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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QE2 On the Road to Becoming a Stationary 5-Star Resort.

Queen Elizabeth 2 During Her Cruising Career to Become a Floating Resort in the Far East.

 
As reported on the Drydocks World Dubai Website, The Queen Elizabeth 2 is to become a 500 suite, high end hotel in the Far East - Details are below.

Dubai, Thursday, January 17, 2013 – QE2 Dubai, has the pleasure to announce that MS Queen Elizabeth 2 Known popularly as (QE2) will be moved today to Drydocks World Dubai for undertaking classification checks prior to her renovation as a luxury floating hotel.

Before her retirement to Dubai on 11^th November 2008, the QE2 took regular cruises around the world as well as operating a scheduled liner service across the Atlantic Ocean between Southampton in the UK and New York. She carried 2.5 million passengers, sailed nearly six million miles and completed 806 trans-Atlantic crossings during 39 years of service for Cunard.

QE2 Dubai has created a large consortium to convert the QE2 into a five-star hotel with 500 rooms managed by a prestigious international hotel as an operator.  The Oceanic Group, a group of deeply-experienced advisers to cruise operators and managers in Asia, will take the lead in managing this project while Drydocks World Dubai will carry out extensive technical and operational checks prior to her move into Asia..

The vision for the QE2 is for her to become a landmark cultural and tourist attraction-a beacon of luxury, glamour, quality and tradition - in the heart of a leading Asian city that shares her rich maritime heritage and is prepared to give this very special ship the prominent waterfront home she so richly deserves. The consortium will lavish many millions of dollars on this magnificent ship to restore her to the splendor of her glory days as an icon of the very best the world has to offer.
A number of Asian cities have expressed interest in securing this historic attraction. We have firmed up with an international tourist city in the Far East as her first destination.
The chosen city shares the passion of the partnership for preserving the history and reputation of this great ship that holds a special place in the collective memory of the many a million passengers that have sailed on her during nearly 40 years of service. The renovations and upgrades planned will respect and safeguard the immense heritage embodied in her fine lines and luxurious fittings.
Khamis Juma Buamim, Chairman of Drydocks World & Maritime World, said

“We are greatly privileged to be part of this move to create history with this project, which is perhaps one of the most defining moments in maritime travel. This prestigious project will no doubt be another milestone in not only Drydocks World but in Dubai’s expanding portfolio of world-leading attractions. We are pleased to be in partnership with the QE2 consortium and the Oceanic Group in the very challenging project. I have no doubt that together we will achieve total success in this endeavor.”
Mr Daniel Chui, Managing Director, Oceanic Group, said:

“The QE2 is starting the next exciting journey of her long and illustrious career. We feel truly privileged to be part of the consortium that will take responsibility of this incredibly important piece of maritime history. We are honored that we have been chosen to manage this project to restore a truly historical icon to the days of her former glory. We promise to give the world a truly spectacular attraction.”

Plans for the upgrading of the QE2 also include a shopping mall with the finest world leading brands, a QE2 Café offering meals similar to those served during cruises, three Michelin-starred restaurants, convention and meeting facilities. There will also be an onboard maritime museum displaying QE2 memorabilia and her rich history, along with a collection of treasures of Dubai. 

 Source: http://www.drydocks.gov.ae/en/news/grang.qe.aspx

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