Northeast Cruise Guide: Queen Elizabeth 2 Departing Dubai for Singapore and China in October 2013

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Queen Elizabeth 2 Departing Dubai for Singapore and China in October 2013

QE2 in Drydock in Dubai - Courtesy Drydock World Dubai

In a news conference held at Drydocks World Dubai, chairman Khamis Juma Buamim provided more details and status on the plans to reactivate the Queen Elizabeth 2 as a floating hotel. The current plan is segmented into 3 parts.

Part 1 - the Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) will be mechanically prepared to sail for Singapore and China. She is currently drydocked at the Drydock World Dubai Facility. Work currently being completed includes over-hall of her engines, navigation equipment and structure to assure her seaworthiness. Just recently she was provided her classification and ocean going certification. She is expected to depart Dubai on October 18th.

It is anticipated that a crew of 32 will sail the ship to Singapore where part 2 will begin. Part 2 includes the removal of artwork and historic memorbilia which will be stored in a warehouse until the accomodations are rennovated. The Queen Elizabeth 2 is expected to arrive in Singapore on November 1st and stay for three days.

Next the ship will head to Hong Kong where she will dock briefly (estimated at 3 days) before heading to a yet to be determined shipyard in China where she will be converted in an all Suite hotel. Internally she will be reconfigured to 400 suites ranging from 60 square meters to 150 square meters. The renovation is expected to cost $90 Million Dollars.

After the refit is complete, she will be relocated to a yet to be determined site in Asia, where she will serve as a stationary hotel. Current speculation has Hong Kong, Shanghai or Singapore as possible sites.

The QE2 has sit idle in Dubai for more than 4.5 years and is expected to have a royal send off as she steams from Dubai under her own power on October 18th.

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