Titanic: The Ship of Dreams

One hundred four years ago, excitement pierced the air of early dawn through mid-morning continuing to escalate until the clock struck noon. Even then shouts, cheers, whistles could be heard when voices rang together with exhilaration as the journey to America was finally under way. Unbeknownst to those on board the Titanic, history was waiting to cast its latest shadow. Even the best of the best proved not to be unsinkable as acclaimed leaving nothing to be taken for granted.

This Day in History: April 10, 1912

At high noon, with a swift but sudden snap
The New York’s vast mooring ropes were no more
The Titanic slid past her within an inch
Setting the ship toward a distant shore...

Titanic at the docks of Southampton.

Southampton, United Kingdom  

At noon April 10, 1912, the White Star Liner Titanic sets sail on her maiden voyage from the docks of Southampton UK to New York Harbor. The Titanic was described as the world's most luxurious floating hotel, the ship of dreams. Excitement filled the air! Those left behind waved frantically blowing kisses to friends and loved ones. Passengers were exuberant ready to enjoy luxury of a lifetime while crossing the Atlantic to America.

Delays had already occurred that added even more to the excitement of finally being underway. Titanic's sister ship, Olympic, collided with the HMS Hawke in September 1911 and in February 1912 the Olypmic also lost a propeller. The owners wanted to see the Olympic operational before the Titanic.

As the Titanic set sail, its beginning was not smooth. Disaster already loomed. There was a near collision with the SS New York when the New York's mooring snapped. The New York being much smaller than the Titanic was sucked into her wake as the Titanic's giant triple screw propellers rotated. 

The Titanic sailed to Cherbourg in France and later to Queenstown in Ireland to pick up additional passengers. There were 1320 passengers and 907 crew onboard.

On 10 April 1912 the Titanic set sail from Southampton on her maiden voyage, bound for New York.
Photograph: Popperfoto/Getty Images

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From the archive, 11 April 1912: Editorial: The Titanic sets sail

The Titanic's journey is underway.