical specs are not just numbers; they represent a new era of maritime prowess that has transformed the seas into avenues of luxury and technological marvels.

Comparative Size and Capacity

When considering the Titans of the Sea, I often marvel at the monumental scale of these vessels. Today, we're tackling the gripping topic of maritime giants, and specifically, we’ll compare the legendary RMS Titanic and modern leviathans of the sea.

Here's is a fleet comparison of these two boats:

Safety and Sustainability

When I explore the giants of the sea, safety, and sustainability are as crucial to me as the sheer size of these impressive vessels. From the tragic tale of the Titanic, we've learned the importance of safety protocols and technological advancements.

Ships like the Icon of the Seas aren't just massive; they embrace sustainability practices and technological advancements, ensuring their voyages respect our planet's ecological balance while keeping passengers safe.

With upgraded propulsion systems, these modern vessels set a new standard for both environmental stewardship and safety measures.

Future Innovations in Ship Design

In the realm of ship design, innovations have come a long way since the era of the Titanic. While the Titanic represented a remarkable feat of engineering for its time, modern ship design has evolved significantly to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

One notable innovation is the incorporation of advanced materials and construction techniques. Unlike the Titanic's predominantly steel construction, contemporary ships often utilize high-strength, lightweight materials such as aluminum and composite materials.

These materials not only reduce a ship's weight but also improve fuel efficiency and resistance to corrosion.

Another groundbreaking advancement is in propulsion systems. The Titanic relied on coal-fired steam engines, while today's ships commonly use highly efficient, eco-friendly propulsion methods like diesel-electric, LNG (liquefied natural gas), and even battery-electric systems. These innovations reduce emissions and enhance overall ship performance.

Safety has also seen significant improvements. Following the tragic sinking of the Titanic , rigorous safety regulations and technologies were developed.

These include advanced navigation systems, radar, sonar, and the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). They ensure faster response times and improved communication during emergencies.

Furthermore, modern ship designs prioritize sustainability. Eco-friendly features like exhaust gas cleaning systems (scrubbers), ballast water treatment systems, and even the integration of renewable energy sources like solar panels are becoming more common.

These initiatives aim to minimize a ship's environmental impact and comply with international regulations to protect marine ecosystems.

Additionally, digitalization and automation have transformed ship operations. Advanced monitoring and control systems, predictive maintenance, and autonomous technologies enhance vessel efficiency, reduce crew workload, and enhance overall safety.

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Unraveling the Myth: Is Tom Brady’s Yacht Truly Larger than the Titanic?

Key Takeaways :

• The rampant misconception about the size of Tom Brady’s yacht
• The significance of luxury yachts in showcasing celebrities’ opulence
• How the Titanic still dwarfs contemporary luxury yachts in size and historical impact

The Allure of the Ocean and Celebrity Yachts

When one thinks of luxury and an unmatched lavish lifestyle, celebrity yachts often come to mind. These sea giants have become symbols of opulence, representing the pinnacle of achievement for their proud owners. Tom Brady, the NFL legend, is no exception. His impressive yacht collection, culminating in the Wajer 77, has often been the talk of the town.

Misleading Claims and the Power of Advertisements

Advertisements have the power to shape opinions and even, at times, distort reality. Such was the case with a June 2022 ad that boldly claimed Tom Brady’s yacht was larger than the Titanic. The ad, lacking in factual foundation, bewilderingly compared the Wajer 77 with the historic RMS Titanic, a ship that has etched its name in the annals of history.

Brady Yacht vs. Titanic: A Reality Check

Any maritime enthusiast would know that comparing Brady’s yacht to the Titanic is an apple to oranges comparison. The Titanic, a behemoth of a passenger liner that tragically sank in 1912, spanned over 882 feet. In contrast, the Wajer 77, as its name implies, is 77 feet in length. This places the Titanic at over 11 times the size of Brady’s yacht, and this comparison doesn’t even account for the significant differences in height, breadth, and tonnage.

The True Essence of the Wajer 77

While it may not match the size of the Titanic, Brady’s Wajer 77, priced at a staggering $6 million, is a marvel in its own right. However, when we look at the world of luxury yachts, the Wajer 77 can be seen as a modest contender. Jeff Bezos’ Y721, which comes with a price tag of $500 million, stretches to 400 feet. This offers a glimpse into the vast universe of yacht luxury, where the brady yacht “bigger than titanic” claim is a mere drop in the ocean.

The Journey of Tom Brady with Wajer Yachts

Brady’s love for the sea is evident through his successive yacht acquisitions. Before his recent upgrade to the Wajer 77, he owned the Wajer 55S, which cost him around $2 million. As per his own words and his relationship with Wajer, moving to Tampa with its beautiful bay sparked the idea of owning a boat. And as we know, when celebrities like Brady get an idea, they aim for the best.

The allure of the Wajer yacht models is evident in Brady’s statement, where he expresses his anticipation to continue his ‘captainship’ with the Wajer 77, showcasing the strength of his relationship with the brand.

In Conclusion: Navigating Beyond the Myths

Tom Brady’s yacht, while a magnificent testament to modern luxury, cannot and should not be compared to iconic vessels like the Titanic based on size or historical significance. The importance of discerning fact from fiction in our fast-paced information age becomes even more crucial when such grand claims are made.

So, while we can admire and even envy the opulence of Brady’s yacht, let us also remember the Titanic for what it was – a monumental feat of engineering of its time, whose legacy is more about its tragic fate and the lessons we derived from it than its sheer size.

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World’s largest cruise ship – five times the size of Titanic – sets sail

The latest ship from cruise giant royal caribbean began its maiden voyage over the weekend, article bookmarked.

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The world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean ’s Icon of the Seas, set sail for the first time on Saturday (27 January).

It has overtaken sister ship Wonder of the Seas to claim the title. Royal Caribbean president Jason Liberty described the new vessel as the “ biggest, baddest ship on the planet ” – it is longer than the Eiffel Tower.

Icon of the Seas has 18 passenger decks, seven swimming pools and over 40 restaurants and bars on board. It is able to hold 5,610 passengers on board (at double occupancy) and has a gross tonnage of 250,800.

The luxury ship also boasts eight “neighbourhoods” on board, each with its own distinct experiences, entertainment and food and drink options. With an eye on breaking records, these neighbourhoods hold a number of firsts: Thrill Island features the largest cruise ship water park, the first open free-fall slide at sea and a drop slide that is the industry’s tallest.

The ship also features Chill Island, with ocean-view pools and a frozen cocktail bar, and The Hideaway, home to the first suspended infinity pool at sea, surrounded by a multi-level sun terrace complete with whirlpools and a beach bar.

Other neighbourhoods include The Hideaway, Surfside and Aquadome, with its own AquaTheater.

The vessel is family-focused, with the introductions of the new Family Infinite Balcony and the Surfside Family Suite, as well as the Ultimate Family Townhouse, complete with a mailbox and signature white picket fence.

Icon of the Seas will sail seven-night cruises all year round from Miami, with every itinerary stopping at CocoCay in the Bahamas. It will be the first ship by the company with fuel cell technology, powered by liquified natural gas (clean burning fuel), making it the company’s most sustainable ship to date – though Royal Caribbean came in second place on Friends of the Earth’s list of polluters in the cruise industry in 2022.

Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, previously said: “Icon of the Seas is the culmination of more than 50 years of delivering memorable experiences and our next bold commitment to those who love to vacation. Now more than ever, families and friends are prioritising experiences where they can bond and enjoy their own adventures.”

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Titanic vs The Queen Mary – Size, Power, and Speed Comparison

The Titanic and The Queen Mary are two of the world’s best-known ships. When the Titanic was built in 1912 she was the largest and most technologically advanced ship of her day. The Queen Mary was built later in 1936 and is now a floating hotel in Long Beach, California.

I have spent the night onboard the Queen Mary and she’s every bit as grand as you’d expect.

Although both ships set sail less than 30 years apart there are some considerable differences between the two.

How did the Titanic Compare to the Queen Mary?

The Queen Mary is 15% longer than the Titanic and 28% wider. She has over three times the horsepower and was able to travel 39% faster than the Titanic. The Queen Mary has an additional 3 passenger decks compared to the Titanic .

Improvements in shipbuilding and design meant that not only could shipbuilders build larger ships but also ships that could sail faster. Onboard safety also improved greatly with many changes being implemented after the sinking of the Titanic.

Queen Mary vs Titanic – Length Comparison

The Queen Mary is 15% longer than the Titanic. This is based on the length of the cruise ship as parallel to the waterline.

Some parts of the ship do technically protrude further than at the waterline, such as the aft section of Titanic.

If you were to compare the length of the Titanic and Queen Mary to the current cruise ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet, the Titanic would be the shortest. The Queen Mary had a length similar to that of the Voyager-class cruise ships for Royal Caribbean, built between 1999-2003.

Queen Mary vs Titanic – Width (Beam) Comparison

The Queen Mary is 28% wider than the Titanic.

The beam of a cruise ship is the width of the cruise ship at the widest point. It’s usually measured where the hull meets the waterline.

Queen Mary vs Titanic – Height and Deck Comparison

The Queen Mary was only 3% taller than the Titanic but she included an additional 3 passenger decks. The largest cruise ship currently in operation is 72 meters (238 feet) high which is 37% taller than the Titanic.

Building tall cruise ships limits the destinations which a cruise ship can travel to. Some large modern cruise ships are unable to sail to some ports due to bridges.

Queen Mary vs Titanic – Gross Tonnage Comparison

The Queen Mary had almost double the gross tonnage of the Titanic.

The gross tonnage of the Titanic is smaller than any modern cruise ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet but the gross tonnage of the Queen Mary is similar to that of Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas.

Queen Mary vs Titanic – Horsepower and Speed Comparison

A ship’s horsepower is the amount of power provided by the engines, one horsepower is equivalent to 746 Watts.

The Titanic had three engines. Two four-cylinder steam engines and one steam turbine. Each steam engine provided 15,000 horsepower and the steam turbine provided 16,000.

The Queen Mary had four boiler rooms and four turbines in two separate engine rooms. The combined horsepower was 160,000 which gave the Queen Mary 3x as much power as the Titanic.

This meant that the Queen Mary was able to sail 39% faster than the Titanic at full speed.

In reality the Queen Mary usually sailed at around 29 knots (32 MPH) and the Titanic sailed at a little over 21 knots (24 MPH).

Modern cruise ships still usually have a maximum speed of between 25-30 knots.

Similarities Between the Queen Mary and The Titanic

Both ships were made from riveted steel.

Riveting is the process of joining together pieces of metal using metal pins called rivets. Riveting has mostly been replaced by welding in modern shipbuilding.

• The Titanic used approx 3 million rivets
• The Queen Mary used approx 10 million rivets

It has been confirmed since Titanic’s creation that the builders of the Titanic struggled to find good quality rivets and men to do the riveting.

Riveting by hand is a difficult and time-consuming job. Many people question whether the poor quality of Titanic’s rivets contributed to her sinking.

Both Ships Had 3 Main Anchors

The Titanic had 3 primary anchors, one on the left, one on the right and one in the center. The ship also had two kedging anchors (lighter anchors).

The Queen Mary had 3 anchors.

Both Ships Had 3 Functioning Funnels

The Queen Mary has 3 obvious funnels on her top deck. The Titanic looks as though she had 4 but in reality one of these is fake.

At the time of Titanic’s creation many people believed that the more funnels a ship had the faster and more powerful she was, a fake funnel was added for this reason. It’s also believed that even numbers of funnels was preferred.

Queen Mary vs Titanic – Ship Ownership

The Titanic was built for a company called White Star Line. The White Star Line merged with Cunard Line in 1934 to form the Cunard-White Star Line. The Queen Mary was then built for the Cunard-White Star Line.

Cunard owned 62% of the company and White Star Line 38%. Cunard bought out White Star Line in 1949 creating the Cunard brand that we know and love today.

Is The Queen Mary The Sister Ship to The Titanic?

The Queen Mary is not the sister ship to the Titanic. She was built for Cunard line 24 years after the Titanic was launched. Cunard Line was part-owned by the White Star Line, the company which built the Titanic so the Queen Mary could be described as a much younger relative, possibly a child.

To learn more about how Titanic compares to modern cruise ships, including how the ship compares to the Royal Caribbean and Cunard fleets check out this post:

Titanic vs a Modern Cruise Ship Fleet – Comparison with Photos!

Was Titanic Filmed on the Queen Mary?

The movie Titanic was not filmed on the Queen Mary. The majority of the film was produced in California in a film studio called Baja studios. Baja studios have some of the world’s largest stages and tanks that were needed for the production.

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Titanic vs Modern Cruise Ship Size Comparison | Infographic

Below we compare the Titanic vs modern cruise ships . We'll look at size, passenger count, crew, and more. You'll find a comparison to the average cruise ship and also a side-by-side view of the Titanic vs the largest cruise ship in the world!

We'll not get into the sinking of the Titanic. We'll let James Cameron handle that one. We want to compare the largest passenger liner of its time, the Titanic, vs modern cruise ships.

Built by the White Star Line, the RMS Titanic was the largest ship entering service in 1912 . White Star was in competition with Cunard Cruise Line for dominance over the Atlantic passage. Cunard focused on speed. The Titanic prioritized size and comfort. Like modern cruise ships, the Titanic wanted to be the biggest and most awe-inspiring vessel out there. White Star spared no expense in the construction. The financing was actually provided by JP Morgan!

There's no denying that cruise ships have grown significantly since the early 1900's. However, this growth pales in comparison to that of sky-rise buildings.

You can see from the chart above that building size has grown significantly faster than cruise ship size. The tallest building in 1912 was just 390 feet high. Today it's 2,717 feet! Compare that to the Titanic's length of 883 feet vs the biggest cruise ship today length of 1,184 feet.

Let's now compare the Titanic vs modern cruise ships on each major metric. For more context, we also measure her against the Symphony of the Seas. This is currently the largest cruise ship in the world.

Titanic vs Cruise Ship Size

When comparing the Titanic to modern cruise ships, let's make sure to note that this ship was built over 100 years ago !

The Titanic was HUGE for its day and age! When compared to modern cruise ships, she's smaller for sure. But, not smaller in the magnitude that you'd expect given the time span.

Our infographic above shows the comparison between the Titanic vs modern cruise ships. It also compares her size stats with that of the Symphony of the Seas. As of 2022, the Symphony of the Seas is the biggest cruise ship in the world. Check out our post here for the 25 largest cruise ships in the world .

In the chart, you'll find a column for "modern cruise ships." That includes all active ships for the following cruise lines: Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess, NCL, and Disney.

Titanic Tonnage

What was the Titanic's gross tonnage ? The Titanic measured 46,328 in gross tonnage. This compares to modern cruising vessels weighing in at 113,525 GT. The Symphony of the Seas tips the scales at 228,081 GT.

Titanic Length

What was the Titanic's ship length ? The Titanic measured 883 feet in length. This compares to modern cruising vessels at 980 feet long. The Symphony of the Seas is 1,184 feet from end to end.

Titanic Draft

What is the draft of the Titanic ? The draft is the distance between the waterline and the bottom of the ship's hull. The Titanic draws 35 feet for is draft. This is only sizing measurement for which she's greater than her modern day counterparts. The average ship today has a draft of 27 feet, while the Symphony of the Seas draws 31 feet.

Titanic Beam

What was the Titanic's beam or width ? A ship's "beam" is essentially its width. From side to side, the Titanic measured 92 feet in width. The beam of a modern cruise ship today measures 119 feet. The Symphony of the Seas spans 137 feet.

PASSENGER & CREW COUNT

How many passenger decks did the ship have ? Titanic had a total of 10 decks. Eight of those were passenger decks. Modern cruise ships average 13 passenger decks and the Symphony of the Seas has a total of 16 decks for guests.

Cabin Count

How many cabins were on the Titanic ? There were 840 staterooms on the Titanic. First class cabins made up a total of 416 of these. Second class rooms accounted for 162 and 262 of these were for third-class passengers. Today's cruise ship averages 1,401 cabins and the Symphony has 2,745 total staterooms.

Titanic Passenger Count

How many passengers did the Titanic hold ? Titanic held a total of 3,353 individuals. This included 2,453 passengers and 900 crew members. Modern cruise ships compare with an average capacity of 3,077 cruisers and 1,203 crew members. The largest cruise ship in the world, the Symphony of the Seas, has a capacity of 5,518 passengers. The ship has 2,200 crew members serving these guests for a total of 7,718 people on board.

How fast was the Titanic ? The ship had a total maximum speed of 23 knots. For our non-maritime folk, that's roughly 26.5 mph. The typical cruising vessel today has a max speed of 29 knots and Royal Caribbean's largest ship maxes out at 22 knots.

TITANIC COST VS MODERN SHIPS

Cruise Cost

How much did a ticket cost on the Titanic ? The Titanic had three classes of cabins. First, second and third. The cost of each were surprisingly consistent with cruise costs today.

• 3rd Class Price : The lowest cabin class ranged in cost from $15 to $40. In today's dollars, that would be $423 to $1,129. From our cruise pricing widget below, you can see that you can cruise the largest ship in the world for less than the Titanic would have cost 100+ years ago.
• 2nd Class Price : The second class cabins were roughly $60 ($1,693 adjusted to today). This is similar to the cost of a standard, inside cabin on modern cruise ships.
• 1st Class Price : First class cabins cost $4,234 in today's dollars, or $150 at that time. Balcony cabins, and even mini suites will cost roughly the same on the Symphony of the Seas.
• High End Suite : The most expensive suite on the Titanic was the Parlor Suite. In 1912, it cost $4,350. That's the equivalent of $122,722 today! The Ultimate Family Suite on the Symphony of the Seas will set you back a whopping $85,000 during Christmas week.

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10 Key Differences Between a Modern Cruise Ships vs Titanic

W ho wins in the debate: modern cruise ship vs titanic? Most people associate the Titanic with a gigantic cruise ship , but even though it was the biggest passenger liner in the world in 1912, the Titanic was actually much smaller than modern-day cruise ships. Modern cruise ships are often 1,000 feet long; at 882 feet long, the Titanic ship was dwarfed by larger ships by height and beam.

The largest cruise ship in the world, Royal Caribbean ‘s Icon of the Seas, with a gross tonnage (GT) of 248,663, sailed from the US port of Miami on January 27, 2024. Advancements in technology, safety regulations, and design have transformed the cruise industry and today’s modern cruise ships offer unparalleled luxury, comfort, and safety features, making them vastly different from the ill-fated Titanic. However, there continues to be a debate about the modern cruise ship vs the Titanic. Let’s break the argument down: here are some differences between a current cruise ship and the Titanic in case your definition of a cruise ship is based on a ship that sailed more than a century ago.

Modern Cruise Ships vs The Titanic

Size and capacity.

The Titanic was considered the largest and most luxurious ship of its time, measuring about 882 feet in length and accommodating approximately 2,200 passengers and crew. In contrast, modern cruise ships are much larger, with some exceeding 1,000 feet in length and carrying over 6,000 passengers and crew members. These massive vessels feature multiple decks, amenities, and entertainment options to cater to a diverse range of travelers.

Safety Features

Following the tragic sinking of the Titanic, stringent safety regulations were implemented to prevent similar disasters. Modern cruise ships are equipped with state-of-the-art safety features, including advanced navigation systems, radar technology, and satellite communications for real-time monitoring and emergency response. Additionally, modern ships undergo rigorous safety drills and inspections to ensure compliance with international maritime standards.

Technology and Innovation

Advancements in technology have revolutionized the cruise industry, enhancing the onboard experience for passengers. Modern cruise ships feature amenities such as onboard Wi-Fi, interactive touch-screen displays, digital key systems for cabin access, and smartphone apps for booking excursions and dining reservations. High-speed internet connectivity allows passengers to stay connected with loved ones and share their travel experiences in real time.

Comfort and Luxury

While the Titanic was celebrated for its opulent interiors and lavish amenities, modern cruise ships set a new standard for luxury and comfort. From spacious staterooms and suites with private balconies to gourmet dining options and world-class entertainment, today’s cruise ships offer unparalleled levels of indulgence and relaxation. Passengers can enjoy spa treatments, fitness centers, swimming pools, theaters, casinos, and more, ensuring a memorable and enriching vacation experience.

Environmental Sustainability

In recent years, the cruise industry has made significant strides in promoting environmental sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint . Modern cruise ships are designed with eco-friendly features such as advanced wastewater treatment systems, energy-efficient propulsion systems, and LED lighting. Cruise lines also implement recycling programs, shore power connections, and alternative fuel sources to minimize environmental impact and preserve marine ecosystems.

Global Accessibility

Unlike the Titanic, which primarily operated transatlantic voyages between Europe and North America, modern cruise ships offer global itineraries spanning all seven continents. Passengers can embark on cruises to exotic destinations such as the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska, South Pacific , and even Antarctica. With a wide range of destinations and shore excursions available, cruise travel has become more accessible and inclusive than ever before.

Dining Options

While the Titanic offered extravagant dining experiences in its grand dining saloons, modern cruise ships take culinary offerings to new heights. Passengers can choose from a variety of dining options, including gourmet restaurants , casual eateries, specialty cuisine venues, and 24-hour room service. Many cruise lines also accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences, ensuring that all guests can enjoy delicious meals prepared by world-class chefs.

Entertainment and Activities

From Broadway-style shows and live music performances to comedy clubs and themed parties, modern cruise ships offer a diverse array of entertainment options to suit every taste and age group. Passengers can participate in onboard activities such as cooking classes, dance lessons, fitness programs , water sports, and enrichment lectures. With something for everyone, boredom is simply not an option on today’s cruise ships.

Health and Wellness Facilities

In addition to traditional spa services, modern cruise ships feature comprehensive health and wellness facilities designed to promote relaxation, rejuvenation, and overall well-being. Passengers can unwind in saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs, indulge in massages and beauty treatments, and participate in yoga and meditation classes. Fitness enthusiasts can take advantage of fully equipped gyms, jogging tracks, and group exercise sessions to stay active while at sea.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

One of the most significant differences between the Titanic and modern cruise ships is the focus on accessibility and inclusivity. Today’s cruise ships are designed to accommodate passengers with disabilities, offering wheelchair-accessible cabins, public areas, and amenities. Cruise lines also provide specialized services and assistance to ensure that all guests can enjoy a comfortable and memorable vacation experience, regardless of their physical abilities.

Is Tom Brady's Yacht Bigger Than the Titanic?

The largest yachts owned by tech billionaires, from Mark Zuckerberg to Jeff Bezos

• Megayachts have become a status symbol for the richest of the rich.
• In recent years, Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg have splurged on enormous boats.
• These are the biggest yachts owned by tech billionaires.

The average Joe celebrating a personal renaissance after, say, the end of a long-term relationship or when approaching a fresh decade might commemorate it with an ankle tattoo or a sports car. But if you're a billionaire, you may instead spend hundreds of millions on a yacht .

A few years after he and his wife divorced, Jeff Bezos shelled out on a megayacht. Last year, Bezos debuted the 127-meter vessel "Koru," a Māori symbol that signifies a fresh start — perhaps referring to that with his fiancée Lauren Sanchez.

Earlier this year, just before his 40th birthday, Mark Zuckerberg became the rumored owner of a yacht originally built for a Russian oligarch.

Superyachts have increasingly become ultrawealthy status symbols , providing highly secluded leisure and networking sites. They are — even more so than real estate — the single most expensive asset you can own.

"It's a bit of a celebration of your success in life, of wealth," Giovanna Vitelli, the chair of the Azimut Benetti Group, the world's biggest producer of superyachts, told Business Insider.

While many tech billionaires have bought yachts, the richest of the rich, like Bezos, Zuckerberg, and Oracle cofounder Larry Ellison, have gone bigger. Their boats are virtual palaces at sea, decked with amenities like gyms, spas, pools, nightclubs, and movie theaters.

A look at these megayachts — broadly defined as over 70 meters long, mostly custom-built, and often costing nine figures — offers a glimpse into how the .00001% lives. It's something few others will ever get to experience. Even chartering a yacht of this size for a week typically costs upwards of $1 million.

One major thing that hundreds of millions of dollars can buy is privacy. There are likely yachts that have not been publicly recorded or registered — for example, Evan Spiegel is rumored to own the 94-meter megayacht Bliss. In an industry ruled by discretion , deciphering who owns what is typically an exercise in stringing together many clues.

Here are the largest yachts owned by tech billionaires, listed in order of length.

Jeff Bezos: Koru and Abeona

Amazon founder Bezos' $500 million megayacht, the 127-meter Koru, made a splash last year as she crisscrossed the Mediterranean in her first summer at sea, with her 75-meter support vessel Abeona in tow.

The sailing yacht, which is hard to miss thanks to her massive size and unique design, was host to Bezos and his fiancée Lauren Sanchez's famous friends . The couple held an engagement party on board, which reportedly drew guests including Bill Gates, Ari Emanuel, and Leonardo DiCaprio. Just a week later, they were seen on the streets of Dubrovnik, Croatia, with Orlando Bloom, Katy Perry, and Usher.

Even before her completion, Koru made headlines. She drew the ire of some Dutch people, who vowed to hurl eggs after she was announced a historic bridge in Rotterdam might be taken apart to allow the Oceanco boat through. Luckily, the shipyard made alternative plans, and an egg crisis was averted.

Among yacht world insiders , Koru is widely praised for her craftsmanship.

"I heard back in 2018 or something that somebody had ordered a classic sailing yacht," one superyacht expert told BI. "You order 125 meters, that's not really going to be classic. But it is. I think it's pretty cool."

Mark Zuckerberg: Launchpad

Earlier this year, the yacht world was rife with rumors that Zuckerberg purchased Launchpad, a 118-meter superyacht originally designed for a sanctioned Russian businessman.

The ship made her maiden voyage in March, going from Gibraltar to St. Maarten and mooring in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Little is known about her interior, but photos show a large swimming pool and helipad. Her price, too, has been kept under wraps but is said to be nine figures.

Eric Schmidt: Whisper

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt made waves last year when he agreed to buy the Alfa Nero , the yacht of a sanctioned Russian oligarch, for $67 million in an auction conducted by Antigua and Barbuda. But he backed out of the deal following legal issues over her true owner. He quietly purchased Kismet instead. The 95-meter-long Lürssen-built boat was formerly owned by the Jacksonville Jaguar's billionaire owner Shahid Khan . Schmidt renamed her Whisper.

The ship can fit 12 guests and a crew of 28, according to Moran Yacht & Ship, which oversaw her construction. She features a master deck with a private jacuzzi, full-service spa, lap pool, movie theater, and outdoor fireplace.

While her final sale price was not public, she was listed for 149 million euros (about $161 million at current exchange rates), and at a charity auction in January, one week aboard the ship went for $2.4 million, according to industry outlet Yacht Charter Fleet.

Barry Diller: Eos

Barry Diller , the chairman of digital media company IAC, co-owns the megayacht Eos with his wife, fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg , who is immortalized by a figurehead sculpture by Anh Duong.

One of the largest private sailing yachts in the world, the three-masted Lürssen schooner measures 93 meters long. She took three years to be built before being delivered to Diller in 2009, and since then, little has come to light about her interior and features.

The power couple has hosted many celebrities on the Eos, which spends her summers crisscrossing the Mediterranean and New Year ' s Eve in St. Barts . Over the years, guests have included Oprah Winfrey, Emma Thompson, Anderson Cooper, and Bezos, leading some to believe she provided inspiration for his Koru.

Jim Clark: Athena

Netscape founder Jim Clark purchased the 90-meter sailing yacht Athena in 2004.

"I could easily have built a 50- or 60-meter motor yacht that would have had the same space as Athena, but I was never really interested in building a motor yacht," he told Boat International in 2016. "To my eye, she's one of the most gorgeous large sailing yachts, maybe the most gorgeous large sailing yacht in the world."

Athena has room for 10 guests and 21 crewmembers, and the only change Clark says he'd make in her design is adding more space for his kids.

"If I was forced to change something, I would convert the office on the lower deck into a children's room," he said.

The former Stanford professor tried to sell her at various points — listing her for $95 million in 2012 , $69 million in 2016, and $59 million in 2017 — but she has yet to change hands.

Larry Ellison: Musashi

Oracle founder Larry Ellison has owned several superyachts over the years, including the Katana, the Ronin, and the Rising Sun — which he sold to fellow billionaire David Geffen .

He purchased his current boat, Musashi, in 2011 for a reported $160 million from custom-yacht giant Feadship.

Named after a famous samurai warrior, the 88-meter-long yacht has both Japanese and Art Deco-inspired design elements. She also boasts amenities including an elevator, swimming pool, beauty salon, gym, and basketball court.

Ellison is known for his extravagant spending — private islands, jets, a tennis tournament — and yachting is among his favorite and most expensive hobbies. He took up racing them in the 1990s and financed the America's Cup-winning BMW Oracle Racing team .

Laurene Powell Jobs: Venus

Steve Jobs' wife, investor and philanthropist Laurene Powell Jobs, inherited a nearly finished 78-meter yacht named Venus when the Apple cofounder died in 2011.

After spending years vacationing on Ellison's yachts, Jobs wanted one for himself. He designed Venus with French starchitect and decorator Philippe Starck , and she was worth $130 million at completion.

"Venus comes from the philosophy of minimum," Starck said of her design. "The elegance of the minimum, approaching dematerialization."

Jobs and Starck began working together in 2007, the designer told Vanity Fair , and held monthly meetings over four years. Venus was delivered in 2012 to Jobs' specification: six identical cabins, a design to ensure spaces of absolute silence, and the most up-to-date technology.

"There will never again be a boat of that quality again. Because never again will two madmen come together to accomplish such a task," Starck told the magazine. "It was not a yacht that Steve and I were constructing, we were embarked on a philosophical action, implemented according to a quasi-religious process. We formed a single brain with four lobes."

Charles Simonyi: Norn

Early Microsoft employee Charles Simonyi has purchased two megayachts from the German shipyard Lürssen: the 90-meter Norn and 71-meter Skat.

Delivered in 2023, Norn is full of luxe features, including an outdoor cinema and a pool floor that lifts to become a light-up dancefloor. She shares a militaristic style with Skat , which Simonyi sold in 2021.

Skats's name is derived from the Danish word for treasure, and she had a listing price of 56.5 million euros and was launched in 2002.

"The yacht is to be home away from my home in Seattle, and its style should match the style of the house, adapted for the practicalities of the sea," Simonyi once said .

Sergey Brin: Dragonfly

Google cofounder Sergey Brin has built a flotilla of yachts, boats, and toys known as the "Fly Fleet."

Named after a once-secret Google product , the largest of Brin's armada is the sleek Dragonfly , which boasts a movie theater and a helipad. The 73-meter-long vessel was built by the Australian shipyard Silver Yachts and can fit up to 18 guests and 16 crew members, according to SuperYacht Times.

Also in his fleet is the superyacht Butterfly, a mere 38 meters long. Often moored in the Bay Area, her crewmembers spend their downtime kitesurfing and giving swimming lessons to local kids.

The rest of his marine lineup includes a smaller boat called Firefly, as well as Jet Skis, foilboards, dinghies, and kiteboards. She takes a team of 50 full-time employees to manage, steer, and maintain the entire operation.

Sindhu Sundar contributed to an earlier version of this story.

Correction: May 6, 2024 — An earlier version of this story misstated Giovanna Vitelli's title. She is the chair of the Azimut Benetti Group, not a vice president.

• Main content

Leonardo DiCaprio Questioned One Of Titanic's Classic Moments

"Here's looking at you, kid." 

"You're going to need a bigger boat." 

"You talking to me?"

We obviously love writers around these parts, but sometimes, the best laid plans of a screenplay simply don't work out as intended. In rare instances when the film gods are really smiling down on a movie set, the result can sometimes be that improvised lines, like the three listed above, are etched into cinema history and end up becoming the most famous lines of their respective films. Such is the case with James Cameron's box office behemoth (and flat-out terrific film) "Titanic," which has several memorable lines, but thanks to Cameron utilizing it in his eventual Oscar speech, perhaps none are as famous as when Leonardo DiCaprio's Jack Dawson shouts "I'm the king of the world!" from the bow of the doomed ocean liner.

Despite that line being synonymous with "Titanic," it wasn't in Cameron's original script. In a 2019 interview with BBC Radio 1's Ali Plumb , Cameron explained that when he came up with it in the spur of the moment, his lead actor was initially hesitant about saying the line.

"It was made up on the spot. I was in a crane basket, and we were losing the light, and we had tried this and tried that, and we'd tried this line and that line, and nothing was really working. And I literally was just coming up snake eyes, and I said, 'All right. I got one for you. Just say, I'm the king of the world, and just spread your arms out wide and just be in the moment, and just love it and celebrate the moment.'"

It turns out DiCaprio, who turned 22 years old during production, apparently wasn't thrilled about the idea.

James Cameron had to convince DiCaprio to say Titanic's most famous line

For someone like DiCaprio, who at that point already had a reputation as something of a womanizer (he was a member of a group of guys who were famously dubbed the "Pussy Posse" ) and was presumably thinking an awful lot about his image and his perceived cool factor at the time, you may be able to imagine what it might feel like to be standing on a fake ship and asked to embrace this ridiculously cheesy line. As Cameron explained: 

"[DiCaprio] goes, 'What?!' I'm getting this over the walkie talkie. 'What?!' I said, 'I'm the king of the world, just say I'm the king of the world. But you've gotta sell it.' And he goes, ' What ?!' I said, 'Just f***ing sell it!' So then he gets up there, and [says it]."

The secret weapon of "Titanic," though (aside from just an all-timer scumbag villain performance from Billy Zane), is that the film's cheesiness is actually an asset, not a hindrance. Cameron's screenplay (one of the few aspects of the film that the Academy did not recognize with an Oscar nomination) is perfectly modulated to be endearing rather than off-putting. The writing is broad, yes — but it's also a grand love story set among the greatest maritime disaster of all time, full of archetypal characters and relatable class commentary and swooning romance. One could look at "Titanic" as something of a template for what Cameron would later do with "Avatar": By painting with the broadest brush story-wise and letting his performers work within those confines, he's crafted a universal love story that everyone can understand. Some people — even DiCaprio himself! — may roll their eyes at lines like "I'm the king of the world," but you can't argue with the results.

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Michael Manyak, explorer, author and longtime supporter of Scouting, dies at 73

Michael Manyak, a world-renowned expert in backcountry medicine, member of The Explorers Club, National Eagle Scout Association vice president and Distinguished Eagle Scout, has died. He was 73.

Manyak, along with former NESA director Bill Steele  and former NESA President Glenn Adams , was one of the guiding forces behind the NESA World Explorers program, which sends Eagle Scouts all over the world to conduct scientific research.

“When I went to Bill with the idea of creating a NESA World Explorers program, it was just an idea,” Adams says. “Bill knew exactly who to recruit to launch and run this extraordinary program — it was Dr. Manyak. Without Mike at the helm, this program would never have achieved the success that it has.”

Manyak was also one of the creators of the Exploring merit badge.

A urologist, Manyak was the chief medical advisor for crisis response for Accenture, a global professional services company; the global medical affairs director for GSK, a pharmaceutical company; and the chief medical officer of Triple Canopy, a private security company.

He was an adjunct professor of urology and engineering at George Washington University and a member of the Baylor College of Medicine National School of Tropical Medicine.

His 2015 book Lizard Bites & Street Riots — Travel Emergencies and Your Health, Safety, and Security is a guide to protecting yourself wherever you go, whether it’s a business trip or a backcountry adventure.

His final book, Take Two Aspirin and Call Me at 20,000 Feet: An Eagle Scout at the Crossroads of Medicine, Exploration, and Science , will be released in September 2024 and is available for pre-order now .

The Exploration merit badge

Manyak, who earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1964 from Troop 319 in Flint, Michigan, was so busy with school and his burgeoning career that he lost touch with Scouting for many years. That all changed when the BSA contacted him about naming a subcamp of the 2005 National Scout Jamboree after him.

“I was totally blown away by that,” Manyak said at the 2012 National Order of the Arrow Convention . “What a huge honor.”

Manyak visited the Jamboree in 2005 and was immediately hooked on Scouting … again. He returned for the next two jamborees and in 2013 found himself in a conversation with Lee Berger , an Eagle Scout and National Geographic Explorer in Residence, and Steele, another Eagle Scout and member of The Explorers Club.

“After Dr. Berger gave his presentation back at the VIP tent, he asked a good question,” Steele says. “‘Is there an Exploration merit badge?’ Mike and I looked at each other and smiled. ‘No,’ Mike said, ‘but there ought to be.’”

And right then and there, the idea for the Exploration merit badge was born. (It was officially released four years later.)

“For seven years, I enjoyed serving as the director of NESA,” Steele says. “A delight of the position were the people I worked with, planned with and with whom I made things happen, and top among those people was Dr. Mike Manyak, a true pillar among Eagle Scouts.”

The NESA World Explorers program

In 2014, Manyak, Adams and Steele launched NESA’s World Explorers program. The BSA had been sending Scouts on expeditions to Antarctica since the 1920s , but NESA leadership wanted to send more Scouts all over the world every summer.

Expeditions have included an Amazon rainforest research station, a marine biology center in the Galápagos Islands and a project focused on bald eagles in Michigan and Minnesota.

Over the years, the program changed lives and influenced the career choices of more than 75 Eagle Scouts from across the country.

The bald eagles research is done under the direction of Dr. William Bowerman, professor in the University of Maryland Department of Environmental Science and Technology. Bowerman is an Eagle Scout and a raptor expert who works with the African vulture and bald eagles, and a longtime friend of Manyak.

“He was bigger than life,” Bowerman says. “He was just amazing. He loved Scouting. He credited Scouting with his sense of adventure — it was that love of the outdoors … the things he learned in Scouting. He was extremely proud to be a Scout.”

During his professional career, Manyak led or served as medical director for scientific expeditions to the RMS Titanic wreck site, the Ndoki rain forest in the Congo Basin, the Spanish treasure galleon Nuestra Senora de Atocha, an Antarctic icebreaker expedition, the deepest canyon in the world in Peru, the first scientific dive in Mongolia in Asia’s second largest lake, a search for early human footprints in Tanzania, the remote Amazon Yasuni Reserve, and the Gobi Desert observing a newly discovered breed of camel.

Why was his knowledge and experience so highly thought of? Maybe because he literally wrote the book on expedition and wilderness medicine .

“We were close friends, and would bump into each other in the strangest places across the planet — foreign airports, dive hotels in Africa and India, and five-star hotels in Europe and across the Americas,” Berger says. “I spent many nights that I will fondly remember talking about expeditions, exploration strategy and safety with Mike. On several occasions, I called him from remote locations — often by satellite phone — for a consultation on an expedition-related health matter.”

In 2011, Manyak received The Explorers Club Sweeney Medal, presented annually to a member who has exhibited outstanding interest in the welfare and objectives of The Explorers Club.

Visiting the Titanic

Manyak was nice enough to speak with me on the phone last summer, shortly after the Titan submersible explosion that left five passengers dead during an attempted expedition to the wreck of the Titanic.

As both an expert on the risks associated with exploration and a person who had visited the wreck site himself , I was curious to hear about his own experience at the site. Manyak served as the medical director for a salvage mission to the Titanic in 2000, one of only two expeditions ever in which artifacts were retrieved from the Titanic wreck.

“The vast majority of trips that have gone down there were tourist trips,” Manyak said. “This was not a tourist trip.”

As medical director, Manyak’s job was to keep everyone healthy and safe.

Over the course of 10 dives, researchers used robotic arms to bring up 853 artifacts, including the telegraph, a circular piece of equipment used to transmit orders from the bridge to the engineer in charge of adjusting the speed or course of the boat; the base of the cherub statue from the grand staircase; and a perfectly preserved suitcase containing the belongings of a man who was coming to America to start his own business.

“His work shoes were in better shape than the shoes I was wearing at the time,” Manyak said.

For Manyak’s part, he had to deal with one person who tried to hide a previous medical condition that put his life in danger and another who attempted suicide by jumping into the ocean.

Manyak went on one dive to the site himself and spent about three hours exploring the wreck in a Russian submarine. It was a thrilling, exhilarating, dangerous experience, but in spite of the fact that an implosion at that depth would crush the entire sub in milliseconds, Manyak said he was confident he was in good hands.

“Our submersible was a space capsule that had been reengineered,” he said. “It was a Russian spaceship, and these guys were as serious as a heart attack. Every time it would come up, the engineers were all over it, checking bolts and looking for any stresses on the machinery. I felt very comfortable.”

There is risk inherent in many exploration expeditions. The key, Manyak told me, is managing that risk as best as you can.

“The environment on some explorations can be absolutely unforgiving,” he said. “You have to be meticulous about everything.”

Berger called Manyak a “life enthusiast.”

“He truly lived my personal motto of ‘never stop exploring’,” Berger says. “I do not think Mike would want to be sadly mourned. He lived a full, rich and impactful life. He has left the world a better understood, more thoroughly explored and safer place for adventurers, explorers and of course millions of Scouts around the world.”

Photos courtesy of Michael Manyak

Click here to support NESA’s World Explorers program .

Support the Eagle Scout Scholarship Fund

Contribute to the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) Scholarship Fund. Donations to this fund go directly to providing scholarships to deserving Eagle Scouts, allowing them to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact on the world.

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Watch CBS News

Stunning new digital scans of the Titanic reveal unprecedented views of the iconic shipwreck

By Emmet Lyons

May 17, 2023 / 9:39 AM EDT / CBS News

Brand new images of the Titanic reveal unprecedented views of the shipwreck and may shed new light on how the iconic liner sank more than a century ago.

The first ever full-sized digital scan of the ship liner's wreckage, which lies 12,500 feet below water on the floor of the Atlantic Ocean, has been developed using deep sea mapping.

Analysts hope that the images will provide fresh insight into how the Titanic went down on April 15, 1912 after the liner struck an iceberg during its ill-fated maiden voyage.

The disaster — which has been immortalized in popular culture through documentaries, books and a Hollywood blockbuster — killed more than 1,500 people on board – roughly 70% of the ship's passengers and crew.

The scan was carried out last year by Magellan Ltd, a deep-sea mapping company, in partnership with Atlantic Productions, a London-based company that is currently making a film about the project. 

"I felt there was something much bigger here that we could get from the Titanic," Anthony Geffen, the CEO of Atlantic Production, told CBS News. "If we could scan it, if we could capture in all its detail… we could find out how it sank and how the different parts of the boat fell apart and we can find a lot of personal stories down there as well."

The scan provides a three-dimensional view of the wreckage in its entirety, enabling the ship once known as  "unsinkable"  to be seen as if the water has been drained away. 

While the Titanic has been examined in detail since the wreck was discovered in 1985, the sheer size of the ship has meant that prior to the digital scan, cameras had only ever been able to capture the decaying wreckage in snapshots.

Small submersibles boats, remotely controlled by a team on board a specialist ship, spent more than 200 hours analyzing the entirety of the wreck. The team took more than 700,000 pictures from every angle, creating an exact 3D reconstruction of the boat.

The rust-colored wreckage lies in two parts, with the bow and the stern separated by over 2,600 feet in opposite directions. A huge field of debris surrounds the broken vessel.

The iconic bow remains instantly recognizable despite lying underwater for over a century.

In the debris surrounding the ship, lies miscellaneous items including ornate metalwork from the ship, statues and unopened champagne bottles.

There are also personal possessions, including dozens of shoes.

The digital scan has come at a critical time as the Titanic continues to deteriorate, Geffen told CBS News.

"What we now have for the historical record is, before it falls apart, literally a record of everything to do with the wreck of the Titanic, which will be around forever," he said.

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