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Posted by Sue Bryant Jun 27, 2007 |
Cunard regulars are getting used to the idea that their beloved Queen Elizabeth 2 will see out its days tethered to a pier in Dubai. The announcement a week ago provoked outrage and dismay - there are even online petitions against the sale, which is a bit futile as it's a done deal. The new owners, however, are promising to maintain the integrity of the great ocean liner and will spend money fitting it out as a luxury hotel while reflecting its former glory in the interiors.
The ship will no doubt attract a lot of visitors, although whether holidaymakers in Dubai will want to stay in a rather cramped ship's cabin with no balcony or a luxury resort with a sandy beach is questionable. The new owners, Dubai World, reckon that QE2 will appeal to the many British visitors to the Emirate, possibly as a short break or even a one-night stay. The Queen Mary, another great Cunarder, is tethered at Long Beach, California, and is highly successful as a floating hotel and function venue. Dubai World is no doubt taking inspiration from this model.
It'll certainly be a case of old meets new. The Palm Jumeirah is one of two palm tree-shaped developments of man-made islands, its 'fronds' lined with luxury homes and beaches. Both palms are visible from space and are considered by their developer as wonders of the modern world. In addition to this, Dubai has its own real ski slope with proper snow, adding to the cash-rich Emirate's 'anything is possible' attitude. It's easy to see the appeal of adding the world's most famous ocean liner to the mix.
If you are planning to sail on the ship one last time, the smart money is on the two final transatlantic cruises next October. A lot of people will book the Southampton to Dubai sailing for purely sentimental reasons (and because it's a good itinerary including a transit of the Suez Canal) but the real farewells are likely to be said in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, the setting which will always be associated with this iconic ship.