Titanic's+Maiden+Voyage

“The Captain on this ill-fated voyage was Captain Edward James Smith, a noble White Star seaman for 38 years. Popular with the crew and the passengers, Smith was definately the Captain of choice for J. B. Ismay. Captain Smith reared his head around and looked at the first officer, Robert Murdoch, who was at the wheel.” “The Captain and his officers stood idle on the bridge awaiting for the strike of noon. The Captain readied for departure. He started out of the bridge and into the starboard wing” “The Captain walked to the bridge and asked if the tugs were ready. Just then, the phone on the wall behind him rang. The First Officer walked over and picked it up. "Tugs all fast, sir," was the message he heard. He said, "Thank you," and walked to the wheel.” “Captain Smith stopped the Titanic and checked for any damage that might have been done to the engines. The question in everybody's minds was, "Is this vessel to big to handle safely?" The Captain's report came back, the ship was fine. “ “The First Officer started the ship moving slowly as not to pick up any more ships. Then, at last, open sea. The First Officer reached forward and pushed the handle to ¾ ahead. But, now the quartermaster, Robert Hitchens, was in control. He took over confidently. J.B. Ismay appeared on the bridge. He chatted with Captain Smith. Some words were said about the ship's speed, some about the passengers.” “Now, the ship was forcing her engines to move fast as possible without over revving them. The ship was now making an easy 22 knots without hesitation from the engines like last time. The Captain caught up with J. B. Ismay in the Forward Grand Staircase where he was standing setting his pocket watch. The Captain approached him and asked about his earlier appearance. He said, "Come, sit." “ “They both walked to the bottom of the stairs and into the dining room. They sat and spoke together. The woman next to them, Alice Lines, noticed them talking about the speed of the ship and that it would get to New York earlier than the Olympic and beat her record and get into New York by Tuesday night.” “The ship was docked. Here, most of the immigrants boarded for New York and a new life. Also, most of the third and second class passengers disembarked here. Also, mail and supplies such as coal, food, and other necessities were loaded here.” “First Class (parlor suite): £870/$4,350 ($50,000 today) First Class (berth): £30/$150 ($1724 today) Second Class: £12/$60 ($690 today) Third Class: £3 to £8/$40 ($172 to $460 today)”
 * Titanic's Maiden Voyage http://www.webtitanic.net/framemaid.html **