We tried to book online (while having lunch in KFC) but unfortunately their internet site was down so we got back in the car and headed to the Titanic Quarter hoping that there were still tickets available.
When we arrived we parked in the underground car park at Titanic Belfast and headed over to the dry dock to see if there were any tickets available; as luck would have it the next tour was due to start in 5 mins and at that point we were the only visitors so we paid for our tickets (£7 Adult, £5 Child) and my nephew was given an activity sheet to complete during the Tour (he had to look for certain characters, and answer various questions on the Nomadic).
Tom was very friendly and knowledgeable and made a real effort to learn my nephews name and include him in all aspects of the Tour.
The Nomadic was built by Harland and Wolff by the same men who built the Titanic, and she was used to ferry First and Second class passengers from Cherbourg out to Titanic, including The Unsinkable Molly Brown (character played by Kathy Bates in Titanic). As you can imagine the Titanic story does play its part in the Tour but it is only a very small part of the the Nomadic's history which saw action in both World Wars and ferried some very famous faces (including Charlie Chaplin, Marie Curie and Elizabeth Taylor) out to ships like the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth.
The Guided Tour lasts approx 55 mins and afterwards you get as much time as you like to explore the ship (you don't have to complete the Guided Tour and audio guides are available). The Nomadic is restored to how it would have looked in 1912 and contains various interactive exhibits including a holographic barman and various dressing up costumes (for adults and children).
My nephew really enjoyed the trail (searching for characters) and spent a good amount of time playing a computer game attempting to line up the Nomadic with the Titanic (I found it quite difficult). After trying on various costumes, life jackets and playing games we decided to head home and my nephew received a personalised certificate for successfully completing the trail.
The staff were absolutely brilliant with my nephew and he came away amazed that they knew his name; Tom was a brilliant Guide and really brought the story to life.
(selection of pics below)
On the way back to the car we decided to do the Robots exhibition (an exhibition of various robots from TV and Film) in Titanic Belfast (on to 13th September), the admission price is £6 Adult and £3 Child, but because we visited the Nomadic on the same day we got a £2 discount, and my nephew received a small robot toy as a gift. As with the Nomadic he was given an activity sheet for which he needed to find various different robots, including C3PO and the Terminator. It took us around 15 mins to view the exhibition and on exit we were presented with yet another personalised certificate for completing the Trail!
It was back to the car (which cost £3.50 for 2.5 hrs) where my nephew promptly passed out and allowed me to drive home in peace!!
We really enjoyed our day at the Nomadic and the staff helped make it very special, if anyone from the Nomadic is reading this - Thank You!
Admission Price - £7 (Adult) £5 (Child 5-16) £5 (Concession) £20 (Family)
Disabled Access - The Nomadic is geared up for disabled access however there are some areas which will not be accessible including the Flying Bridge Deck, those with limited mobility may find access to some areas difficult as there are steps and uneven flooring.
Children's Activity - Character Trail (look for characters places around the ship) and trivia questions, certificate received on successful completion.
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