Phil wrote:
> QE2 To Leave Cunard Fleet And Be Sold To Dubai World To Begin A New Life
> At The Palm
>
> June 18, 2007
>
> Cunard Line today announced the sale of QE2 to Dubai World, in a US$100
> million deal which will turn the iconic liner into a first-class tourism
> destination at The Palm Jumeirah in Dubai.
>
> QE2 will be delivered to Dubai World in November 2008, where she will
> cease her role as an ocean-going passenger vessel and be refurbished and
> adapted for her new home. From 2009, the vessel will be berthed at a
> specially-constructed pier to create a luxury floating hotel, retail and
> entertainment destination at The Palm Jumeirah, the world's largest
> man-made island.
> The ship, which was launched by Her Majesty The Queen in September 1967,
> 40 years ago this year, is the longest-serving ship in Cunard's 168-year
> history, and was their longest-serving flagship. Since she came into
> service in 1969, she has undertaken 25 world cruises, has crossed the
> Atlantic more than 800 times and has carried more than 2.5 million
> passengers.
>
> QE2 has been purchased by Istithmar, the investment arm of Dubai World,
> a wholly owned company of the Government of Dubai. Nakheel, developer of
> The Palm Jumeirah, is also a Dubai World company.
> Carol Marlow, president and managing director of Cunard, said:
> "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."
>
> Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, chairman of Dubai World, said:
>
> "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."
>
> "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. QE2 at The Palm Jumeirah will also
> include a museum celebrating the rich history of the ship.
Somehow I cannot see it as a first-class tourism destination.
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