Imagine stepping back in time to 1912, standing on the deck of the RMS Titanic as it sets sail on its ill-fated maiden voyage. Now imagine doing all that without leaving Melbourne. This immersive VR expedition brings the Titanic’s story vividly to life, letting you explore the ship’s elegance, drama, and tragedy—all in 45 unforgettable minutes of virtual reality.
Walk the Decks, Sip Champagne, Shovel Coal
From the moment you arrive at the venue—located on the 1st floor of the mall at 206 Bourke Street—you’re swept into a bygone era. After dropping off your belongings and getting fitted with your headset, you’re welcomed aboard with a glass of champagne. What follows is a surprisingly interactive and atmospheric journey.
You’ll walk the lavish decks, peek into luxurious cabins, climb ladders, open drawers, and even help keep the engines running by shovelling coal into the furnaces. One standout moment? Chatting with the captain himself. And yes, you’ll even explore the haunting ruins beneath the ocean, offering a chilling glimpse of history preserved in time.
All Ages, All Aboard
This experience is a hit across generations. I was in a group with a couple of oldies who’d never tried VR before and we were all giggling like school children. While it doesn’t offer state-of-the-art graphics, the experience nails the sense of wonder, learning, and connection.
One thoughtful feature is the eyewear accommodation—you can keep your glasses on or have the staff adjust the lenses to match your prescription. My dad usually either has to miss out or not be able to see experiences that we do due to his poor eyesight but with that accessibility feature he would be able to join in AND see the whole thing. I am very excited to take him along!
Immersive… with a Few Hiccups
That said, the experience isn’t without its quirks. Some attendees found it difficult to hear the in-VR characters clearly, which made following instructions or catching historical details a bit frustrating. As a subtitle girlie, I was a little disappointed that there were no subtitles or closed captions to help bridge the gap.
Another drawback was the pacing. We didn’t get enough time in each room, and it felt rushed at times. Our cabin had so many little interactions, but we were rushed through and I didn’t even get to see the bathroom!
The virtual environment also caused some spatial confusion. People were a lot closer than they looked through the lens—I kept bumping into them! So, maybe go with someone you’re comfortable getting awkwardly close to.
A Wobbly Exit
As with many VR experiences, a few guests reported some post-experience motion sickness. I definitely had sea legs for a good 30 minutes afterwards…but I guess that is a bit on theme of debarking a cruise ship.
Would I Recommend It?
This is something I’d absolutely take my dad, grandma, or any kids or teens in my life to. It’s educational, accessible, and offers a unique shared moment. But would I tell all my friends to rush out and see it? Probably not. It’s less of a cutting-edge VR thrill ride and more of a historical, group-friendly adventure with charm (and a few bumps along the way).
Good to Know Before You Go
- VR duration: 45 minutes (plan for 1 hour total)
- Location: 206 Bourke Street, 1st floor of the mall
- Age requirement: 8+ (Minimum height: 1.30m)
- Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible
If you’re after flawless VR tech, this might not be for you. But if you’re looking for an engaging, family-friendly way to walk through history—and maybe shovel a little coal along the way—this Titanic VR journey is worth a spot on your itinerary. While you’re at it, check out the real life “Among Us” experience too!
The post Step Aboard History: Reliving the Titanic in Virtual Reality first appeared on Women Love Tech.