Not since the release of the 1997 blockbuster film has Titanic fever been so high as it is now with the announcement that the long-delayed replica ship will finally set sail as soon as 2022.

Currently under construction in China, the Titanic II will be an exact replica of the ill-fated luxury liner that sank on April 15, 1912, including the very same grand staircase made famous by Leo and Kate. Once completed the ship will offer 2,435 passengers the choice of first, second and third-class tickets across nine decks and 835 cabins complete with Turkish baths and dining saloons.

Setting sail from Jiangsu in China to Dubai on its maiden voyage, the ship will then carry out regular transatlantic crossings from Southhampton to New York, just as the original had planned to.

Design plans for the new ship were first revealed in 2012 by Blue Star Line’s Clive Palmer (yes, that Australian politician) but construction has been delayed since 2015 due to financial difficulties with the Chinese Government.

“Blue Star Line will create an authentic Titanic experience, providing passengers with a ship that has the same interiors and cabin layout as the original vessel, while integrating modern safety procedures, navigation methods and 21st-century technology to produce the highest level of luxurious comfort,’’ Mr Palmer said.

Among the safety updates included in the new $700 million ship will be the use of radar and satellite tracking and navigation. More importantly though, the ship will house enough lifeboats for all passengers, according to CNN.

“The ship will follow the original journey, carrying passengers from Southampton to New York, but she will also circumnavigate the globe, inspiring and enchanting people while attracting unrivalled attention, intrigue and mystery in every port she visits.”

The company is also rumoured to be working on offering period costumes for passengers undoubtedly looking to recreate some of their own Kate and Leo magic. We, meanwhile, have our eyes set on finding our own Heart of the Ocean.