QE2 Arrival on 26 November 2008 to Dubai Confirmed

The world’s best loved cruise liner, QE2, arrives in Dubai at the end of her ultimate voyage on Wednesday 26 November. It is an event that will attract international attention. Once she arrives in Dubai, the ownership of QE2 will be transferred to Nakheel.

Over the coming months she will undergo extensive refurbishment before taking her place at a specially constructed berth on the Palm Jumeirah – where she will become a floating hotel and must-visit attraction for many thousands of visitors and tourists.

QE2 has circumnavigated the world 25 times, crossed the Atlantic more than 800 times and carried more than 2.5 million passengers including kings and queens, prime ministers and presidents, astronauts and The Beatles. She survived a 95 ft wave during Hurricane Luis, carried 3000 troops to the Falklands War and rescued 500 passengers from a burning ship. She is a record breaker for both speed and endurance, has featured in countless films and television shows and draws crowds to every port she docks in.

New Ferry Coming to Palm Jumeirah

The new marine mode is part of Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) efforts to introduce new patterns of water transport in the emirate as an additional & express mode integrated with other transit modes in the emirate.

‘This Project is part of the master study and the Strategic Plan developed by the RTA to upgrade marine transport in the emirate,’ said Mattar Al-Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA in a press conference held yesterday to unveil this project.

He further added: ‘The project aims to meet aspirations & requirements of a new segment of the community and provide coverage in areas previously uncovered by marine transit system. The plan will be carried out over several phases in a specific timetable. It spans the Creek & coastal line of Jumeirah Beach to serve tourists in the emirate, and link downtown area with Nakheel projects (The Palm Jumeirah, The Palm Jebel Ali, The Palm Deira, and The World), as reported by AMI.

‘Ferry Dubai is the third project envisaged in the Strategic Plan of the RTA, following the Water Bus and the Water Taxi in addition to renovation of abras. It aims to uplift the level of marine transit services rendered by the RTA and thus catch up with the rapid growth witnessed by the emirate of Dubai. The Project also seeks to provide secure transit services for wide sectors of the community across Dubai Creek, water canals and maritime projects. RTA is keen to establish linkage and integration between transit modes in the emirate such as Dubai Metro, Public Transport and Taxis. Providing swift transit services is driven by the need to reduce the average waiting time of passengers, and improve the linkage & integration of public transport services’, said Al Tayer.

He elaborated on the specifications of the project by saying: ‘Ferry Dubai has a spectacular design, a dual base (Catamaran Low Wash), an air-conditioned interior, and comfortable seating for 100 passengers (84 seats as economy class, 14 seats as business class and 2 seats for people with special needs). Ferry Dubai will be fitted with 3 LCD & DVD monitors, 3 toilets (for men, women and special need persons), and a kiosk for selling gift items and snacks. Ferry Dubai extends 32 meters in length and 7.2 meters in width, and has a designed speed of up to 24 knots per hour. Each boat weighs around 20 tons and is fitted twin diesel engines of 450 hp.

‘In the first phase RTA will operate 10 ferries covering 4 key stations which include Gold Souk Station, Union Square Station, City Center Station and Al-Ghubaiba Station. Phase II will cover Dubai Creek extensions, following completion of the new bridges. In subsequent phases there will be plans to extend the service to link with Dubai Maritime City, the emirate of Sharjah, The Palm islands, The World and The Waterfront. The project, which is set to be completed in June 2010, is expected to ferry around 3 million passengers in the initial year.

Mr. Al Tayer concluded by saying, ‘Selection of the final design was made following a worldwide international contest attracting extensive participation from a host of companies specialized in boat designing from Australia, Europe and Asia, as well as leading local companies. The competition aimed to assemble the largest possible collection of diverse designs so as to enable selection & endorse the best and final design of Ferry Dubai’.

The press conference was attended by Mr. Mohammed Obaid Al-Mulla, CEO of RTA Marine Agency, Mr. Khaled Al-Zahed, Director of Marine Projects Dep’t, Mr.Hussain Al-Saffar, Director of Operation & Maintenance Dep’t, Mr.Sultan Musabbeh Al-Kutbi, Director of Registration & Licensing Dep’t at RTA Marine Agency, along with Ms.Laila Mohammed Taher, Director of RTA Executive Office, Mr.Peyman Younes Parham, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communication Dep’t, and several other directors of the RTA.

Technorati Tags: palm jumeirah, qe2, dubai, ferries

QE2 Crown Jewel of The Palm Jumeriah

Stately new home for the QE2 at the Palm Jumeirah after its transformation into a floating luxury residential accommodation and hotel is completed.

The world-famous liner will be moored at a new upscale marina development that will be established as a cultural center and tourist attraction on the artificial island.

Its maiden voyage was in 1969, and it will embark on its last journey from Southampton, England, to Dubai in November. Nakheel, the Dubai-based property developer, will begin construction of the ship’s eventual home in September. The project is scheduled for completion in 2011. The British vessel was purchased last year for US$100 million (Dh367m) by Nakheel’s parent organisation, Dubai World.

The ship will feature elegant apartments, a private club, bars and restaurants, retail space, a wellness centre and gardens.

There will also be a maritime museum on board to commemorate the vessel’s rich history.

Johann Schumacher, the director of Palm Jumeirah, said: “The arrival of QE2 is one of the most anticipated events of the year and Nakheel is proud to be the custodian of such a historic treasure. The world’s most famous ocean liner will form the focal point of an exciting new development that will be a spectacular and must-see attraction on Palm Jumeirah.”

Contrary to popular assumption, the ship was not named after Queen Elizabeth II, but an earlier liner, the RMS Queen Elizabeth, which was in turn named after the late Queen Mother, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon.

The QE2 has circumnavigated the world 25 times, made more than 800 crossings of the Atlantic and carried more than 2.5 million passengers, including kings and queens, prime ministers and presidents, astronauts and various members of The Beatles. It survived a 30-metre wave during Hurricane Luis in 1995 while on a trip from Southampton to New York. The vessel has also broken speed and endurance world records.

The QE2 made history in May 1982, when it was used as a troop ship in the Falklands War. It set sail for St Georgia in the South Atlantic on May 12 1982 with 3,000 troops on board.

A group in Britain tried unsuccessfully to block the sale of the QE2, claiming that the ship was of historical interest and should be kept in the United Kingdom. It is now arguing that the liner’s art and royal memorabilia should be prevented from leaving the country.

Interesting Facts About the Palm Jumeirah

The Palm Jumeirah is one of the most exciting residential project on earth. A man-made island that is being developed off the shore of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The Palm covers an area of 7 million square meters and extends 6.5 kilometres into the Arabian Gulf. The island is surrounded by a 12 kilometre-long crescent shaped breakwater built with over 7 million tons of rock and sand. It adds 220 kilometres of beach to the coast of the UAE – used for either private beach residences or 30 five star hotels. In short, it is the investment opportunity of a lifetime.

A tribute to the cherished date palm tree, The Palm Jumeirah offers the best in island living. Here you can own a spectacular home or vacation property – all with waterfronts, shops, restaurants and entertainment complexes on their doorstep.The shape contains excellent geometry to create maximum beach frontage. Its visual identity has already won the prestigious American Corporate Identity Award. Three years of planning, 42 consulting firms and over 50 studies have been commissioned to help ensure The Palm’s feasibility, including traffic, population and business development.

Housing Mix
An extraordinary blend of residential retreats and holiday home, The Palm will house over 5,000 residents in 2,400 shoreline apartments and secluded villas. For visitors, The Palm offers 30 luxury hotels, theme parks, restaurants, retail, sports facilities, health spas and cinemas.

Recharge and reinvigorate with an extraordinary range of activities for you and your family. The Palm offers dozens of different things to do catering to every taste and budget. There’s enough to keep you sailing, swimming, diving, surfing, snorkelling and working out all day long.

Oceana
Oceana apartments are located on the Trunk of Palm Jumeirah and offer stunning apartments with Gulf views supported by the very best facilities Dubai can offer. Providing a selection of 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments in this lifestyle development including an hotel and a regatta club with health and leisure facilities. Set in landscaped gardens with bars, restaurants and swimming pool this development is set to be one of the most talked about worldwide.

The Palm Jumeirah has without doubt caught the imagination of the world and when finished will provide most outstanding living surroundings found no where else.

Golden Mile
The Golden Mile will encompass some of the palms premiere retail shops and residences. Upscale boutiques and cafes will create an exclusive Corniche Walkway, which fronts a collection of extraordinary homes for the most discerning buyer.

Comprising 1,2 and 3 bedroom apartments the Golden mile apartments afford views of both the central canal or the gulf.

The Trunk
Considered the hub of The Palm Jumeirah, The Trunk measures 2 kilometers in length and 450 metres across with a gently flowing central canal spanning 50 meters in width providing a prominent centerpiece. For a blend of exceptional shopping, homes and marinas, The Trunk features the Shoreline Apartments, The Golden Mile and the Village Center with shops, luxury apartments, cafes and restaurants.

The Crown
The Crown of the palm shaped island comprises seventeen fronds each one of which arches out into the sea, and forms private and secluded neighborhoods. Whilst one of the fronds is reserved for beautiful flower gardens the others host exclusive neighborhoods of Garden Homes, Town Homes and Signature Villas where each individual has the opportunity to create a home suited to their own personal style and dreams.

The Crescent
A beautiful barrier reef over 11 kilometers long which surrounds and protects the island. The Crescent is an unforgettable vacation escape hosting a selection of boutique hotels with its own theme and signature features. In addition the hotels will offer world class restaurants which will be open to Palm residents and visitors alike.

Spas
Leave the world behind as you enter tranquil and luxurious Spas at The Palm. Enjoy a massage, facial, manicure or any number of soothing treatments that will pamper body and soul. Take time for yourself, essential for maintaining a healthy mind and body.

Shopping
The Palm offers an oasis of shops and boutiques, all within close proximity to all residential communities. Ranging from sports stores to fashion and jewelery boutiques and gourmet supermarkets. Window shop in beautiful outdoor retail environments, or purchase what you need for day-to-day living.

Marine Life
The Arabian Gulf is full of marine life. The Palm will help stimulate its development by adding nutrient rich materials. Residents and visitors will delight in snorkeling, scuba and diving in this rich resource.

Entertainment
The Palm offers a circus, theme park, aquariums and special sponsored Palm events so that you and your family will always have something new to see and do.

Restaurants
Spend an afternoon people watching at an outdoor café. Enjoy fine dining in the evening at one of The Palm’s many restaurants. Visit The Crescent for the best of themed hotel meals. No matter the cuisine or dining experience you’re looking for, The Palm Jumeirah makes it all possible.

The New Cunard Queens

Until the dawn of the jet age, there was no better way to cross the Atlantic than aboard one of the Cunard Queens — ocean liners Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth.

Sea travel remains a romantic way to travel, although the cruise ship has replaced the liner.

Yet as “The New Cunard Queens,” by Nils Schwerdtner shows, the ocean liner still exists.

This book tells the story of Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth 2, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria. Queen Victoria is a cruise ship, but the QE2 and QM2 are ocean liners — ships intended to move people from one port to another on a regular schedule.

Galveston, one of the Gulf’s biggest cruise ship ports, knows cruise ships. An ocean liner is a different beast, as Schwerdtner makes clear.

Cruise ships are the destination and ply tranquil seas. Ocean liners follow schedules. They confront storms; they have reserve speed to make up lost time. They do this while maintaining the same level of luxury and comfort as a cruise ship.

When Cunard brought Queen Elizabeth 2 into service, in 1969, the ocean liner seemed anachronistic. In the intervening years, every other shipping line converted their liners into cruise ships.

Yet QE2 proved so successful that Cunard chose to build a second liner to carry on its tradition of unparalleled luxury in ocean transportation.

Its 21st century liner, the Queen Mary 2 is a ship of superlatives. It was the largest and most expensive liner ever built, and one of the fastest.

Nils Schwerdtner shows how Cunard succeeded where everyone else failed. While his book was written with the cooperation of Cunard, it gives a balanced picture, presenting both the successes and failures along the way.

Schwerdtner provides a history of Cunard, which discusses the original Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth. He also examining the construction of the new ships and the changes they have experienced.

Lavishly illustrated, with descriptions shipboard life and interviews with captains, “The New Cunard Queens is a delight. Schwerdtner also inserts interesting sidelights, including a chapter on Hamburg’s love affair with the QE2 and a profile of Beatrice Muller, who chose to live permanently on the QE2.

If you cannot book passage on a liner, but always hankered to, take passage on “The New Cunard Queens,” instead. It captures the glitter, fun and luxury of an ocean passage on this most romantic of transportation.

“The New Cunard Queens,” by Nils Schwerdtner, United States Naval Institute Press, 192 pages, $54.95

Mark Lardas, an engineer, freelance writer, amateur historian and model-maker, lives in League City.

QE2 to Bid Goodbye New York on 16 October 2008

On Thursday, October 16, Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) will bid farewell to America during a celebratory call befitting of the company’s longest-serving ocean liner. The historic occasion will mark the iconic ship’s 706th and final call to New York.

Escorted by FDNY fireboats and flotilla of pleasure craft, the beloved QE2 will depart the Westside Terminal at 5 p.m. to meet her sister ship, Queen Mary 2, for a Cunard Royal Rendezvous at the Statue of Liberty as both renowned ocean liners embark on a tandem voyage to Southampton, England — marking QE2′s 806th and final Transatlantic Crossing.

Recognised as the most famous ship in the world and for 35 years, flagship of the Cunard fleet, QE2 was named by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1967. During nearly four decades at sea, she has logged 5.9 million nautical miles (equivalent to traveling to the moon and back 13 times), carried more than 2.5 million passengers and has sailed 25 World Cruises. With a top speed of 32.5 knots, QE2 is the fastest passenger ship in the world, reports Cunard Lines.

As a true ocean liner she can sail backwards faster than most cruise ships sail forward. Her service, however, has not only been one of romanticized ports and luxury ocean travel. In 1982, she was requisitioned by the British government for military service in the Falkland Islands and thus joined the ranks of such great Cunarders as Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth who were also called upon to serve in times of conflict.

“It is most fitting that QE2′s farewell to America be celebrated in New York, the city Cunard has called our North America homeport since 1847. She will always be remembered as the best loved ship in the world and we are delighted that she will be cherished by future generations of travelers at her new home in Dubai,” said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line. “Her mantle as flagship of the British merchant fleet has proudly been bestowed upon Queen Mary 2, a ship recognised as the grandest ocean liner ever built and surely destined to continue Cunard’s legacy,” Marlow added.

During her arrival in the early morning of October 16, QE2 will fly a traditional “Paying-Off Pennant,” a maritime flag signifying the ship’s length of service to the fleet. The pennant will be presented as a commemorative gift to a local dignitary during a reception onboard the ship.

Thousands of well-wishers are expected to gather at ideal New York harbour viewing locations.

Mighty QE2 on Atlantic Voyage to New York

On it’s 407th Atlantic crossing!

QE2 New Permanent Berth Palm Jumeriah

YES HERE SHE GOES AGAIN

Nakheel QE2 Residential Towers Gone Out to Bid

Local developer Nakheel has invited five contractors to bid for a contract to build a real estate development next to the QE2 cruise ship, which is due to be moored permanently alongside the Palm Jumeirah.

Companies invited include three locals, Alec, Arabtec Construction and Khansaheb Civil Engineering, the local/South African joint venture of Al-Habtoor Engineering Enterprises and Murray & Roberts Contractors (Middle East), and Japan’s Taisei Corporation. The contract is worth AED2bn (US$545m) in total.

The project is located close to the Trump International hotel and tower, and involves the construction of two 18-floor residential towers, a four-floor luxury apartment building and underground parking.

The built-up area of the residential buildings is 80,000 square metres and a further 80,000 sq m is planned for car parking.

The consultant is UK-based Holfords. The architect is Australia’s PTW. The Al-Habtoor Murray & Roberts joint venture was awarded the AED2.9bn contract for the Trump tower project in June (MEED 4:6:08).

Nakheel bought the QE2 from UK-based Cunard Line in 2007 for $100m. It will arrive in Dubai on 24 November 2008, where it will be used as a floating hotel and museum, in November.

QE2 Leaves North-East England For Final Time

Looming over the horizon she cut a majestic figure.

The Queen Elizabeth 2, whose lines never fail to impress, announced her arrival at the mouth of the River Tyne with a booming horn that reverberated through the air.

Cunard’s longest-serving express liner was met at the mouth of the river at about 7am yesterday by three tug boats which guided her through the breakwater, reports TNE.

Dozens of people lined the riverside to see her in. And they were not disappointed.

The great ship presented an impressive sight as she towered over Tynemouth Priory and dwarfed bystanders waving her on.

The morning was blessed with a fresh breeze and clear skies – and perfect lighting conditions for photographers who had been waiting since the crack of dawn to record the historic occasion.

The QE2 was guided past its mooring, before executing a gigantic u-turn to dock at the Port of Tyne’s Northumbrian Quay.

South Shields photographic club member Harry Wilson said: “Today is the last day the QE2 is in the Tyne and this is the opportunity to take as many shots as we can.

“It is a bit cold, but the light is great for photographs.

“We are very proud the ship has chosen to come to Tyneside on its last visit. We are thoroughly enjoying ourselves.”

Mike Ell of Hebburn said: “She is a beautiful ship. Compared to some of the modern box containers that come up here, she has lovely lines.

“It was worth getting up this early in the morning to come and see.”

Ahmed Khan of South Shields added: “This is history in the making. It is the last time she is coming here. I did not want to miss it. It’s as simple as that.

“It is the first time I have been up so close. It is pretty impressive.”

The QE2 has sailed 5.5 million nautical miles – more than any other ship and the equivalent of travelling to the moon and back 13 times.

Even after more than 40 years of service, she remains the fastest merchant ship in operation.

Ian McNaught, captain of the ship, who coincidentally hails from Sunderland, said: We are a symbol of the great British maritime nation. There will never be another one.

If you want a passenger ship built now you go to Italy or Finland or Germany, this is the last great British built Transatlantic liner and I think people have very fond memories of that.

Nexus ran trips every two hours from South Shields and the Royal Quays to give people the chance to get up close and appreciate the sheer size and scale of the ship.

A farewell reception was organised before it set off for Southampton on its final cruise before becoming a luxury floating hotel on the Palm Jumeirah development in Dubai.

Technorati Tags: QE2, cunard, river tyne, palm jumeirah, dubai

QE2 Will Be Sliced Off Its Giant Red Funnel

Details are emerging of what will happen to the world-famous passenger liner QE2 when it retires next month to become a floating hotel in Dubai.

The plans are unlikely to appeal to QE2′s traditional fans. Even the iconic silhouette of the world’s best-known ship will change.

On River Clyde Green, 8 October 2008 by Scottish Nomad

According to the liner’s crew, the new owners in Dubai plan to slice off the giant red funnel, placing it on the waterfront as an entrance to the ship, reports the BBC.

In its place will be a four-deck smoked glass penthouse, in the shape of the funnel but with a swimming pool. The idea is to make it the most exclusive hotel room in Dubai.

The lifeboats will all go. And extra rooms will be built on the deck towards the stern.

Inside, every cabin will be ripped out and replaced with new, larger bedrooms that meet the latest standards.

And the ship’s engines will be taken out, and the space used to create a new entertainment venue.

“What’s happening to the ship is very good,” insists Cpt Ian McNaught, QE2′s master for the last five years.

“Because the alternatives are so awful. It could go to scrap and disappear. Or it could get run into the ground as an ignominious ferry in some backwater somewhere.”

But surely many passengers would see the removal of the famous funnel as being in poor taste?

“Yes, but wait until you see what’s replacing the funnel,” said Cpt McNaught. “It’s good.”

The new owners of QE2 have been travelling on board for weeks, working out their plans.

“They seem to change every day,” said one engineering officer. “I don’t like the sound of it – this won’t be the QE2 we all know.”

But the ship is 41 years old and well past its prime. QE2 may still be the fastest cruise ship afloat, but it does not meet the expectations of today’s passengers, accustomed to the comforts of newer cruise ships.

To bring the vessel up to modern safety standards would cost a fortune. Environmentally, the liner is a basket case with fuel economy: 49ft (15m) to the gallon.

QE2′s great predecessor, Queen Mary, has been a floating hotel at Long Beach in California since 1967. It has now been a tourist attraction longer than it was at sea.

Hotel centrepience

On board, it retains its magnificent art deco public rooms. But financially, keeping it open has often been a struggle.

QE2 was sold for £50m. The buyer, real estate developers Nakheel, will spend far more than that before re-opening the liner to guests in 2010. It wants the ship as a centrepiece of Palm Jumeirah, the palm-shaped fronds of reclaimed land and beach on the Dubai waterfront.

Nakheel also announced plans this week for the world’s tallest building: a skyscraper more than 1km (0.62 miles) high.

The company has signed a “gagging” contract with Cunard that prevents it from talking about its plans until after the last passengers and crew have left the ship.

On Friday evening, QE2 sails from Southampton on its 805th and last transatlantic round crossing to New York. It will leave its home port for the final time for Dubai at 1915 GMT on Tuesday 11 November. An enormous farewell is planned.

Next Page »