The Nomadic Experience

Just like the Titanic first-class passengers did in 1912, step on board SS Nomadic and marvel at it’s grandeur and luxury. Meet and have a chat with Pierre, the first-class barman and learn all about the part that Nomadic played in the Titanic story.

Find out about some of the extraordinary journeys that the passengers of SS Nomadic embarked upon and about the great era of emigration and transatlantic travel. Kids and adults can dress up in the clothes of the day.

Working as a mine sweeper, evading capture by the Germans, carrying troops and evacuating thousands of people from Cherbourg harbour – SS Nomadic performed dangerous tasks and played active service in both World Wars.

Nestled inside the lower deck, feel the steel and examine the rivets close up. This space tells the story of Nomadic’s construction and of Cherbourg Port where she spent her career. The area is packed full of interactives and puzzles for all the family - visitors can steer the ship in our interactive game, play top trumps with ‘shipping facts', dress up as a crewmember, build SS Nomadic and much more!

Step inside the atmospheric and cramped quarters where the Nomadic crew lived and slept and experience first hand the stark contrast to the luxurious first and second-class passenger areas elsewhere on board.

After fifty-seven years as a passenger tender and due to the growing competition from air travel, SS Nomadic was retired in 1968 – but her journey was far from over!

Learn about the years she spent in Paris as a restaurant and nightclub, how she was eventually returned to Belfast and the challenges the project team faced to restore her to her original 1911 condition.

Located in the area that acted as an overflow for third-class passengers, Nomadic Reflections brings together the stories of those who have encountered Nomadic since 1911 – from a H&W worker who originally constructed her to the project team who have overseen her restoration, and all those in between.

When you’re done exploring the authentic interiors and learning her fascinating stories then take a stroll along the bridge and flying bridge deck. Take in the views of historic Hamilton Dock, Titanic Belfast and Belfast Harbour, have a turn on the ship wheel and don’t forget to step into the Captain's cabin and say 'Bonjour' to Captain Boitard.

Before you disembark, snap your very own 'Jack and Rose' moment at the bow of the ship!

Once back on dry land, the story of shipbuilding in Belfast and historic Hamilton Dock is told in a series of graphic panels and interactives along the dockside. Souvenirs and Nomadic keepsakes can be purchased in the Titanic Store within Titanic Belfast's atrium.