Although Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) is about to retire as a cruise ship, another glamorous opportunity awaits for this reigning queen of the seas. Being in service since 1969 she has crossed the Atlantic more than 800 times, carrying more than 2.5 million passengers. That’s a job! The 70,000-tonne vessel will be sold to the Dubai World company in a £50 ($100) million deal. Dubai World will receive the celebrated ship in November next year and will berth it at a specially constructed pier at The Palm Jumeirah development in Dubai. The aging vessel, bought from the Cunard Line division Carnival Corp., will end its days as a tourist attraction, opening to the public at the beginning of 2009. QE2 at The Palm Jumeirah will undeniably become one of the must-see tourist attractions of Dubai and of the Middle East.
Dubai World chairman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem said, “Dubai is a maritime nation and we understand the rich heritage of QE2. She is coming to a home where she will be cherished.” How touching!
Source
