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Tragic Fate of the QE2
By Janet Go | November 22, 2008
Bankers overseeing the troubled financial affairs of Dubai have selected assets to be sold off and the QE2 is one of them. Purchased in 2008 for $100 million, her conversion to a hotel and apartment complex has never taken place. Instead, the 70,000-ton, 41-year-old liner sits at Port Rashid. A plan to use her at Capetown as a hotel for the World Cup fell through, and the plan to tow her to Singapore for refitting as a hotel also went by the wayside. Currently, the QE2 is being looked after by an Egyptian crew and is in good condition. During a recent visit to Dubai during the world cruise of the Queen Mary 2, the two liners exchanged whistle salutes.
Some suspect that in view of current worldwide financial woes, the QE2 might find her way to nearby India and to the scrappers at Alang. What a tragic fate for such a world famous ship. Like former passengers who loved the QE2, I am deeply sorry to see this happen. She should be preserved in all her glory, similar to the Queen Mary in Long Beach, California.
Cunard’s longest-serving four-strip officer, Hotel Manager John Duffy, received the prestigious Seatrade Insider Cruise Award for “Seagoing Employee of the Year 2008″ in recognition of his long and distinguished service with Cunard and onboard Queen Elizabeth 2. He has served Cunard since 1965 and played a key role in making the QE2 the best-loved ship in the world. He joined the Queen Mary 2 in March 2009. I’ve been aboard the QE2 four or five times with John Duffy and he’s always been hospitable, friendly, and efficient. Good luck on the QM2, John.
Before her retirement to Dubai in 2008, the QE2 sailed 5.5 nautical miles, more than any other ship ever. She’s carried almost 2.1 million guests, and completed 24 World Cruises. She is the fastest merchant ship in operation–can go faster than other cruise ships and outrun pirateers!
Topics: Heard on the Deck |
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