Titanic Times - Autumn 2016

Titanic Times T h e of f i c i al Ti tan i c B elfas t Newspap er

WIN Welcome… …to Titanic Times, the quarterly newsletter from Titanic Belfast, keeping you up to date with news, events, and promotions.

For more information visit titanicbelfast.com or join us on Facebook and Twitter.

1+2, 6+7

Titanic News

3

What’s on Autumn/ Winter 2016

4+5

The Titanic Experience and SS Nomadic

8

Great Value Hotel Packages

I ss u e 4

|

ree Your Fy! p Co

A u t u mn / W inter 2016

Win a fun-filled day out at Titanic Belfast with entrance for two people plus afternoon tea.

See Page 3

Titanic Belfast Named Best Attraction in Europe!

Titanic Belfast has been named as Europe’s Leading Visitor Attraction 2016 at the prestigious World Travel Awards held in Sardinia, Italy.

Titanic Belfast beat off stiff competition for the top spot from the Eiffel Tower, the Acropolis, Buckingham Palace, the Guinness Storehouse, La Sagrada Familia, Ribeira do Porto and the Roman Colosseum.

It is the first time an attraction from Northern Ireland has won the award at this prestigious event, nicknamed the ‘Tourism Oscars’, and the second year in a row that an attraction from Ireland has won the coveted accolade.

Titanic Quarter and Titanic Belfast Vice-Chairman, Conal Harvey, commented, “This is excellent news for Titanic Belfast and Titanic Quarter.

After only four years in operation, for Titanic Belfast to be recognised as Europe’s Best Tourist Attraction, beating off stiff competition from Europe’s most iconic landmarks, is a true honour. There is no doubt that Titanic Belfast is not only an iconic building but delivers an authentic experience for guests travelling far and and wide.”

Tim Husbands MBE, Titanic Belfast Chief Executive commented, “We are absolutely thrilled to be Europe’s Best Tourist Attraction. We know what we offer at Titanic Belfast is something our city and country can be proud of and are so pleased that this is has been

recognised on an international level.

We would like to thank everyone who has supported and voted for us. We will continue to work with Titanic Foundation to preserve and strengthen Belfast’s maritime heritage.”

The award adds to Titanic Belfast’s many accolades as it was recently included in Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travelist of 500 of the world’s most striking locations, featuring everything from imposing temples to hidden gems, after only a few years in operation.

Since opening in 2012, Titanic Belfast has established itself as a world-class attraction on the local, national and international stage, and continues to go from strength to strength having welcomed its three-millionth visitor in August 2016.

Titanic Belfast and SS Nomadic – Two great experiences, one great price!

For a true Titanic experience, visitors to Titanic Belfast can now enjoy two must-see, 5-star attractions for one great price following the addition of SS Nomadic to the Titanic Experience ticket.

Visitors can not only discover Titanic Belfast’s nine interactive galleries but now also step on-board Titanic’s tender and experience first-hand an authentic piece of Belfast’s maritime history.

As the last remaining White Star Line vessel and the largest Titanic artefact in the world, SS Nomadic is a quarter of

m ow .co t N k as

B

f oo bel ic

an tit

Titanic’s size in every dimension. Guests can marvel at the original ornate doors, panels and plasterwork that greeted first and second class passengers on board.

The added-value, integrated ticket for Titanic Belfast and SS Nomadic adds real value and a unique heritage experience to the interpretive and interactive Titanic Belfast.

a magical

Experience 23 De ce mbe r

18 November

t i ta n i c b e l fa s t. c o m

See Page 7

2

T ita n i c T im es The o fficia l Titan ic Belfast Newspaper

Titanic Belfast Welcomes Three-Millionth Visitor galleries and SS Nomadic, Titanic’s tender ship – it was the ultimate Titanic Experience. There is no doubt that Belfast is the home of the Titanic and a must-see for anyone visiting Belfast, Northern Ireland and Ireland.”

Tim Husbands MBE, Chief Executive of Titanic Belfast, commented, “Although the Titanic lies in 13,000 feet of water, the enduring story still captures minds and hearts throughout the world, Titanic Belfast is living proof of this.

In the four years, we are delighted to have welcomed three million visitors from over 145 countries, who have discovered the story here in Belfast, the home of the Titanic!”

Titanic Belfast recently welcomed its three-millionth visitor, Kathy Jefferson from Telford, England.

Kathy, who travelled to Belfast and Northern Ireland for the first time with her family, became Titanic Belfast’s latest milestone visitor when they booked tickets online.

The family was greeted with a VIP reception, led by Belfast’s Lord Mayor and the attraction’s Chief Executive,

ss nomadic

Tim Husbands MBE, before cutting a celebratory cake. Families from across the world joined the momentous celebrations at Titanic Belfast.

Alderman Brian Kingston, Lord Mayor of Belfast, said: “Titanic certainly put Belfast on the map and in the minds of the world, and the Titanic Experience, and the Titanic Quarter generally has proved an outstanding success in attracting visitors to our shores.

Kathy Jefferson, said, “To be named Titanic Belfast’s three-millionth guest was a wonderful surprise and it certainly made it a very memorable trip. From the moment we arrived, the impressive building, located by the Slipways where she was built, told the story of Titanic, coupled with the

“It was a real pleasure to welcome Kathy and her family to the exhibition and the many other delights that Belfast had to offer. As a council we are continuing to invest heavily both in promoting the city, and helping improve its infrastructure and attractions for local people as well as visitors.”

TiTanic bElfasT

10 Facts About Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction 1

In only four and half years, Titanic Belfast has welcomed 3 million visitors from over 145 countries.

2

Since opening, it has welcomed Taoiseach Enda Kenny, American Presidential Nominee Hillary Clinton, TITANIC director James Cameron, Dr Robert Ballard (who discovered the wreck of Titanic) and Her Majesty The Queen, as well as celebrities including Adele and Michael Bublé, to name a few!

3

Titanic Belfast beat off stiff competition from the Guinness Storehouse, La Sagrada Familia, the Eiffel Tower, the Acropolis, Buckingham Palace, Ribeira do Porto and the Roman Colosseum to be awarded Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction.

4

Titanic Belfast can hold over 3,547 visitors at any one time, the same capacity as RMS Titanic!

5

Titanic Belfast is located at the spot where the Titanic was designed, built and launched – it only took 62 seconds to launch Titanic from the Slipways on 21st May 1911! Launch day attracted over 100,000 spectators and journalists travelling from London and America.

6

The building’s overall shape represents the bow of the ship and the hulls are the same height of Titanic from keel to deck!

7

From the sky, the building is the shape of a star, which represents the White Star Line connection.

8

The plaza surrounding the building features one of the world’s largest maps of the Northern Hemisphere at 10,000m2 and follows the route of RMS Titanic’s maiden voyage.

9

Since opening, Titanic Belfast has sold 338,000 postcards and over 20,000 Titanic snow globes!

TiTanic ExhibiTion cEnTrE

ThrEE TiTanic vEnuEs One uniOue lOcatiOn located at the heart of Belfast’s titanic Quarter, these three world class venues offer a range of unique options for any event, from weddings to exhibitions, gala dinners to conferences, from 30 to 3,000 people.

For more information contact enquiries@titanicbelfast.com

t i ta n i c b e l fa s t. c o m

10

Titanic Belfast’s Galley Café and Bistro 401 have sold over 73,000 Americanos, 65,000 Cappuccinos and 60,000 Lattes!

tit Bo an o ic k be N lf o as w t.c om

What’s on

Autumn/Winter 2016 N e w Autu m n M e n u

AFTERNOON TEA T H E T I T ANIC S U I T E e v e r y Su n d a y

F e at u r i n g HOMEMAD E B AK ERY & PAT ISSERIES, L i v e J a z z , S TUNNING PHOTO OPPORT UNIT IES. F ro m £ 2 4 pp

kids eat f

mid term break 29-31 oct

ree*

scots meet our ma kids’ explo rer trail sweetie cart

*kids eat free deals: Bistro 401 - free child meal per adult meal purchased Galley Café - free mini-muffin/doughnut with every kids juice purchased

Positive Ageing Month

My Granda’s Piece Tin 13th & 14th October 2016 Step back in time & test all your senses on this animated excursion through Titanic Quarter! £36 per person.

As part of Positive Ageing Month, Titanic Belfast are running an exclusive inter-generational edition of our learning workshop My Granda’s Piece Tin - normally reserved for school groups!

10.30am 15 Oct, £5 per couple (One adult aged 60+ and One child aged 5-10)

a magical Titanic Exhibition Centre 15 - 16 Oct | Entry £10

1 8 N ov

Experience

2 3 D ec

make christmas memories to last a lifetime as you join father christmas for traditional festive cheer! child £15.00, adult £4.00

Festive AFTERNOON TEA Sun 20 & 27 Nov • Sun 4, 11 & 18 Dec • Sun 1 Jan

New Year’s Eve

E n j oy a s p eci a l F es t i v e A f terno o n T ea by th e s t u n n i n g Ti ta n i c Sta i rc ase w ith live J azz F ro m £ 2 6 pp

Saturday 31 D ecem ber | £40 P er P erson New Year ’ s cocktai l on arri val , Li ght Su pper, Li ve Band, Pi per and DJ

WIN With Titanic Belfast

Win a sumptuous Titanic Afternoon Tea and tickets to Titanic Belfast and SS Nomadic for two people.

Q: What accolade has Titanic Belfast recently won?

Answer the question and enter online at titanicbelfast.com/autumn2016 Prize valid until Sunday 20th December 2016. Afternoon Tea is only available on a Sunday. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers. Prize cannot be exchanged for cash alternative.

t i ta n i c b e l fa s t. c o m

4

T ita n i c Ti m es The o fficia l Titan ic Belfast Newspaper

The Titanic Experience Your guide to Europe’s Leading Visitor Attraction

“Amazing” I can’t overemphasise the need to see this while in Belfast. It is an amazing exhibition. There was no expense spared, form the original white star pieces to the interactive displays, it’s all mazing.

Anyone visiting, make sure you visit the SS Nomadic, its included in the ticket.

S Hennessy, Dublin

Explore the shipyard, walk the decks, travel to the depths of the ocean and uncover the true legend of Titanic in the city where it all began…

Gallery 3: The Launch Transport yourself to 12.13pm on 31st May 1911 to the site where Titanic was built as you soak up the atmosphere of launch day. Hear the intake of breath as Titanic launches into the water for the first time and imagine the historic slipway packed with over 100,000 spectators who witnessed the spectacle.

Gallery 1: Boomtown Belfast

Gallery 2: The Shipyard

Gallery 4: The Fit-Out

Start the Titanic story in Boomtown Belfast, walk through the famous Harland & Wolff shipyard gates and discover why 100 years ago, Belfast was a thriving city and the perfect location to build the biggest ship in the world. Try your hand at communicating with the Marconi device, like the one used on RMS Titanic and witness the conversation between James the butler and his colleague.

The whistle has blown and it is time to get to work. Rise to the top of the Arrol Gantry and immerse yourself in the construction of Titanic. Explore the blueprints of Titanic and feel the heat of the steel and hear the riveters at work on the Shipyard ride.

From the luxury of first class to the heat of the engine room, experience life on board Titanic with an authentic taste of the unique engineering and superb craftsmanship that made Titanic so special. Get to know the passenger quarters, with recreations of the first, second and third-class cabins, discover the fabrics and crockery used on-board and listen to the music of Wallace Hartley’s band as the passengers would have enjoyed it.

“Wow” This place is more than I expected! Great combination of modern technology and history. I have never been a big fan of history but this place achieved the WOW level.

Adam U

t i ta n i c b e l fa s t. c o m

“Well worth a visit” Spent three hours there but could have spent a lot longer. Great for the kids and adults. Good history lesson about Belfast and the Titanic. Well laid out and easy to follow, great stories and visuals. Not to be missed.

Gallery 5: The Maiden Voyage

Th e official Titanic B elfas t N ews paper T i ta ni c T i m e s

Ripitup2014, Manchester UK

Follow Titanic’s maiden voyage and meet some of the ship’s characters as you get a glimpse of life on-board through the last images taken of Titanic as she set sail for America.

Walk on the deck and hold the rail to feel the vibrations of the ship as she crosses the Atlantic and meet the First Class Steward preparing for service.

5

Gallery 8: Myths and Reality Discover the films and legends Titanic inspired as we separate fact from fiction with interactive, touch screen galleries.

Gallery 6: The Sinking At 23.40 on 14th April 1912 Titanic struck an iceberg and did not complete her journey. Relive those final hours and this tragic element of Titanic’s story through a dramatic sensory experience.

Gallery 7: The Aftermath Extra… extra… read all about it…

As word of the tragedy spreads around the globe, experience how the world reacts through interactive exhibits and investigate what happened to those on board. Hear witnesses testify at the inquiries into the tragic sinking and see the scale of the ship through the Board of Trade plan used in the British inquiry.

Gallery 9: Titanic Beneath

“A must do in Belfast” Make sure you don’t rush it, leave yourself enough time for this gem. There is so much information given to you at the different galleries. The museum is modern, very entertaining and interactive.

One of the best museums I’ve been to.

Malwina G, Dublin

SS Nomadic Finish your visit by stepping on-board Titanic’s little sister, SS Nomadic, the last remaining White Star Line vessel and the largest Titanic artefact in the world.

Famous as a tender for Titanic, see what life was like for the first and second class passengers on-board.

t i ta n i c b e l fa s t. c o m

Take a journey to the bottom of the ocean and experience where Professor Ballard famously discovered Titanic in 1985. Explore the ship with our exclusive footage and take a true voyage of discovery in our Ocean Exploration Centre.

“Best museum I’ve been to for a long time” So much more than just a history of a ship, it tells the story of Belfast leading on to the ship builders and Titanic itself before telling of the tragedy we’re all familiar with. Great interactive experiences, a ride, and the video floor was amazing.

Jigborth1974, Hibaldstow, UK

6

T ita n i c T im es The o fficia l Titan ic Belfast Newspaper

Titanic Belfast: An ideal day out for groups of all ages!

As winners of ‘Best Visitor Attraction For Groups in Europe’ 2015, a visit to Titanic Belfast is an ideal day out for groups of all ages and interests. Explore the sights, sounds, and stories of Titanic as you take an interactive journey through over 100 years of authentic history, at the very place where RMS Titanic was designed, built and launched.

Welcoming over 150,000 group visitors per year, including senior, community, youth, school and special interest, Titanic Belfast has a great group offering which includes a dedicated

advisor to help you arrange your visit, fast-tracked entrance for pre-booked groups, coach parking on-site, a souvenir ticket and discounted rates and hospitality packages.

Titanic Belfast was also named as one of the UK’s most accessible attractions

by SAGA and boasts of fully accessible public spaces and galleries, integrated hearing loops for visitors making use of hearing aids, an audio described guide for partially sighted guests, seating for rest points throughout the galleries, accessible toilet facilities and a number of wheelchiars and scooters available on request. Titanic Belfast also operates a Free Carers Policy, whereby it offers a free carer ticket to any customer who requires essential assistance to visit our building.

Weddings at Titanic Belfast Couples looking for a unique setting for their big day are spoiled for choice at Titanic Belfast. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, Titanic Belfast and

SS Nomadic offer a number of unique choices for weddings ranging from 50 to 500 guests… not forgetting stunning photo opportunities.

There is something to suit every couple, from on-board the deck of SS Nomadic to the stunning Bridge suite at the top of Titanic Belfast for a drinks reception or intimate dinner, or the Titanic suite complete with a replica Titanic staircase for a reception to remember.

Titanic Belfast is also fully licensed for wedding ceremonies, making it the perfect location for all your wedding requirements.

For more information contact the group department on +44 (0)28 9076 6373 or email groups@titanicbelfast.com.

For more information visit titanicbelfast.com/weddings

SS Nomadic & Titanic Belfast

Say hello to more...

in Belfast

Experience 100 years of maritime history and more in just 48 hours Because Belfast is so compact, it’s the perfect place to experience more in less time!

Titanic Belfast is a must-see. It’s just been named Europe’s leading Tourist Attraction at the 2016 World Travel Awards in Italy.

While you’re in the Titanic Quarter, check out the fully restored SS Nomadic, and take a trip on the ‘Wee Tram’, Titanic’s Shipyard Tour.

A short walk later, find your Belfast as you sip local craft gin in the buzzing boho atmosphere of the Cathedral Quarter, or enjoy some Michelin-star dining at Deane’s EIPIC or Ox. And here are two big Autumn events for your diary, the worldfamous Belfast International Arts Festival (11 -29 October), while for the foodies, we have the BBC Good Food Show Northern Ireland (14 - 16 October).

It’s a lot to discover on Day One. On Day Two you’ll discover even more…

Northern Ireland. Say hello to more

#discoverni

Th e official Titani c B elfas t N ews paper T i ta ni c T i m e s

7

Titanic Belfast’s Year of Access!

As one of the UK’s most accessible attractions, as listed by SAGA and Rough Guide, 2016 is Titanic Belfast’s Year of Access, which aims to highlight the issue of disability access in its many forms and encourage industry improvements when dealing with disabled travellers.

With one in five potential customers in the UK having a disability, Titanic Belfast, as one of Britain’s 20 ‘most accessible attractions’ named by tourist boards in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland has decided to

A Magical Christmas Experience Step back in time, join Father Christmas and explore Titanic Belfast’s traditional Christmas street scene.

Visit Ye Olde Picture House, peek through the toy shop window and check out the Post Office where Father Christmas has his elves hard at work! Hear a classic Christmas tale, challenge each other at a traditional game, or visit the old fashioned wardrobe and find the perfect outfit to transport you back in time.

Write a letter to Father Christmas and enjoy some Christmas crafts! Finally, wrap up your Magical Christmas Experience by having your name checked off the ‘Naughty or Nice’ list,

champion the cause and launch a Year of Access. Titanic Belfast’s Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Operations, Judith Owens, commented, “At Titanic Belfast, we are very proud to be consistently recognised as industry leaders on a local, national and international level for our accessibility standards. As recognised ambassadors, we have designated 2016/17 as our Year of Access. Each month, we aim to look at different disabilities and ensure that we are fully accessible for all our differing customers’ needs.”

Festive Afternoon Tea Sun 20th & 27th Nov • Sun 4th, 11th & 18th Dec • Sun 1st January

before visiting Father Christmas in his Old Curiosity Shop!

Suitable for children under 13 years of age. Includes: candy cane, storytelling, festive arts & crafts, traditional games, Father Christmas letter writing, traditional costume dress-up, ‘Naughty or Nice’ list stop, before entering the Old Curiosity Shop, individual photo with Father Christmas (and print), Father Christmas gift and Christmas treat.

Adults can enjoy a tea/coffee and Christmas treat! Duration: 45 minutes – 1 hour, timeslots allocated.

Titanic Belfast’s famous Afternoon Tea has been listed by buzzfeed.com as one of its top locations for a special treat!

Set in the opulent surroundings of the Titanic Suite featuring the stunning replica staircase and live jazz music, over 30,000 guests have stepped back in time to a period of luxury, elegance and 5-star service and enjoyed Sunday Afternoon Tea at Titanic Belfast.

Afternoon Tea takes place each Sunday at Titanic Belfast and for Christmas 2016 we have Festive Afternoon Teas from Sunday 20th November. Enjoy a fabulous festive menu featuring a delicious selection of finger sandwiches, classic scones with Cornish clotted cream, mouth-watering cakes

and exquisite éclairs and French Fancies! Children can choose from a special menu for those aged 2-11.

Festive Afternoon Tea is available for £26per person, or £30pp including a glass of Prosecco, £35pp including glass of Champagne. Special children’s Festive Afternoon Tea is available for £11pp.

To book visit titanicbelfast.com/magicalchristmas 2016/17

Learning at Titanic Belfast With the start of the new academic year we are proud to announce Titanic Belfast’s 2016/17 learning programme. With nine interactive galleries and a range of curriculum based workshops, tours and seminars, Titanic Belfast communicates all aspects of RMS Titanic’s story through a stimulating range of unique learning opportunities for education visitors.

Education PartnEr

Learnin titanic Bg at eLfast

Lessons from

the past, Learning for the fu ture

To support and enhance your experience, Titanic Belfast has also developed a full programme of resources for use before, during and after your visit.

Titanic Belfast GIFT VOUCHERS can be redeemed against any Titanic Belfast experience

Book your gift vouchers today on +44 28 9076 6386

For more information visit titanicbelfast.com/learning

t i ta n i c b e l fa s t. c o m

8

T ita n i c T im es The o fficia l Titan ic Belfast Newspaper

THE WORLD’S MOST AUTHENTIC TITANIC HOTEL OPENING Summer 2017

Work is well underway to fully restore the former Harland & Wolff Headquarters building and Drawing Offices in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter.

The iconic buildings, where RMS Titanic and 1,000 other ships were conceived and designed, will include a new boutique hotel and public heritage space.

Just as Titanic Belfast has become a ‘must see’ attraction for visitors to Belfast and Northern Ireland, this new hotel will see one of Belfast’s most historic buildings reborn as a major tourist destination.

For more information visit titanichotelbelfast.com

Planning to Stay?

Explore Belfast, birthplace of Titanic, with some great value hotel packages which include entrance to Titanic Belfast and SS Nomadic. Terms & conditions apply for each hotel.

Stormont Hotel One night From £50pps

• Overnight accommodation • Adult tickets to Titanic Belfast and SS Nomadic • Full Irish breakfast

Tara Lodge

Europa Hotel

• Overnight accommodation • Adult tickets to Titanic Belfast and SS Nomadic • Freshly cooked a la carte breakfast

• Overnight accommodation • Adult tickets to Titanic Belfast and SS Nomadic • Full Irish breakfast

Hilton Belfast

Wellington Park Hotel

• One or two nights’ accommodation • Adult tickets/family tickets to Titanic Belfast and SS Nomadic • Hilton breakfast

• Two nights’ accommodation • Adult tickets to Titanic Belfast and SS Nomadic • Full breakfast each day • Drink on arrival

One night From £51.50pps

One night From £69.50pps Two nights From £109.50pps One night Family Deal from £149

Culloden Estate and Spa One night From £80pps

• Overnight accommodation • Adult tickets to Titanic Belfast and SS Nomadic • Full Irish breakfast

One night From £57.50pps

Two nights From £74.50pps

Malmaison Belfast Two nights From £120pps

• Two nights’ accommodation • Adult tickets to Titanic Belfast and SS Nomadic • Breakfast each day • Cocktail on arrival

T o book T itanic B elfast hotel packages visit t i ta n i c b e l fa s t. c o m /a u t u m n 2 0 1 6 t i ta n i c b e l fa s t. c o m