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The History - A Floating Palace
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 First
Class accommodations were undoubtedly the most celebrated on Titanic
and what truly established her majesty. The opulence was visible everywhere
in the architecture and appointments. Moreover, such premier luxuries
seemed without end. Titanic featured a gymnasium, tennis
courts, a swimming pool, Turkish and electric baths, a dark room for
photographers, kennels for First Class dogs, elevators (an innovation
for the period) private enclosed promenades and nearly a dozen styles
of Staterooms, all of which attracted attention and millionaire passengers.
The Shipbuilder magazine commented, "Indeed everything
has been done in regard to the furniture and fittings to make the
first-class accommodation more than equal to that provided in the
finest hotels on shore." |
 First
Class public rooms were as well without compromise, where notables
enjoyed passing their time. The First Class Smoking Room was one such
area, along with the À La Carte restaurant, the Verandah Café, and
the charming Café Parisien which was unique to Titanic. First
Class passengers could relax for tea or coffee in the café, with the
French waiters and ambiance. The First Class Lounge was also inspired
by the French. In Louis XV style, it was modeled after the Palace
of Versailles, and included a miniature statue of the famed Artemis
of Versailles on one the mantelpiece above a fireplace. |
 Perhaps
the most notable element of First Class however was the forward Grand
Staircase. The center of First Class activity, the staircase was adorned
at the top with a glass and wrought iron skylight. Generous polished
oak included an intricate carved panel housing a clock surrounded
by the classical figures Honor and Glory. The elaborate balustrade
was also in oak and at the foot of the stairway was a bronze cherub
statuette holding a lamp, leading to the First Class reception. Passengers
would meet in the Reception Room before dinner and would of course
do all in their means to look their best. |
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