QE2 Begins Final World Trip

Published Jan 10, 2008 12:01 AM by The Maritime Executive

Cunard's famous cruise liner, the Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2), departed the UK port city of Southampton and began her 26th and final world cruise on Monday, January 7. The 40-year-old ship, Cunard's longest-serving flagship and longest-serving ship in general, was sold to Istithmar, the investment arm of Dubai World, the "holding company that manages and supervises the portfolio of businesses and project for [the] Dubai Government," for US$100 million. The QE2, according to a Cunard press release, will be delivered in November where she ". . . will be berthed at a specially-constructed pier to create a luxury floating hotel, retail and entertainment destination at The Palm Jumeirah, the world's largest man-made island."

Cunard's newest vessel, the Queen Victoria, departed Southampton on her maiden world cruise alongside the QE2. Both vessels will cross the Atlantic together to New York. Once in New York, both ships, along with Cunard's Queen Mary 2, will, for the first and only time, ". . . rendezvous and sail past the Statue of Liberty during a spectacular fireworks celebration . . ." on Sunday, January 13. "This is the first-time in Cunard's 168-year history," states a Cunard press release, "that the 'Queens' have been in service at the same time and with QE2 retiring in November 2008 will be the only time they will be together, offering a maritime history-making moment."

On the QE2's retirement, Carol Marlow, President and Managing Director of Cunard, said,
"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."

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, chairman of Dubai World, said: "QE2 is without a doubt one of the wonders of the maritime world, and is easily the most famous serving liner in the world today. I am delighted we will be able to create a home for her on the newest wonder of the world, The Palm Jumeirah. QE2 at The Palm Jumeirah will become one of the must-see experiences of Dubai and of the Middle East. We are investing in creating a truly global tourism destination. Dubai is a maritime nation and we understand the rich heritage of QE2. She is coming to a home where she will be cherished."

For more news on the Cunard line, visit Cunard's Web site here.