Dubai: An estimated one million spectators greeted the Queen Elizabeth 2 cruise ship on its maiden arrival in the northwest English port of Liverpool in July 1990.
One will have to wait and see how many people turn up to admire the ship when it docks in Dubai in 2008, but its new owner hopes it will become a big tourist attraction in its new role as a floating luxury hotel at the Palm Jumeirah.
Dubai World investment firm Istithmar will become the legendary 40-year-old ship's new owner in November next year after paying $100 million to cruise operator Cunard Line.
It is not the first time that the Queen Elizabeth 2 will be drafted into a different role than a luxury cruise ship. In 1982, the vessel ferried 3,000 British troops to the south Atlantic to take part in the Falklands war.
Its public lounges were turned into dormitories for troops to be billeted. Later, the ship underwent another refitting programme to return to its old role.
When it arrives in Dubai in 2008, the ship will cease to be a passenger vessel and will be refurbished to take on the role of a floating luxury hotel. A professional hotel operating firm will be hired to manage it.
Istithmar said the refurbishment will aim to restore the ship's original interior decor and fittings. Apart from being a luxury hotel, the vessel will include a museum presenting the rich history of the ship.
As the longest serving Cunard ship, the Queen Elizabeth 2 holds several pieces of artwork and maritime artefacts.
Istithmar has not disclosed details of what the refurbishment plan involves, with one spokesman saying the company still has 18 months to decide how to go about the job.
Ocean-themed hotels
"The Queen Elizabeth 2 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," said Sultan Ahmad Bin Sulayem, chairman of Dubai World.
Palm Island developer Nakheel said the ship will be berthed at a specially-constructed pier, but its exact location has yet to be determined.
Guy Wilkinson, a Dubai-based independent hospitality analyst, believes the ship will be popular and complement other ocean-themed hotels in Dubai like the Atlantis Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab.
"It is a fantastic name to have in Dubai and consistent with the government's policy to create iconic attractions," he said.
Dubailand, a leisure and entertainment park, will have Las Vegas-style luxury hotels and Disney-type theme parks. A ship-shaped luxury hotel in it called Aqua Dunya will be managed by the Jumeirah group, which operates the Burj Al Arab hotel.
"The Queen Elizabeth 2 will be a real ship hotel sitting in the sea. People are going to stay in cabins so it will be an alternative experience for them," Wilkinson said, adding that he would not be surprised if Jumeirah becomes its operator.
With gambling being illegal in Dubai, the ship will have to give up its casino for more shopping and tourist facilities. "We do not know yet whether it will be open to all or have controlled access like the Burj Al Arab," Wilkinson said.
The only floating Harrods store is likely to stay, but its library containing 6,000 books may have limited commercial value.
