QE2 to be returned to glory for one night only (From Daily Echo)
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QE2 to be returned to glory for New Year's Eve party in Dubai
1:44pm Thursday 15th December 2011 in Hampshire Heritage
QE2 to be returned to glory for one night only
THE QE2 is set to be returned to her former glory - for one night only.
Having been a ghost ship alongside Dubai since leaving Southampton in 2008, the ship will host a lavish New Year's Eve party.
QE2 has faced an uncertain future since moving to Dubai but now, for the first time since she left Southampton, the public will be allowed back on board when she becomes the spectacular venue for “one of the most exclusive New Year celebrations in the world''.
The event's organisers said: “From gourmet food, captivating entertainers, magnificent laser and firework displays, an exceptional line up of international acts, to Royals, dignitaries, celebrities and VIPs, the event aims to treat guests to a unique, luxurious experience and the most stylish way to ring in 2012.''
The majority of guests attending the back-tie, charity celebration will be there strictly by invitation only, however, a limited number of tickets will go on sale this week to the general public.
When QE2 was bought, three years ago, by developers in Dubai, it was planned she should be turned into a floating hotel and world-class tourist attraction, but in the wake of the international recession the plans were postponed, for what was described as “the foreseeable future''.
During her long sea-going career, QE2, which entered service in 1969, criss crossed the Atlantic on the passage between Southampton and New York hundreds of times, breaking many records, including that of the longest serving flagship in the Cunard Fleet.
Since arriving in Dubai, QE2 has remained at her berth with just a skeleton, maintenance crew on board.
Comments(9)
Goldenwight
says...
1:56pm Thu 15 Dec 11
The Salv
says...
2:24pm Thu 15 Dec 11
Vonnie
says...
2:31pm Thu 15 Dec 11
The Salv wrote:And who the devil is going to pay for that? I am certainly not prepared to have any more of my tax payer's money wasted on white elephants.
Get this ship back here in Southampton. Southampton needs an historic ship that we can be proud off. Would make for a great floating museum and hotel. Such a waste in Dubai.
Shoong
says...
2:43pm Thu 15 Dec 11
The Salv wrote:Get yer cheque book out then.
Get this ship back here in Southampton. Southampton needs an historic ship that we can be proud off. Would make for a great floating museum and hotel. Such a waste in Dubai.
The Salv
says...
3:12pm Thu 15 Dec 11
.
Whilst we are at it build a zoo for that White Elephant suggestion ;-)
Supersaintz
says...
3:14pm Thu 15 Dec 11
The Salv wrote:Agreed. No one would have to pay for it as it would pay for itself. If you have ever been to Rotterdam you will have seen a shining example of this. The SS Rotterdam, which has been converted into a hotel, bar, restaurent and museum. It becomes self funding as a great tourist attraction.
Get this ship back here in Southampton. Southampton needs an historic ship that we can be proud off. Would make for a great floating museum and hotel. Such a waste in Dubai.
Goldenwight
says...
4:07pm Thu 15 Dec 11
The Salv wrote:Maybe it could be converted into a sort of floating 'Titanic' museum?
Get this ship back here in Southampton. Southampton needs an historic ship that we can be proud off. Would make for a great floating museum and hotel. Such a waste in Dubai.
solomum
says...
11:41am Fri 16 Dec 11
Dasal says...
1:50pm Thu 15 Dec 11
...............
Should be a good "do" !!.