The RMS Titanic versus Emirates Airlines: Here is a look at luxury travel from then on and now.
Luxury travel has changed dramatically over the years, and it is always fascinating to look back and see how things were different in the old days.
One fine example is the Titanic, which was perfectly set up for luxury travellers – in first class; today, we can see luxury all around us, whether it’s airlines, cruise ships, or train travel.
This article will compare luxury travel for passengers sailing on the Titanic in 1912 to those who fly first-class Emirates today.
We will outline the differences, the technical advancements, and beyond to give you a glimpse into the changing world of luxury travel.
Titanic 1912 – a first-class voyage across the Atlantic
The ‘unsinkable’ RMS Titanic was made famous when it sank just four days into its maiden voyage, leading to it being one of the most well-known tragedies ever in modern history.
But how did the first-class passengers spend their time before the ship met its fate, and what luxuries did they have to keep them worlds apart from those in second and third class?
At the time, the RMS Titanic was one of the most impressive feats of engineering, deemed ‘practically unsinkable’ by its builders. It featured some incredible amenities for the elite passengers to enjoy.
Among the facilities, first-class passengers had access to squash courts, a Turkish bath, a barber shop, a gymnasium, and a swimming pool, the first to be seen on a ship.
As you can imagine, first-class suites were large and spacious, and the Titanic was so ahead of its competitors that even the second and third-class cabins were more luxurious than those on other ships.
The RMS Titanic could carry 735 first-class passengers, each with access to first-class staterooms, which made the journey as elegant as possible.
All single/double/triple staterooms had private entrances, separate servants’ quarters, horsehair sofas, marble top washstands and wardrobes, and a few fine amenities.
In addition to the luxurious rooms and facilities for extracurricular activities, passengers had access to veranda cafes, a smoking room, reading and writing rooms, and a dining saloon, where they dined in style.
The hosts treated guests to a delectable spread, featuring salmon, oysters, roast chicken, beef, lamb, and other upscale dishes. The first-class passengers were affluent, well-to-do members of society who had the highest survival rate following the sinking.
First Class Emirates – a private jet experience
Emirates frequently associates itself with luxury, extending fantastic service and facilities even to economy-class passengers, but what awaits first-class passengers?
Emirates prides itself on providing a luxury inflight experience for passengers who opt to fly first class. As you can imagine, these tickets are far more expensive than standard seats, just as they would have been on the Titanic.
Onboard, first-class passengers have access to many facilities and the utmost privacy and exclusivity.
Each cabin features its own privacy doors, allowing passengers to enjoy a ‘private jet’- style experience. An onboard shower spa and lounge bar are a short walk away.
If that wasn’t enough, modern luxury takes it a step further by allowing you to book your private suite, akin to a private hotel room in the sky, where you can enjoy fine dining anytime and have game-changing technology at your fingertips.
At the press of a button, passengers can change the temperature and mood lighting, zero-gravity leather seats, and virtual windows.
Passengers also receive amenity kits that feature luxury Bulgari fragrances, skincare and spa products, and sleep kits.
Head to Head – a luxury showdown
Of course, it is hard for a luxury airline today to compete with a luxury ship from the 1900s, but both have certain things in common.
Both first-class areas put privacy and service first while offering passengers access to exclusive areas of the plane or ship that were not available to other passengers.
The Titanic was one of the most luxurious shops of its time, providing passengers with amenities and facilities never seen before on different ships.
At the same time, Emirates has a similar strategy to beating competitors, taking their ‘zero gravity’ Mercedes Bens S Class style seats, for example.
Emirates first-class passengers have the advantage of having access to advanced technology and entertainment, which was unheard of in 1912. This makes this a first-class experience like no other.
Of course, there is no denying that before the Titanic went down, first-class elite passengers indulged in the best food, availed of the best service, and soaked up the comforting atmosphere of their suites, just as first-class Emirates passengers can do.
