Southampton people will be able to step aboard and travel back in time when Titanic II arrives in the city in three years time.

The Australian billionaire who is building a replica of the original Titanic intends to open up the ship to the public whenever the vessel is alongside the city's docks.

"I want the people of Southampton to be able to tour the ship and to see what Titanic II is like," said Professor Clive Palmer.

"I think we could handle up to 10,000 visitors every day she is in port at Southampton and New York.

"Parties of schoolchildren would be especially welcome to come and learn about not only Titanic II but also to experience what it was like on the original vessel.

"Not everyone will have the opportunity to travel on Titanic II so I want to open the ship up to the general public for tours."

Professor Palmer also revealed that passengers travelling on Titanic II would be able to recreate the famous scene of the blockbuster film when Jack and Rose stood at the bow as the ship as it powered through the Atlantic.

"Titanic II will be three inches longer than the first ship and that is because we will have to make room for a camera In the bow to take photographs of passengers re-enacting the scene,"said Professor Palmer.

At present Titanic II is due to arrive in Southampton for the start of her maiden voyage to New York in the latter part of 2016.

The original Titanic foundered after striking an iceberg with a huge loss of life, including almost 550 Southampton crew members, more than 100 years ago in April, 1912.