QE2 - Floating Hotel

The world's most famous ship, the Queen Elizabeth 2, will leave the Cunard fleet in autumn 2008.

As part of a $100 million deal, the QE2 will be delivered to Dubai, where she will be refurbished and adapted to become a luxury floating hotel, retail and entertainment destination at The Palm Jumeirah man-made island.

The ship, which has sailed the world's seas for almost 40 years and travelled over 5 million miles, is Cunard's longest-serving ship.

"After such an illustrious career, we feel that the time will be right for her to leave the fleet next year," said Cunard president and managing director Carol Marlow in a letter to agents.

"However, she will not disappear. She has been purchased by Istithmar, the investment arm of Dubai World and a wholly owned company of the Government of Dubai.

"We think it very important that QE2 should end her ocean–going career with dignity.

"We are, therefore, very pleased to have secured a permanent home for her that will enable future generations to continue to experience fully both the ship and her history."

The QE2 was launched by The Queen in September 1967 and has undertaken 25 world cruises and and crossed the Atlantic over 800 times.

She will remain with the Cunard fleet until November 11 2008, when she will leave her homeport of Southampton for the last time to commence her final voyage to Dubai.

Two itinerary changes have been made in order to celebrate her historic departure. These affect Canary Islands Splendour and Taste of the Mediterranean II.

These new Farewell Voyages, including her final voyage to Dubai, will be on sale from 2pm on June 27.

31 August 2007