More than 200 Australians are on board a British cruise ship which has sailed from the English port of Southampton to recreate the voyage of the doomed Titanic.

The Titanic hit an iceberg during its maiden voyage and sank in the early hours of April 15, 1912, with the loss of more than 1,500 lives.

On Sunday the cruise ship MS Balmoral departed Southampton on a memorial journey which will retrace the legendary liner's doomed voyage, 100 years on.

The ship is carrying 1,309 passengers, the same number as the Titanic. They come from 28 countries, and include 262 Australians.

Meticulous preparations have been made to ensure the voyage is an authentic representation of the Titanic's era.

Passengers are wearing period costumes while a five-piece ensemble from Belgium will recreate the music of the time and pay tribute to the Titanic's band, which played on during the disaster to help keep passengers calm.

The food on board will be based on the dishes served in April 1912. A formal dinner on April 13 will have a menu made up entirely of dishes which were served on the Titanic.

West Australian retiree Petrice Judge, 62, and her husband Kevin, 65, are among those who have booked a cabin on the MS Balmoral.

"It's just such an iconic event, we just couldn't miss it. It will be very moving," Ms Judge said before setting off.

"I've packed a long dress and some jewels; my husband has packed his bow tie. It's going to be very elegant."

The couple, from Applecross, in Perth, said their holiday plans have caused a stir among their friends.

"Everybody's been sending us iceberg sightings and warnings," she said.

But Ms Judge laughed off suggestions of tempting fate, "we will avoid the icebergs for sure."

The Judges and other passengers will have the chance to learn much more about the famous ship during the cruise.

Historians, maritime experts and family members of Titanic survivors will deliver lectures as the vessel heads across the Atlantic.

Philip Littlejohn, the grandson of Titanic survivor Alexander James Littlejohn, is among those who will speak.

"I'm sure my grandfather, a 1st Class Steward on RMS Titanic, would be proud to know his story will be shared with the passengers on this historic cruise," he said.

Space to play or pause, M to mute, left and right arrows to seek, up and down arrows for volume. Watch Duration: 2 minutes 23 seconds 2 m 23 s Ship recreates Titanic voyage

The voyage has been organised by UK travel agent Miles Morgan, who started planning it five years ago after a customer suggested it to him.

"I always thought it was a good idea but never imagined it would go so global," he said.

"We've had hits on the website from over 200 countries and bookings from 28. Without the internet, this project would not have happened. When we put the cruise on sale the news travelled around the world within hours. It was just totally astonishing."

Mr Morgan said people gave lots of reasons for booking on the cruise.

"For many it is being a part, and taking part, in such a memorable piece of history," he said.

"Some of these people are looking forward to tasting the meals from that time, or even dressing up in period costume to enhance the experience.

"Others are lifelong Titanic enthusiasts who have devoted a major part of their lives to studying this great ship and the events that surrounded it.

"Some simply became fascinated by Titanic after seeing James Cameron's film.

"Then, of course, there are others – and these are very special people – who lost family members all those years ago, and see this as a way to remember them."

For passengers like Sharon Willing from Arizona in the US, the cruise will be a deeply personal experience.

"For me, it's about being able to stand above the wreck exactly 100 years after my great-grandfather died, and to be able to throw a flower down for him, I have grown up with this knowledge that my great-grandfather died in that ship. This trip will bring closure to many people and it's going to be very, very poignant," she said.

History recreated: The MS Balmoral ( ABC News )

Despite the passing of almost a century Mr Morgan said interest in the Titanic remains as high as ever.

"We're still getting enquiries every day from people who have only just found out about the cruise and are distraught when we tell them it has sold out," he said.

"Titanic raises intense emotions in people. It's such an emotive story."

The demand for tickets was so high that a second ship, the liner Azamara Journey has been chartered for a second voyage, which will depart New York on April 10.

The MS Balmoral and Azamara Journey will meet on April 14 over the site where the Titanic sank.

A memorial service will be held on both ships.

It will begin at 11:40pm, the time the Titanic hit the iceberg, and conclude at 2:20am on April 15, exactly 100 years after the famous liner slipped beneath the waves.

Petrice Judge says being over the wreck site on the anniversary will carry mixed emotions.

"It gives me goosebumps to think about it," she said.

"It will be very sombre but also a heart-warming occasion because all those people who were lost are still very much in our thoughts."