27th July 2009

Luxury Floating Hotel for Cape Town world cup

There's confirmation this morning that the former Cunard ocean liner QE2 will be moving to Cape Town in time to provide  luxury floating accommodation for next year's World Cup. Nakheel, who own the ship, have said that part of the refurbishment, the trademark red funnel will be removed and a glass penthouse built in its place, which would be the most exclusive apartment.   Every cabin would be upgraded with new larger bedrooms and the engine space would become a theatre.

The ship, which had sailed more than six million miles by the time she was retired last November  was bought for £50 million by the  Dubai company which planned to convert her into a luxury hotel and provide her with a permanent mooring at the glamorous Palm Jumeirah.

No visible progress has been made on that plan in the last eight months that the ship has languished lonely and unloved at a container quay, as rumours grew about her future.

A spokesman for owners Nakheel said: "It has been our intention for some time to provide a short term opportunity to enjoy QE2 as a stationary hotel in her current condition before refurbishment begins.  Cape Town provides the best opportunity for us to open QE2 to visitors as quickly as possible. The forthcoming 2010 Football World Cup provides a good motive for moving her to the City.

Subject to agreement from the local authorities, the ship will be berthed at Cape Town's Victoria and Albert Quay, which is part-owned by Nakheel, for up to 18 months.

QE2's engine room has been maintained in full working order since retirement, so she will be able to make the voyage from Dubai to South Africa under her own power, but the terms of the sale agreement from Cunard will prevent her from carrying passengers on the journey.

If you are planning on going to the World Cup in 2010 make sure you book your airport parking well in advance to avoid over booking