The SS Nomadic - Titanic's Little Sister

This article was written by Karin McBride-Chenoweth. Karin is an award-winning writer, editor and publisher of Christian and secular works.

SS Nomadic Then and Now

A Brief History

Built in 1911, alongside RMS Titanic, SS Nomadic was designed by Thomas Andrews. It boasted the same luxurious finishes as the Titanic. The Nomadic was Titanic's tender ship. A tender is a used to service other boats and ships i.e. transporting people, supplies back and forth from port.

Fast-forward to April 1912. Cherbourg and SS Nomadic completes her first mission - transferring first and second-class passengers from Cherbourg dock to the infamous RMS Titanic on her maiden voyage.

The last surviving White Star Line vessel, SS Nomadic has come from zero-to-hero in the last decade or more. She saw active service in both WWI & WWII. She ferried thousands of passengers to some of the world's largest transatlantic liners - including the sister ship to Titanic - RMS Olympia. Then for 30 yrs she served as a floating restaurant moored beside the Eiffel Tower, Paris.

Over the decades many famous passengers boarded. SS Nomadic after 100 years finally made it home to Belfast, Northern Ireland. I was privileged to be allowed on for a photoshoot when she first moored in Belfast and given a tour. She needed a lot of work. Painstakingly she was restored to her former glory and is a member of the core collection on the National Historic Ships register.

SS Nomadic gives one an authentic and absolutely real experience - more than just a reminder of the RMS Titanic, Nomadic is her little sister!

SS NOMADIC OFFICIAL TRAILER

A Plethora of History

Harland & Wolff where the RMS Titanic, SS Nomadic and RMS Olympia and many other famous ships were built. A Caisson is a form of lock - this can be a large floating iron or steel box. In H & W's case the Caisson Gate was huge! they used a vessel. Listed as 'Hull No 50' on the H & W register, it is the oldest in existence anywhere in the world.

The caisson sat at the mouth of the Hamilton Dock. It's job was to hold back the sea and protect ships that were dry-docked for repairs etc. Thankfully it was decided during the move to the Hamilton Dock of SS Nomadic, that the caisson would have to stay, having been at the site for 145 years!!

The Caisson Gate - Thompson Dock

Visitor Info

• Location - Titanic Belfast, 1 Olympic Way, Queen's Road, Titanic Quarter, Belfast BT3 9EP
• Prices - Adult 19.50 GBP, Child 15 yrs & under - 8.75 GBP, Child under 5 years FREE, Family Pass (2 adults & 2 children) 48.00 GBP, Essential Carer FREE, Student/Unemployed (Mon-Fri) 15.50 GBP, Senior (60 yrs plus - Mon-Fri) 15.50 GBP.

SEASONAL OPENING TIMES

Meet me at the clock...

Comments

Karin McBride-Chenoweth (author) from United States on September 05, 2021:

You are welcome!

Poppy from Enoshima, Japan on September 04, 2021:

Fascinating tidbit of history here. Thank you for sharing!