While its competitors built smaller, faster ships, the Titanic and its sister ships were designed bigger and more luxurious. It was the aim of its owner to make it more like a hotel than a ship. In fact, its interior was made to look like a lighter version of the Ritz Hotel in London. Its rooms were inspired by an Empire style; decorative cabin styles ranged from the Renaissance to Louis XV, all coupled with first-class features.
Passengers could while their time in the Veranda Cafe with the panoramic view of the ocean, or palaver at the Cafe Parisien as if they were by the sidewalk in France. Those who wanted to be alone could go find a reading place, write, or weight train at the gym.
Many of the Crew Members Were Not Sailors
The employment of crew members for the Titanic was done rather hastily with only a month to go before it was scheduled to sail. Those who got training had done so minimally; some even embarked on the ship just hours before leaving port. This is one of the reasons why many crew members were ill-prepared and disorganized during the hours following the accident.
Thomas Whiteley, pictured above, was a steward of the Titanic who broke his leg mounting a lifeboat when debris fell upon him. Beside him is Violet Jessop, also a stewardess of the ship, who had endured the near-sinking of the RMS Olympic a year before. Jessop would again experience the sinking of the Britannic — a sister ship of the Titanic that was used as a hospital ship, four years after. Having endured all these trials at sea, she was called “Miss Unsinkable.”
Titanic's Eateries
Most of the first-class passengers of the liner were housed on the weight-bearing B Deck or the Bridge Deck. Their cabins were spacious and stately, with private promenades. This was also where their fine dining experience would take place, in the À La Carte Restaurant, owned by Luigi Gatti, who also died that night.
There was also the Café Parisien on the same deck, where passengers had a luxurious variety of meal options. It was a fine leisurely place that was operated by staff who were all subcontracted. Only 3 members of the restaurant’s staff survived.
The Captain Didn't Make the Tough Call
William McMaster Murdoch was the officer in charge when the iceberg collision took place. With sixteen years of experience, he was promoted to Chief Officer of the Titanic but temporarily served as the First Officer that night. Upon seeing the iceberg he commanded the ship to be turned, but there had been many accounts of his order which was hotly debated after the disaster. Some say he called for a "Hard-a-starboard," to turn the ship to port left, while others say it may have been a Hard a'port."
It only took 37 seconds for the ship to hit the large iceberg from the moment of its sighting. Some question the efficiency of his decision and wonder if better commands could have been issued to avoid the accident.
The Captain Was One of the Best
Edward J. Smith quickly rose through the ranks in the prestigious White Star Line with his valuable experiences as a British Merchant Navy Officer. He was known for his stoicism and discipline, and in 1904 he was promoted to commodore of the company’s flagship. He was appointed as captain of the Titanic during its maiden voyage (from Olympic), but he had prior plans of retiring after the assignment.
Smith stayed true to his principles and mission as captain even during their final hours of duty. Speaking before his men, he said, “Well boys, do your best for the women and children, and look out for yourself.” Those were his final words.