The heightened worldwide fascination in the Titanic sinking coincided with the centennial year of Earnslaw, and fitted the resort's vibrant live entertainment scene and the launch of a new attraction for the burgeoning conference and incentive market.
More than 100 mystery fans will dress in the Edwardian costumes of one of 22 characters they choose when they register online.
Once on board Earnslaw and steaming towards the Walter Peak High Country Farm, passengers will be told by "White Star Line management" someone among them attempted to sabotage sister ship Titanic for their own dastardly ends.
It is up to the guests to find out who and why, by asking probing questions as the five chief suspects mingle around the cabin.
A three-course dinner, live performances and revealing of the culprit will take place in the Colonel's Homestead, followed by more music and dancing on the cruise back to Steamer Wharf.
Queenstown Event Management operations manager Vicky Jenkins said yesterday the inaugural event will be "an evening of glamour, glitz and mystery", and tickets were still available.
The company, which was also behind the popular debut "Arrowtown Long Lunch" in December, approached Earnslaw owner-operator Real Journeys with the idea of a whodunnit on the ship and at Walter Peak as an ongoing conference and incentive production.
"It seemed to fit perfectly and the fact we could do it on the actual date the Titanic sank was a huge drawcard and we could put on more as a community event," Real Journeys Queenstown operations general manager Tracey Maclaren said yesterday.
Exposure Talent and Model Agency thespians from around Wakatipu came on board for their acting and improvisational prowess.
Organisers hope the whodunnit will become a Queenstown fixture.
Tickets cost $115 per person, $828 per table of eight, or $1035 per table of 10 on the Queenstown Event Management website.
