The beloved ocean liner QE2 is currently in dry dock in Dubai. She's getting a fresh coat of exterior paint as well as upgrades to her plumbing and air-conditioning systems. This is all in anticipation of her move to Cape Town, South Africa's Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, where she'll spent 18 months as a floating hotel.The 2010 FIFA World Cup (soccer) games are being held across South Africa and the country has worried about a hotel room shortage. QE2's move to the area will help alleviate those concerns.
Nakheel, a Dubai real estate developer, purchased the ship from Cunard and the original plan was to station her in Dubai. The shaky economy put a temporary hold on that plan.
QE2 will remain in dry dock a bit longer as her seaworthiness is tested and other upgrades are completed. Due to the sales agreement with Cunard, the ship cannot carry passengers during her transit to Cape Town but there's no doubt she'll happily welcome friends—old and new—once she arrives.
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