DUBAI: Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2), the world's most famous ocean liner, has started its Dubai voyage from Southampton, UK, and is set to arrive at Mina Rashid on Nov. 26. QE2 will then undergo refurbishment to become a floating hotel on the eastern trunk side of Palm Jumeirah.
On arrival, the 70,000-ton liner will be greeted at The World Islands by a flotilla of local yachts, boats and leisure-craft led by a Royal Navy Frigate. Local yacht and boat owners are encouraged to take part in the royal welcome and accompany QE2 through the Arabian Gulf to Mina Rashid.
A statement from Dubai real estate development company Nakheel said that QE2's Southampton departure yesterday was marked by a farewell visit from Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, and the fly-past of a Harrier jump jet, which hovered and bowed to QE2 just 500 feet off her stern. People from all over the UK turned out in force at Southampton docks to bid bon voyage to this most beloved of British icons.
"The arrival of QE2 is one of the most anticipated events of the year and Nakheel is proud to be the custodian of such a historic treasure. Plans for QE2 include her transformation into an ultra-luxury floating hotel where she'll form the centerpiece of a luxurious residential, entertainment, marina, and hotel development off the trunk of Palm Jumeirah. A heritage museum displaying artifacts from QE2 and of local maritime history will also feature in the precinct," said Manfred Ursprunger, CEO of QE2 Enterprises, Nakheel Hotels.
QE2 was purchased last year by Nakheel's parent company, Dubai World. Nakheel has already commenced construction on a luxury marina development on Palm Jumeirah. QE2 will form the pinnacle of a palatial pier stretching 300 meters out from the trunk into the waters of the Arabian Gulf.
The ship, which was launched by the Queen from the Clyde in 1967, has traveled 5.5 million miles carrying more than 2.5 million passengers. QE2 has circumnavigated the world 25 times, crossed the Atlantic more than 800 times. It was a hospital ship during the 1982 Falklands war that Britain fought against Argentina.
