For those who boarded Titanic, it was no ordinary experience, but a step into a world where optimism and opulence were the order of the day.

The size and luxury of Olympic, Titanic and Britannic were meant to dwarf the Cunard liners, ensuring the transatlantic crossing took less than a week in unrivalled comfort.

In her day, Titanic was the biggest vessel ever built and she led the way in technological innovation, luxurious accommodation and exceptional catering.

She was a floating hotel for the 2,200 passengers on board, and those sailing as first class had only the best on their short journey.

Second Class passengers also enjoyed high standards of accommodation, with meals that were on a par with first class levels on other ships.

Third class cabins were also much more luxurious than in other ships of the time and had running water.

"It was a very prestigious journey but of course the first class passenger list read like a 'who's who' of international society," explained historian Eamon Phoenix.

The wealthiest passenger on Titanic was American business man John Jacob Astor, 47, who was returning from honeymoon in Europe and Egypt after marrying young Madeleine Talmage Force.

On the night of the sinking Second Officer Charles Lightoller denied him entry into the lifeboat his young wife, who was pregnant with their first child, was put into. His body was recovered 10 days later by the steamer Mackay-Bennett.