Iconic cruise liner MS Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2), which is now in Dubai, will be re-launched as a five-star 500-room hotel in Asia, it was announced today. 

 

QE2 will be moved today to Drydocks World Dubai for undertaking classification checks prior to her renovation as a luxury floating hotel, said a QE Dubai statement. 

 

QE2 Dubai has created a large consortium to convert the ship into a five-star hotel, which will be managed by a prestigious international chain.  

 

The Oceanic Group, a group of deeply-experienced advisers to cruise operators and managers in Asia, will take the lead in managing this 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 so richly deserves, said the statement.

 

The consortium will spend many millions of dollars on the ship to restore her to the splendour of her glory days, it said.

 

“A number of Asian cities have expressed interest in securing this historic attraction. We have firmed up with an international tourist city in the Far East as her first destination,” the statement said, without naming the city. 

 

Before her retirement to Dubai on November 11, 2008, the QE2 took regular cruises around the world. It was earlier owned by Cunard.

 

Khamis Juma Buamim, chairman of Drydocks World & Maritime World, said: “We are greatly privileged to be part of this move to create history with this project, which is perhaps one of the most defining moments in maritime travel. 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.” 

 

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, the statement said.  – TradeArabia News Service