QE2 to become Dubai floating hotel

The 40-year-old iconic liner will be delivered to Dubai World in 2008 and will, thereafter, no longer sail. Instead, it will be berthed at a specially constructed pier at The Palm Jumeriah, where she will undergo a complete refurbishment and turned into a luxury floating hotel, retail and entertainment destination.

It will be the end of an era for this ship that was launched by Her Majesty The Queen in September 1967. After 25 world cruises and 800 Atlantic crossings carrying more than 2.5 million passengers, the sale marks the end of the golden age of transatlantic ocean liner travel.

But it will also be the start of a new one for the 963-ft, 12 deck undisputed queen of trans-Atlantic ocean liners. “We are delighted that when her legendary career as an ocean liner ends there will continue to be a permanent home for her that will enable future generations to continue to experience fully both the ship and her history,” said Carol Marlow, president and managing director of Cunard, in a statement to the world Press.

“The QE2 is, without a doubt, one of the wonders of the maritime world, and is easily the most famous serving liner in the world today. I am delighted we will be able to create a home for her on the newest wonder of the world, The Palm Jumeirah, said Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, chairman of Dubai World.

“QE2 at The Palm Jumeirah will become one of the must-see experiences of Dubai and of the Middle East. We are investing in creating a truly global tourism destination.

“Dubai is a maritime nation and we understand the rich heritage of QE2. She is coming to a home where she will be cherished.”

Istithmar said its refurbishment programme “will aim to recreate QE2’s original interior décor and fittings.” The venerable QE2 at The Palm Jumeirah “will also include a museum celebrating the rich history of the ship.” This monarch among passenger ships is not the largest or the most modern cruise ship in the world. But she is the most famous and earned itself a reputation — and a large coterie of loyal passengers — as the most luxurious.

The celebrated ship with its grand Staterooms, a nursery, a dog kennel and even a garage for cars had also earned a five-star hotel rating.

As QE2 Captain Ian McNaught, one of Cunard’s youngest captains at 48, once said: “There’s something magical about this ship. It’s a special ship.” The special ship is now all set to become a crowd-puller at The Palm Jumeriah.