QE2 sets sail for Dubai

Dubai: The Queen Elizabeth 2, the world's most famous ocean liner, has departed from Southampton, UK, on her ultimate voyage to Dubai, a statement said.

"She will arrive at Mina Rashid in 15 days, and will then undergo a transformation that will see her become a centre of culture and luxury on the eastern trunk side of Palm Jumeirah," Nakheel said in a statement.

On arrival in Dubai on November 26, the QE2 will be greeted at The World islands by a flotilla of local yachts, boats and leisure-craft led by a Royal Navy frigate.

Local yacht and boat owners are encouraged to take part in the "royal" welcome and accompany the QE2 through the Arabian Gulf to Mina Rashid.

Tuesday's departure from Southampton was marked by a farewell visit by Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, and the fly-past of a Harrier jump jet, which hovered and bowed to QE2 just 500 feet off her stern.

People from all over the UK turned out in force at Southampton's docks to bid bon voyage to this most beloved of British icons.

Manfred Ursprunger, CEO of QE2 Enterprises, Nakheel Hotels, said: "The arrival of QE2 is one of the most anticipated events of the year and Nakheel is proud to be the custodian of such an historic treasure."

"Plans for QE2 include her transformation into an ultra-luxury floating hotel where she'll form the centre-piece of a luxurious residential, entertainment, marina and hotel development off the trunk of Palm Jumeirah," Ursprunger said.

A heritage museum displaying artefacts from QE2 and local maritime history will also feature in the precinct.

The QE2 was purchased last year by Nakheel's parent company, Dubai World, and Nakheel has already commenced construction on a luxury marina development on Palm Jumeirah.

QE2 will form the pinnacle of a palatial pier that will stretch 300 metres from the trunk into the waters of the Arabian Gulf.

The QE2 is arguably one of the world's most famous ships. She has circumnavigated the world 25 times, crossed the Atlantic more than 800 times and carried more than 2.5 million passengers including kings and queens, prime ministers, presidents and astronauts.

She survived a 95 foot wave during Hurricane Luis, carried 3,000 troops to the Falklands War and rescued 500 passengers from another ship.