Sale means QE2 to set sale for Dubai coast

This on earthtimes.org about the retirement of the QE2:

"DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, June 18 Dubai is set to buy the Queen Elizabeth 2 cruise ship for $100 million and turn the vessel into a floating hotel anchored off the emirate's man-made islands.The ship, launched by Queen Elizabeth II in 1967, will be sold to Dubai World by cruise-line operator Carnival, the BBC reported Monday.Nakheel, the Dubai government-owned real estate developer, is building three islands in the shape of palm fronds off Dubai's Gulf coast. The QE2 is scheduled to be docked beginning in 2009 at a pier at the Palm Jumeirah development.Istithmar, Dubai World's investment unit, which made the purchase, said it hopes to recreate the ship's original interior decor and fittings, and to develop a museum on the ship's history."Dubai is a maritime nation and we understand the rich heritage of QE2," said Dubai World chairman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem. "She is coming to a home where she will be cherished."