QE2 set for relaunch as floating hotel

Before her retirement to Dubai on 11th November 2008, the QE2 took regular cruises around the world as well as operating a scheduled liner service across the Atlantic Ocean between Southampton and New York. She carried 2.5 million passengers, sailed nearly six million miles and completed 806 trans-Atlantic crossings during 39 years of service for Cunard.

QE2 Dubai has created a large consortium to convert the QE2 into a five-star hotel with 500 rooms managed by a prestigious international hotel as an operator. The Oceanic Group will take the lead in managing the project while Drydocks World Dubai will carry out extensive technical and operational checks prior to her move into Asia.

The vision for the QE2 is for her to become a landmark cultural and tourist attraction – a beacon of luxury, glamour, quality and tradition in the heart of a leading Asian city that shares her rich maritime heritage and is prepared to give this very special ship the prominent waterfront home she deserves. The consortium will spend millions of dollars to restore the QE2 to the splendor of her glory days. An international tourist city in the Far East will be her first destination, although a number of Asian cities supposedly have expressed interest in securing the attraction.

Khamis Juma Buamim, Chairman of Drydocks World & Maritime World, said; – We are greatly privileged to be part of creating history with this project, which is perhaps one of the most defining moments in maritime travel. The prestigious project will no doubt be another milestone in not only Drydocks World, but in Dubai’s expanding portfolio of world-leading attractions. We are pleased to be in partnership with the QE2 consortium and the Oceanic Group in the very challenging project. I have no doubt that together we will achieve total success in this endeavor.

Mr Daniel Chui, Managing Director, Oceanic Group, said; – The QE2 is starting the next exciting journey of her long and illustrious career. We feel truly privileged to be part of the consortium that will take responsibility of this incredibly important piece of maritime history. We are honored that we have been chosen to manage this project to restore a truly historical icon to the days of her former glory. We promise to give the world a truly spectacular attraction.

Plans for the upgrading of the QE2 also include a shopping mall with the finest world leading brands, a QE2 Café offering meals similar to those served during cruises, three Michelin-starred restaurants, convention and meeting facilities. There will also be an onboard maritime museum displaying QE2 memorabilia and her rich history, along with a collection of treasures of Dubai.