Cunard QE2 likely to be sold off by her Dubai owners, as plans to turn her into hotel collapse due to Dubai crisis.

QE2 Lifeboats and Deck: Crossing the Atlantic, originally uploaded by garybembridge.

The Sunday Times newspaper reports today that the Cunard QE2 is likely to be sold off by her Dubai owners, as plans to turn her into hotel collapse due to Dubai crisis.

Read the full article: click here

In the article they say:

"CIRQUE DU SOLEIL, the Canadian circus group, and the QE2 cruise liner are among a raft of Dubai-owned assets being prepared for sale as part of a huge cash-raising exercise by the debt-laden emirate.

Advisers to Dubai World, the state-backed conglomerate, plan to offload a portfolio of trophy assets owned by Istithmar, its private-equity arm. The money raised will be used to pay off some of Dubai World’s $22 billion (£14 billion) debts. The group has about 100 large creditors, including British banks.

It is understood that advisers will attempt to sell each asset individually rather than find a single buyer for the whole portfolio...."


On the QE2 they go on to say:

"Other assets have failed to live up to expectation. A bold plan to turn the QE2, which Istithmar bought for $100m from Cunard in June 2007, into a luxury, floating hotel berthed at the man-made Palm Jumeirah island has never materialised"

QE2: Final farewell to the world's most famous cruise ship

Read the full article at the telegraph.co.uk site: CLICK HERE

t is almost unheard of for a ship leaving service to bring a city to a standstill.

But then, the QE2 is not just any ship. Tomorrow evening, the most famous ship afloat sails from Southampton for the last time, heading to Dubai where it will become a floating hotel.

It was due to leave its berth at 5.30pm, but Cunard has agreed to delay departure until 7.15pm because of city council concerns about thousands of farewell-wishers descending on Southampton at rush hour.

The council is already worried that Mayflower Park, the main vantage point in the city with room for 10,000 people, is not going to be big enough. They may be right.

Weather permitting, one million poppies will be dropped over the ship to mark the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, and at 1.40pm, there will be a fly-past by a RAF Harrier. The Duke of Edinburgh will have a farewell lunch on board, and in Mayflower Park, a giant video screen will show live and archive footage of the vessel.

It is an extraordinary send-off considering that this is a 41-year-old ship giving up its globetrotting days, not a shiny new vessel embarking on its maiden voyage.

Port to bid farewell to the Queen Elizabeth 2

This article appeared on the Mount Desert Islander site

An extract from the article follows:

"BAR HARBOR — The Queen Elizabeth 2 is scheduled to make her final stop in Bar Harbor on Friday, Sept. 19. The QE2 is expected to arrive at 7 a.m. and make her final departure at 6 p.m. The royal nautical legend is going to be revamped as a luxury floating hotel, retail and entertainment center at a luxury resort in Dubai after she arrives there in November.

The 40-year old ship first visited Bar Harbor on July 23, 1981 and has been here almost every year since with the exception of her involvement in the Falklands War and another year when there was a plan to decommission her that didn’t materialize.

Earlier this year, the ship’s owner, Cunard Line, announced that it was nearing time for the QE2 to retire. The ship was sold for $100 million to Istithmar, the investment arm of Dubai World, a company owned by the government of Dubai.

The QE2 will be delivered to Dubai World, where she will relinquish her assignment as an ocean-going passenger vessel and be refurbished and customized for her new home in Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. In 2009, the vessel will be berthed at a specially constructed pier at The Palm Jumeirah, the world’s largest man-made island.

Palm Jumeirah was opened in 2001 and is the centerpiece of a series of man-made islands off the coast of Dubai. Palm Jumeirah has been called the eighth wonder of the world. The complex of reclaimed lands was created by state-owned development company, Nakheel.

The island has doubled Dubai’s existing coastline and also doubles the number of beachfront hotels in the city.
For 35 years QE2 was the flagship of the Cunard Line until replaced by RMS Queen Mary 2 in 2004. Built in Clydebank, Scotland, she was considered the last of the great transatlantic ocean liners prior to the construction of the QM2. Before the QE2 was upgraded with a diesel power plant in 1986, she was also the last oil-fired, steam passenger steamship to cross the Atlantic in scheduled liner service.

The ship has a gross weight of 70,327 tons and is 963 feet long. She had a top speed of 32.5 knots using her original steam turbine powerplant, which was increased to 34 knots when she was refitted with a diesel electric powerplant.

In her civilian capacity, the QE2 carries 1,900 passengers and 1,015 crew.
The QE2 participated in the Falklands War in 1982, carrying 3,000 troops from the British Fifth Infantry Brigade and 650 volunteer Cunard crew to South Georgia Island in the south Atlantic.

Read the full article:
http://mdislander.com/site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7297&Itemid=37

Final farewell to QE2’s distinctive red funnel?

This article appeared on Daily Echo today.

Part of the article says:
"QE2 has been sold for £50million to a Middle Eastern development company which will transform the Cunarder into a floating hotel at the centre of Dubai.

Fears are growing among shipping experts and former passengers that QE2, regarded by many as the last remaining true ocean-going liner, will be altered to such an extent that her style and classic lines will be lost forever.

This also comes amid disappointment that QE2 will arrive and depart on her last day in her home, shrouded in darkness.

QE2 will leave the port on November 11 when the liner will fly the longest paying-off pennant ever by a Cunard liner.

Once moored at her new berth in Dubai, QE2’s new owners are expecting to spend millions on refurbishing the liner and changing the lay-out, turning it into a hotel, tourist destination and shopping complex.

The new owners are examining schemes for QE2 including removing the funnel and repositioning it on the quayside where it would be converted into a reception and information centre.

Plans also exist to remove the liner’s engines and create a new glass-fronted mock funnel that would be seven decks high and contain ten luxury suites.

John Lillywhite, chairman of the Southampton branch of the World Ship Society, said: “We have also heard that it is likely all the ship’s davits and lifeboats are to go. "



Read the full article at: Final farewell to QE2’s distinctive red funnel?

The Masters of the QE2 address her regular passengers

The Masters of the QE2 address her regular passengers, originally uploaded by Rob Lightbody.

This is from Rob Lighbody on Flickr, who has many great Cunard pics

"Dear Guest,

Welcome aboard Queen Elizabeth 2, in all likelihood for the final time before she departs for Dubai to be admired by future generations. Being two of her very fortunate captains, we have grown immensely fond of this iconic liner who has served the fleet so impeccably over 39 years. We are also incredibly proud of our own hugely enjoyable service on arguably the most famous shipin recent maritime history.

For us, one of the greatest pleasures of every Cunard voyage has been meeting up with old friends and making new ones, as QE2 has always been an especially sociable ship and there is a wonderful feel of community woven into her elegant public rooms. Indeed, you often tell us that seeing all the friendly faces among the ship's company and your fellow guests is a huge part of QE2's immense character.

But as this Cunard chapter closes, an exciting new era beckons. In Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, you will discover two of the most luxurious ships on the seas today. Many of you have already sampled their unique pleasures; for others this will be a new experience - albeit a familiar one. Like QE2, each magnificently upholds our proud traditions as lavish public rooms host glittering formal nights, elegant ballroom dancing, time-honoured afternoon tea and impeccable dining all presented with the famed hospitality opf our White Star Service. Through our extended Cunard Insights programme, you can share the wit and wisdom of many noted luminaries - and you may even encounter a few other familiar faces among the crew and your fellow guests.

We hope you have the opportunity to experience Queen Victoria or Queen Mary 2 very soon and further more, book your next voyage on board and you'll receive extra benefits as detailed on the back cover.

Best wishws and enjoy your voyage on QE2

Captain Ian McNaught & Captain David Perkins "

Spectacular final send-off for the QE2 from Scotland

An article appeared on "The Herald" website about the last visit of the QE2 to Scotland.

The opening of the article comments:
"The QE2 has been promised a "spectacular and fitting" send-off for her final voyage in Scottish waters.
The liner will make her last voyage in Scotland on October 7 and large crowds are expected to gather on either side of the Firth of Forth to wave her off.

The send-off will include a fly-past by jets from RAF Leuchars, tugs, a water display and a flotilla of yachts."

To read the full article:
http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/news/display.var.2434545.0.Spectacular_final_sendoff_for_the_QE2.php

QE2 NEW HOME ANNOUNCED

An article appeared in this week's cruisepages.com (http://www.cruiseserver.net/travelpage/cruiselines/index.asp) about the new home for the QE2 and some worrying news for people hoping the integrity of the ship will be maintained....

This is what it said:

"According to Nakheel, the real estate company in charge of building the development in Dubai where QE2 will end up in November, the former ocean liner will serve as the anchor of a luxury marina development on the eastern trunk side of Palm Jumeirah.

Purchased last year by Nakheel's parent organization Dubai World, QE2 will embark on her ultimate journey from Southampton, England to Dubai in November. Nakheel will commence construction on her eventual home in September.

Plans for the QE2 include its transformation into an ultra-luxury floating hotel, featuring public promenades, retail outlets, cafes and restaurants, as well as a heritage museum displaying artifacts from the QE2 and maritime history.

It will be interesting to see how much of the current QE2 survives the conversion into a "ultra-luxury floating hotel". While ship enthusiasts were hopeful following the initial announcement that stated the project would "...aim to recreate QE2's original interior décor and fittings..." it is unlikely that this can be done while at the same time creating a luxury hotel. One clue as to QE2's future appearance might be found in the initial renderings released by Nakheel, where the converted QE2 bears a striking resemblance to Cunard's Queen Mary 2, with at least three decks of new balconies.

"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. The world's most famous ocean liner will form the focal point of an exciting new development that will be a must-see attraction on Palm Jumeirah," said Johann Schumacher, Director of Palm Jumeirah.

QE2 is one of the world's most famous ships. She has circumnavigated the world 25 times, crossed the Atlantic more than 800 times and carried more than 2.5 million passengers including kings and queens, prime ministers and presidents, astronauts and The Beatles. She survived a 95 ft wave during Hurricane Luis, carried 3,000 troops to the Falklands War and helped evacuate 500 passengers from a burning ship.

Reclamation for the pier is expected to finish by the end of 2008, with the entire project scheduled for completion in 2011."

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A birthday fit for a Queen

This on http://www.clydebankpost.co.uk

"THE BEACON of Clydebank’s shipbuilding heritage, the QE2, paid her penultimate visit to the Clyde last week to celebrate her 40th birthday in home waters.

Thousands of delighted spectators gathered on the banks of the river at Greenock’s Esplanade to pay homage to the world’s most famous ship built at John Brown’s.

Despite disappointing weather, visitors travelled from across Scotland and beyond to mark the return of Cunard’s most successful vessel to Clydeside.

To mark the occasion, around 300 former shipyard workers, special guests, and dignitaries were invited on board the QE2 for a special tour, meal and champagne reception.

They were treated to a rapturous and colourful display by the Red Arrows who proudly flew above the ship in a spectacular performance.

At precisely 2.28pm the liner sounded its horn to mark the 40th year to the second since she was launched by Her Majesty the Queen in Clydebank.

Clydebank Provost Denis Agnew told the Post he was proud to be invited on board and represent the birthplace of the QE2.

Councillor Agnew worked in John Brown’s as a store boy when the Cunard liner was being built and he said it was a poignant moment for him being able to celebrate its birthday.
He said: “I had never been inside it before and it has had two refits since then so I don’t know if there is much original work there.

“This is the last real boat built that was launched on the Clyde. It was a pity it couldn’t be brought up to Clydebank.

“To be in such a significant and magnificent boat was a real honour.

“It is the best of Scottish engineering built in Clydebank and that makes me very proud.”
Former John Brown’s worker Bill Kean also caught a glimpse of the QE2 of which he was an integral part of the construction team.

He travelled to Greenock along with his son, but despite not being invited on board, he was privileged to be able see her after 40 years.

Mr Kean said: “We got very near the ship and we managed to take some photographs.
“There were thousands of people who had never been on the boat lining the shores, it was terrific.

“I have never really seen her since she left John Brown’s and my last picture of her is the ship going down the Clyde.

“It was a great day.”

Clyde Taylor from Clydebank, who also visited the ship says he was disappointed that the ship was slightly obscured in the dock.

He said he was glad to see the vessel and even passed his “ship lines” on to a friend who was going on board.

Mr Taylor told the Post: “We got there at 6.30am but they had put the ship in such a place that we couldn’t get any photographs.

“But it was still impressive to see her.”

The QE2 will return to Greenock next year when she celebrates her farewell voyage.

Cunard QE2 Opens Liverpool's New Cruise Liner Terminal, Completes 40th Anniversary Cruise

This from http://cruises.about.com

" can't think of a better ocean liner than the classic Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) to open the new cruise terminal in Liverpool.

The QE2 is completing her 40th anniversary cruise, which began in Southampton on September 15, and included stopovers at several ports of call in the UK.

The classic ocean liner was launched by Her Majesty the Queen on September 20, 1967. Since then, the ship has traveled 5.6 million nautical miles, which is further than any ship ever. Her career has included 25 circumnavigations of the globe, 801 transatlantic crossings, 705 calls at New York and 697 at her homeport of Southampton, and 2.5 million passengers.

Earlier this year, the QE2 was sold to Dubai World, where she will become a floating hotel in retirement. However, she has more than a year of cruises left in her before the November 2008 transfer.

Cunard was based in Liverpool from 1839 to 1967, so having the QE2 be one of the first ships to tie up at Liverpool's new cruise ship terminal is very appropriate. The celebration in Liverpool on September 21 included a concert and fireworks.

Late this afternoon, on her final day at sea en route back to Southampton, the QE2 will pass her newer sister Queen Mary 2 outward bound for New York - the first time two Queen liners have passed at sea since Queen Mary passed Queen Elizabeth in mid-Atlantic for the last time 40 years ago on 25 September 1967. Guests on both ships are expected to be out on deck for this historic occasion"

QE2 back on Clyde after 40 years

This from bbc.co.uk

The QE2 arrived on the Forth earlier this week
The QE2 has marked the 40th anniversary of its launch by returning to the stretch of river where it was built.
The liner, which has been on a celebratory tour, will be given a gala reception at Greenock, on the Clyde.
It is the world's most travelled liner, having notched up 5.6 million nautical miles while carrying 2.5 million passengers.

The vessel was launched from the John Brown shipyard in Clydebank on 20 September 1967.
It berthed at Ocean Terminal, Greenock, on Thursday and at 1428 BST the ship's whistle will blow to mark the exact moment of her launch

About 100 workers involved in the construction of the QE2 will watch on as guests of honour.
The QE2 will be delivered to Dubai in November 2008, where it will cease its role as an ocean-going passenger vessel, to be refurbished to create a luxury floating hotel

QE2 final voyage sold in half an hour

This was on thisishampshire.net...

"The final voyage on QE2 was sold out in just 36 minutes.
In little over half an hour, passengers spent more than £3m to ensure a place on the historic trip.

Telephones at owner Cunard's Southampton headquarters were red hot as hundreds of customers clamoured to snap up one of the liner's 1,800 berths. At one point the shipping line was taking an estimated average of nearly £91,000 a minute.

Telephone lines opened at dead on 2pm to take reservations. Immediately the switchboard lit up with calls from customers wanting to be on board QE2's last voyage, leaving Southampton on Tuesday, November 11, 2008.

Since the news that QE2 had been sold for £50m to Dubai, Cunard has been inundated with inquiries from potential passengers anxious to travel on the world's most famous liner a last time.

Her sale to the Middle East sparked anger that Southampton was not given the chance to bid for the ship and keep her in the city.

Petitions have even been lodged on 10 Downing Street's Internet website, urging new Prime Minister Gordon Brown to take swift action to stop the sale.

Two couples who booked the QE2's ultra-luxurious Grand Suites have paid nearly £18,000 per person for the 16-night one-way trip to Dubai, where the ship is to be transformed into a floating hotel and resort.

Sightseers Berths in the cheapest accommodation, a standard inside cabin, were all eagerly taken up by passengers willing to pay more than £4,000 each.

The city's waterfront is expected to be packed with sightseers as QE2 pulls out of her traditional home berth in the Eastern Docks for the last time and makes her way down Southampton Water, and through the Solent before setting a course for the Channel.

En route to Dubai, QE2 will call at Lisbon, Gibraltar, Rome, Naples, Malta and Alexandria before navigating the Suez Canal. Each port of call on the voyage is expected to arrange a series of farewell events.

Cunard have also given details of a number of special voyages next year leading up to QE2's final farewell. QE2's Farewell to the British Isles will depart Southampton on September 30 for a ten-night voyage calling at Dublin, Belfast, the Clyde (the river on which the liner was built), Liverpool, Edinburgh and New-castle.

On October 10 she will leave Southampton with Cunard's flagship, Queen Mary 2, for a tandem crossing to New York. Her return passage on October 16 will be the ship's 806th and final Atlantic crossing