If you're a ship fanatic and live in Dubai, you may want to block November 27 this year in your calendar as a very auspicious day in marine history.
That's the day Queen Elizabeth 2, “the most famous ship afloat and most successful liner ever built'', will sail into Dubai waters, according to shipping giant Cunard, marking the end of a colourful life on the high seas.
The 70,000-tonne vessel's appearance in Dubai is expected to draw huge crowds along the city's shores if past public interest in the world's most famous cruise ship is any indication.
When the QE2 first called at Liverpool in July 1990, an estimated one million turned out to see her, according to Cunard.
Sold to Dubai World for $100 million (Dh367 million) and to be converted into a permanently berthed luxury hotel, the 293-metre long Queen Elizabeth 2 will take up its new home at a “specially constructed pier at Palm Jumeirah''.
Christened by the Queen in 1967, the tie-up in Dubai will be the last entry in a logbook that has recorded a total 5.6 million nautical miles, including 25 world cruises, 801 Atlantic crossings and 1,408 individual voyages.
Her overall passenger manifest totals 2.5 million passengers.
When the ship is moored at the very tip of the palm-shaped island, it will be converted into a first-class floating hotel, retail and entertainment destination.
“We are very pleased this great ship will be preserved for years to come, allowing future generations to experience QE2 at her new home in Dubai,'' Cunard spokesman Michael Gallagher told XPRESS.
The ship has been part of the company “for longer than any other ship and has had a marked impact on the fortunes of the company for nearly half-a-century, so whilst it is clearly an emotional time to see her move on, we will take great delight in celebrating the life of this legendary vessel and all she has achieved,'' Gallagher said.
In a statement when the ship was sold, Dubai World chairman Sultan Ahmad bin Sulayem said that the government-owned company was privileged to gain the new ship.
“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,'' he said. “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.''
Given Dubai's close association with the sea, the ship will be a welcomed addition to the coastline, he said.
“Dubai is a maritime nation and we understand the rich heritage of QE2. She is coming to a home where she will be cherished,'' Bin Sulayem said.
QE2 Factfile
As of December 31, 2007, QE2 had…
- Completed 1,408 voyages (the Christmas voyage departing on December 16, 2007 was her 1,409th).
- Sailed over 5.6 million nautical miles – that's more than any other ship ever.
- Carried almost 2.5 million passengers
- Completed 801 Atlantic crossings (her 802nd crossing was January 6 – 13, 2008)
- Completed 25 full World Cruises
QE2 has …
- The largest marine motors ever built.
- The largest cinema at sea (capacity 531)
QE2 is…
- Probably the most misnamed ship in the world. She is Queen Elizabeth 2, not Queen Elizabeth II
- The most famous ship in operation
- Cunard's first ship, Britannia, would fit into QE2's Grand Lounge
- QE2 can sail backwards (full speed astern is 19 knots) faster than most cruise ships sail forwards
- The 95 MV total power output is enough to light a city the size of Southampton
- Her rudder weighs 80 tons
- Enough fruit juice is used in one year to fill up QE2's swimming pools nearly 8 times
- Approximately 600,000 litres of beverage are consumed annually
(Source: Cunard)
