Cunard Line will sell the Queen Elizabeth
2 for $100 million to Dubai World, which plans to convert the
40-year-old ocean liner into a floating luxury hotel in Dubai,
United Arab Emirates, Cunard said today.
Cunard said it
will deliver the QE2 to Dubai World in November 2008, where it will
be permanently berthed at a specially-constructed pier and made
into a luxury floating hotel, retail and entertainment destination
at the Palm Jumeirah, the world's largest man-made
island.
The QE2 was
purchased by Istithmar, the investment arm of Dubai World, a wholly
owned company of the Government of Dubai. Nakheel, developer of The
Palm Jumeirah, is also a Dubai World company.
"We are delighted
that when her legendary career as an ocean liner ends there will
continue to be a permanent home for her that will enable future
generations to continue to experience fully both the ship and her
history," said Carol Marlow, president and managing director of
Cunard, in a statement.
The ship will
commence service in its new role in 2009, after it is refurbished
and adapted for its new home, Cunard said. Istithmar said it aims
to refurbish the vessel so as to recreate QE2's original interior
decor and fittings and that it will house a museum of the ship's
history.
"Dubai is a
maritime nation and we understand the rich heritage of QE2," said
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, chairman of Dubai World, in a statement.
"She is coming to a home where she will be cherished."
The QE2 was
launched by Queen Elizabeth II in September 1967, 40 years ago this
year, and is the longest-serving ship in Cunard's 168-year history,
the line said. Cunard said that the ship has sailed 25 world
cruises, has crossed the Atlantic more than 800 times and has
carried more than 2.5 million passengers.
To contact reporter Johanna Jainchill, send e-mail to [email protected].