Cruise Talk: QM2 in Dubai today

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»	Cruise Talk » Ocean Liners and Classic Cruise Ships » QM2 in Dubai today

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Topic: QM2 in Dubai today

dmwnc1
Cruise Director
Member # 3785

posted 01-26-2010 10:39 PM

QE2 looking a little lonely. Any updates on when/if she is still moving to South Africa?

Posts: 5650 | From: Clarksburg WV | Registered: Apr 2003 | IP: Logged

mike sa
First Class Passenger
Member # 5957

posted 01-27-2010 12:21 AM

Announced yesterday - from Ports.co.za

"The retired Cunard liner QUEEN ELIZABETH 2 (QE2) will not be relocating to Cape Town. Istithmar, the investment division of Dubai World confirmed yesterday that the proposal has been scrapped and that no new plans for the ship have been drawn up. It said that there were a number of options under consideration for QE2. “Istithmar World is considering which option will best maximise value of the vessel.”

QE2 is currently in Dubai where the ship was supposed to have become a floating restaurant and entertainment centre on a man-made island outside Dubai. This plan was also abandoned following the credit crunch of 2008/09. The company said later that it was sending the ship to Cape Town to become a floating hotel and tourist attraction for a ‘limited period’ which would have included the period during the FIFA soccer world cup. "

In other words they haven't got a clue what to do with her. I am told by family in Dubai that she will never be placed at the palm and the berth she was mean't to have docked at is now for sale.

Posts: 2272 | From: Durban, South Africa | Registered: Sep 2005 | IP: Logged

dmwnc1
Cruise Director
Member # 3785

posted 01-27-2010 12:31 AM

This all looks particulary bad for QE2, since she can't be returned to passenger service and any hotel use or conversion is put indefinite hold? I can't imagine she will just sit there for any length of time before she is sold for scrap?

Posts: 5650 | From: Clarksburg WV | Registered: Apr 2003 | IP: Logged

Lubber
First Class Passenger
Member # 13710

posted 01-27-2010 07:37 AM

quote:
Originally posted by mike sa:
“Istithmar World is considering which option will best maximise value of the vessel.”

Oh sh*t.

Posts: 241 | From: Land | Registered: Feb 2008 | IP: Logged

dmwnc1
Cruise Director
Member # 3785

posted 01-27-2010 09:30 AM

I wonder what would really happen, really, if she was suddenly sold for scrap? Is there any recourse to save her, or is she better off going to Alang? I think that would be a real tragedy.

Posts: 5650 | From: Clarksburg WV | Registered: Apr 2003 | IP: Logged

lasuvidaboy
First Class Passenger
Member # 4527

posted 01-27-2010 12:06 PM

If she was offered for sale AT scrap value, I'd bet she would find another owner.

Posts: 7654 | From: Hollywood Hills/L.A. | Registered: Mar 2004 | IP: Logged

mike sa
First Class Passenger
Member # 5957

posted 01-28-2010 12:16 AM

Not so sure, even if sold at scrap value there is the tremendous cost of refurbishing her and providing suitable berthing and shore side services etc. You would need very deep pockets to achieve that.

Look at Rotterdam.

Posts: 2272 | From: Durban, South Africa | Registered: Sep 2005 | IP: Logged

thundergod
First Class Passenger
Member # 5619

posted 01-28-2010 12:14 PM

Anyone knows how the deal with Cunard was set up in case of anyone buying her and use her as a cruise ship with paying pax? I understand there is some penalty if the current owner put her to service again. But if they sell her to a third owner? Can Cunard still sue them and get penalty from the owners?

From what i understand the two alternatives may be scrap or back in service?

Posts: 138 | From: Sweden | Registered: Apr 2005 | IP: Logged

jetwet1
First Class Passenger
Member # 6361

posted 01-28-2010 01:39 PM

My understanding is that there is a penalty to pay if she goes back into service, but in reality it would not be much of a major stumbling block in the big scheme of things.

As I have said in the past, the biggest road block is dealing with this group itself.

Posts: 608 | From: Las VEgas | Registered: Mar 2006 | IP: Logged

Ernst
First Class Passenger
Member # 5369

posted 01-28-2010 01:47 PM

quote:
Originally posted by jetwet1:
My understanding is that there is a penalty to pay if she goes back into service, but in reality it would not be much of a major stumbling block in the big scheme of things.
As I have said in the past, the biggest road block is dealing with this group itself.

I am not so sure about that. Would it be possible to keep her name? What would be the appeal of her to the general public if she had another name and if is not operated by the glorious Cunard Line?

Posts: 9746 | From: Eindhoven | Registered: Jan 2005 | IP: Logged

jetwet1
First Class Passenger
Member # 6361

posted 02-01-2010 07:39 PM

I was on the very outside of the talks when they were being held, but there didn't seem to be an issue with the name being kept, with that said though, I cannot 100% say that that question was really raised.

As it is now, the person has moved on to bigger things, so that is another chance for the QE2 down the drain.

Posts: 608 | From: Las VEgas | Registered: Mar 2006 | IP: Logged

Rob Lightbody
First Class Passenger
Member # 26402

posted 02-08-2010 02:45 PM

Fabulous Youtube video of QM2 meeting QE2, whistles blaring. QM2 was brought right alongside QE2.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0oyBE-tCMQ

And some great close-up photos of her here:-

http://gallery.me.com/lesleyblake#100632&bgcolor=black&view=grid

Posts: 13 | From: Glasgow, UK | Registered: Aug 2009 | IP: Logged

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