
Oak Bluffs will find itself linked to the public fascination with the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic when the cruise ship Balmoral anchors off the town for a one-day visit Saturday, April 21.
The Balmoral left Southampton, England on April 8 on a 12-night cruise to commemorate the centenary of the sinking of the Titanic. She followed the same route as the ill-fated “unsinkable” ocean liner on her way to New York City.
Undoubtably, Oak Bluffs was not on the Titanic’s itinerary but it is on the Balmoral’s return voyage to England. Passengers will disembark to explore the Vineyard, specifically the Martha’s Vineyard Campground and the Museum where they will find an exclusive sand dollar ornament souvenir made specifically for the Museum Gift Shop.
The Balmoral carried 1,309 paying passengers from all over the world, the same number of passengers that sailed on the Titanic, part of a meticulous effort to recreate the maiden voyage, according to a press release.
The cruise featured food and a live band playing music from the era. Many of the passengers also dressed in period clothing.