From Sydney Morning Herald:

From Associated Press:

Story Dubai: The famous ship's foghorn sounded long and deep and the setting sun gilded the water of Port Rashid as the QE2 wound her way around the last bend heading towards a new beginning.

Resounding cheers from hundreds of well-wishers swarming the banks filled the air as the stately luxury liner glided by.

Both the UAE flag and the Union Jack were waved side by side by excited onlookers, the QE2 received her ultimate welcome yesterday as she ended her very last voyage carrying 1,000 passengers to Dubai and her new berth and new life as a floating hotel.

The Dubai Police Band marched along the dockside, playing traditional tunes on their bagpipes, while traditional Arabic Ayallah performers played and sang a haunting melody during the ship's docking.

The passengers shouted 'Hello Dubai' to the crowds below from the top deck.

With his young daughter balancing on his shoulders David Jones, a Nakheel employee said "It goes back to 1987, I was at Southampton University for four years and I saw the QE2 four times, so it's a bit special to me and it's the reason I came down here today. It's great."

Earlier, while the iconic ship sailed past The World, heading towards Dubai's Port Rashid, an Emirates A380 performed a fly-by in honour of her arrival, the plane was joined by a Royal Navy helicopter piloted by Lieutenant Commander Mike Currie.

Mohammad Tabah, a Syrian spectator, said: "It's a great event and I'm glad to be part of it. I've never seen such a big ship. As I'm looking at it now, it's beautiful."

The QE2 left Southampton for her final voyage on November 11, sailing past Portugal, Italy, Malta and Egypt, finally turning her bows towards Dubai.

M/Y Dubai - the yacht belonging to His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai - led a flotilla of more than 60 yachts, accompanied by Royal Navy Frigate HMS Lancaster, captained by Commander Rory Bryan.

HMS Lancaster joined the massive ocean liner for the last few kilometres of her journey as a mark of respect, in remembrance of the QE2's contribution to national service, in her role as a hospital ship and troop carrier during the Falklands war in 1982.

Commodore Tim Lowe, RN, the UK Maritime Component Commander in the Gulf region, said: "She is an honoured veteran of a hard fought battle and another shining example of the versatility of our maritime fleet. Her seafaring role is now complete while that of the Royal Navy continues, and I am delighted that one of our ships was able to take this impromptu opportunity to offer a final salute..."'

[ 11-27-2008: Message edited by: Chris ]

http://www.ameinfo.com/177164.html

This clip has an intersting shot of the A380 flyover:

http://www.ameinfo.com/177190.html

[ 11-27-2008: Message edited by: dmwnc1 ]

The flag changing ceremony was the final chapter in QE2's epic journey to Dubai which will be her new home for the next half a century or more. QE2 will undergo a transformation before becoming a centre of culture and luxury on the Palm Jumeirah.

A select gathering of VIPs and media watched as the Cunard flags were lowered and NakheelNakheel and United Arab Emirates flags raised to signal the changing of ownership and the next exciting episode for QE2.

Just before the British Red Ensign and Cunard house flags were lowered, Carol Marlow, President of Cunard said: "Now it is time for Cunard to say goodbye to its longest-serving vessel.

"The Paying Off Pennant you see flying proudly from her mast denotes the paying off of a vessel that has sailed further than any other.

"And a vessel that is about to embark on an exciting new future here in Dubai where she will be enjoyed for generations to come who will marvel at the history of a great ocean liner whose record currently has no equal.

"We are delighted that QE2 has found a new home here in Dubai - an Emirate with such a rich maritime heritage and a great tourist destination for the world to enjoy."

In closing, Carol Marlow made special mention of Captain Ian McNaught, the senior officers and crew, and hotel manager John Duffy as the longest-serving four-stripe officer in the Cunard fleet.

Captain McNaught then sounded the QE2's famous whistle to signal her departure from the Cunard fleet and arrival in her new home in Dubai.

On receiving the ship, HE Sultan Bin Sulayem, Chairman of Dubai World, the holding company of NakheelNakheel, made the following remarks: "This is a historic day for the UAE as we at NakheelNakheel take over the custodianship of this proud and splendid ship.

"As we take her gently in our hands we would like to pay tribute to all those who have served her so well since her launch forty years ago, and who have enjoyed her hospitality during the distinguished and glittering career she has had as an ocean liner.

"On this auspicious occasion we are deeply aware of the rich heritage that is represented by the QE2, a heritage that is both respected and complemented by our own proud history as a sea-faring nation.

"Without doubt, QE2 has come to a home that will cherish and protect her. Her future has been assured and it is now our responsibility that she remains a beacon of culture and luxury for many years to come in her new home on Palm Jumeirah."

The UAE and NakheelNakheel house flags were then raised to signal the change in ownership of QE2.

Captain Ian McNaught then presented the Cunard house flags to HE Sultan Bin Sulayem and QE2's paying off pennant (which, at 39 feet long, represents the 39 years QE2 has sailed with the Cunard fleet) was presented to Captain McNaught by Carol Marlow.

The flag changing ceremony also included the ceremonial presentation of the QE2 anchor to a crew member from Southampton, who received it on behalf of the English port which has been home to QE2 for 39 years. NakheelNakheel and Cunard will be honouring the town by presenting QE2's anchor as a gift.

Source: Zawya

[ 11-27-2008: Message edited by: dmwnc1 ]

[ 11-27-2008: Message edited by: dmwnc1 ]

Attached is a fantastic link to a BBC video. Not to be missed!

Ernie