Plans for Queen Elizabeth 2 put on hold

Cunard Cruises epic ship Queen Elizabeth 2

was reportedly sold to Dubai company Nakheel for a sum of £50 million, but it seems the Middle East is not impervious to the recession as plans to transform Cunard Cruises iconic ship have been put on hold.

Britain’s most famous ship offered luxury cruise holidays to passengers for over 40 years and ended its service with Cunard Cruises late last year when the company could not justify the expense it would cost to bring the ageing ship up to the new health and safety standards introduced to the cruise industry.

It was intended that QE2 would undergo a complete refurbishment, included turning the engine room into a large entertainment suite and removing the famous red funnel to be replaced with an enormous glass structure which would house the hotel’s grandest suites and penthouse.

It seems that a few months down the line the ambitious plans have ground to a halt and could even be shelved completely. The Dubai hotel company Nakheel have commitments to other hotel deals in Palm Jumeirah and the construction of Trump Tower, which seem to be priority at the moment.

We’ll keep you posted of any further developments; hopefully plans for Cunard Cruises best known queen will not be cast adrift.

Dubai Owners reveal QE2 plans

Cunard Cruises most famous ship, QE2, made her final departure from Southampton last week. QE2’s new owners have released plans for the ships future when she reaches Dubai, where she will be transformed into an ultra luxury floating hotel. QE2 was one of the world’s most famous ships and following her maiden voyage in 1969 and has been Cunard Cruises flagship ever since.

Following QE2’s retirement she was purchased by Dubai World, the company who own Nakheel Hotels. Their vision is to transform the ship into a 'luxurious residential, entertainment, marina and hotel development'. They even have plans to host west-end and Broadway productions from the entertainment complex.

QE2’s new home will be a specially constructed precinct located in the region of Palm Jumeirah. Her much anticipated arrival on November 26 will undoubtedly be met with much excitement.

QE2's final farewell to Southampton

Cunard Cruises have announced plans for QE2’s final departure from her home port of Southampton on Tuesday 11 November 2008, when she leaves for her new life in Dubai. After an incredible 39 years of service, 806 transatlantic crossings, 25 world cruises, 5.9 million nautical miles travelled and assisting her country during the Falklands Campaign, QE2 will leave her service with Cunard Cruises to become a first class hotel and entertainment centre.

One of the most momentous moments of 11 November will be a farewell visit from His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. This will be His Royal Highness’s seventh visit and during his visit a two minute silence will take place at 1100 hours prior to meeting crew members who went to the Falklands with QE2.

After a tour of the ship, His Royal Highness will present a painting of QE2, which was unveiled by Her Majesty The Queen during her farewell visit to the ship on 2 June 2008, to the Mayor of Southampton, who will accept it on behalf of the city.

It is expected that people from all over the country will travel to Southampton to make their farewells to QE2. Other highlights include a million poppies to be dropped from a Tiger Moth to commemorate Remembrance Day and QE2’s role in the Falklands and a flypast of a Harrier which will hover and bow to QE2 approximately 500 feet off her stern.

At 1915 hours QE2 will leave her berth and remain for a period at Mayflower Park, where a pre-recorded message from her Captain, Ian McNaught, will be broadcast on a screen in the Park. Immediately afterwards there will be an amazing firework display and then QE2 will proceed downriver with her whistle blasting, down Southampton Water for the start of her journey to Dubai.

Cunard Cruises flagship Queen Mary 2 remains the largest and grandest ocean liner at sea and accompanied by Queen Victoria have revived the ‘Golden Age of Ocean Travel’. Cunard Cruises will not have to wait long for a new ‘Elizabeth’ as Queen Elizabeth will enter service in autumn 2010.

America to bid farewell to QE2

Thursday 16 October is set to be a momentous day as Cunard Cruises Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) bids her final farewell to America during a celebratory call befitting of the cruise line’s longest serving ocean liner. This will be the legendary ship’s 706^th and final visit to New York and she will be escorted by FDNY fireboats and a flotilla of pleasure craft, due to depart Westside Terminal at 5pm to meet with her sister ship, Queen Mary 2, for a Cunard Royal Rendezvous at the Stature of Liberty. Following this, both ships will embark on a tandem voyage to Southampton, England, marking QE2’s 806^th and final Transatlantic crossing.

"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.

Recognised at the most famous ship in the world, QE2 has an illustrious history since her naming by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1967. QE2 has logged more than 5.9 million nautical miles – the equivalent of traveling to the moon and back 13 times – carried more than 2.5 million passengers and was even requisitioned for military service in the Falklands in 1982.

Throughout her arrival in New York in the early morning of 16 October, 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.

To celebrate this historic occasion, a pipe and drum corps will perform in Battery Park as a fitting salute and final "Bon Voyage" to Queen Elizabeth 2.

QE2 completes service to Cunard in November after sailing a final voyage to Dubai where she will be refurbished and become a luxury hotel, entertainment destination and maritime museum.

Clyde says goodbye to QE2

The former shipbuilding community of Clyde bid a fond farewell to Cunard Cruises Queen Elizabeth 2 as the world-famous cruise liner returned to the area is was constructed. The grand lady of the seas was waved off by thousands of people as it headed for Belfast and the Firth of Forth.

There was a mixture of tourists and local residents who climbed Lye Hill which affords views over the river in order to pay their respects to the world’s most famous cruise liner. Cunard Cruises QE2 made her maiden voyage in 1969 and following her retirement from service will now become a floating hotel located in Dubai.

Norman Harvey, a 73-year-old former Scott Lithgow worker added every time the ship comes back to Clyde, the crowds are attracted to it.

Christine McLaughlin, 62, a resident of Gourock, said: "A lot of people have fond memories of it. The QE2 means a lot to people."

The Duke of Edinburgh to bid farewell to QE2

It was with great honour that Cunard Cruises announced that His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh will make a farewell visit to Queen Elizabeth 2 in her homeport of Southampton on Tuesday 11 November 2008.

Cunard Cruise’s most famous ship, QE2 will spend her final day in the UK on Tuesday 11 November before departing on her final voyage at 1915 hours to journey to Dubai where she will become a first class hotel and entertainment centre.

QE2 is the most famous ship in the world and for some 35 years has been Cunard Cruises flagship, since being launched by Her Majesty The Queen at Clydebank on 20 September 1967 with His Royal Highness also in attendance.

Since that day QE2 has become a ship of legends, travelling almost 5.9 million nautical miles, more than any ship ever; has carried 2.5 million guests; has completed 25 world cruises and crossed the Atlantic 804 times.

His Royal Highness has a history with QE2 that dates from her launch and has visited her five times since the laying of her Keel on 14 July 1967. Immediately prior her maiden voyage His Royal Highness visited on 1 May 1969; on 29 May 1969 for the Council of Industrial Design Awards; on 19 June 1991 for a Royal Ball in association with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme and on 27 July 1990 to mark Cunard Cruises 150^th Anniversary.

Details of the visit on 11 November will be announced shortly, but Cunard’s President and Managing Director, Carol Marlow, comments:

“We are delighted and honoured that His Royal Highness has agreed to visit QE2 on her last day in the UK. The Duke of Edinburgh has taken a close interest in the ship over the last forty years, and I am certain this will be a memorable occasion for all involved”.


Cunard Cruises remaining two ships, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, will continue to fly the Cunard Cruises name.

Her Majesty the Queen to bid farewell to QE2

Her Majesty The Queen is to make a farewell visit to Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth 2 in Southampton on Monday 2 June 2008. This will be the fourth time Her Majesty has visited QE2, the first being on 20 September 1967 when Her Majesty launched EQ2 at Clydebank.

EQ2 , the most famous ship in the world, has been Cunard’s flagship of the fleet for 35 years. QE2 has travelled over 5.6 million nautical miles, more than any ship ever; has carried over 2.5 million guests; has completed 25 World Cruises; and has crossed the Atlantic 802 times. The QE2 leaves Cunard service in November 2008.

Her Majesty visited QE2 on 1 May 1969 immediately prior to the Maiden Voyage and on 27 July 1990 to mark Cunard’s 150th anniversary.

Details of the visit on 2 June will be announced shortly, but Cunard’s President and Managing Director, Carol Marlow, comments:

“We are delighted and honoured that The Queen has chosen to visit QE2 to wish her farewell. Her Majesty has taken a close interest in the ship over the last forty years, and I am certain this will be a memorable occasion for all involved”.

Historic meeting of Cunard Queens

Tuesday 22 April 2008 will go down in British maritime history as the last time three queens will meet in Southampton.

Cunards three queens will meet in their hometown port of Southampton in another historic first for the company. Queen Mary 2, the largest ocean liner in the world and Queen Victoria, the newest Cunard queen currently on her maiden season, will salute Queen Elizabeth 2 as she celebrates the 39^th anniversary of her official entry into services in 1969.

QE2 is the most famous and beloved ship in the world. She is currently on her farewell season, but will always be one of the undisputed legends of the sea.

Just after 1700 hours Queen Mary 2 will leave her berth at the Queen Elizabeth II terminal and sail up river to get as close as possible to Queen Victoria and QE2.

Cunard have advised that those who wish to see the three Queens should use vantage points such as Mayflower Park and Town Quay car park located at the end of the pier.

All three ships will sound their whistles in salute before Queen Mary 2 departs for her first transatlantic crossing and Queen Victoria embarks on her first voyage to Iberia and the Canaries.

CARNIVAL UK SIGNS FOR NEW SOUTHAMPTON CRUISE TERMINAL

A purpose-built cruise terminal is to be built in Southampton for almost £20 million to open in 2009.

The new terminal comes as part of a 20-year deal between Carnival UK and Associated British Ports for the multi-brand cruise giant to continue sailing from Southampton.

The £19 million terminal will be built at Ocean Dock, opposite the site of the old Ocean Terminal.

The agreement also gives Carnival UK priority use of the port's QEII and Mayflower Terminals. The cruise company's brands include P&O Cruises, Cunard, Ocean Village and Princess Cruises.
Carnival UK CEO David Dingle said: "Our brands are inextricably linked with Southampton and the port's maritime history.

"The signing of this agreement and the construction of our new headquarters building in the city together underpin our commitment to retaining Southampton as our long-term home.

"The new terminal agreement comes as we prepare to base further new ships in Southampton including Cunard Line's Queen Victoria, which was named in the city on Monday, and P&O Cruises' Ventura which will be home-ported here from next April.
"Our new ships are testament to the growth of the cruise industry, the strength of its links with Southampton and its massive economic contribution to the region, and it is fitting that they will sail from a new state-of-the-art terminal in the city."

by Phil Davies

BERLITZ PLACES CUNARD AT THE TOP OF THE LIST OF MAJOR CRUISE LINES

Cunard Line has been named Number 1 among the top ten largest cruise lines in the new 2008 Berlitz Guide to Ocean Cruising & Cruise Ships. The Line also received top honors for Best Overall Food and Best Overall Service in the independent guide, which was written by renowned cruise authority Douglas Ward, whose expertise spans 960 sailings and over 5,400 days at sea on virtually every cruise line in the world.

Carol Marlow, Cunard’s President and Managing Director, says:

“It is especially gratifying to receive this recognition for our flagship Queen Mary 2 and much-loved QE2 as we prepare to launch our newest ship, Queen Victoria in December of this year. It is a very exciting time for Cunard, particularly with our recent announcement to build the new 2092-passenger Queen Elizabeth, which will debut in 2010.”

Douglas Ward, the world’s top authority on cruising and cruise ships, is President of the Maritime Evaluations Group, an independent international agency that rates cruise ships worldwide. With over 40 years of experience, he spends more than 250 days a year aboard cruise ships, inspecting and evaluating their facilities.

THREE CUNARD QUEENS TOGETHER

Be part of an historic event in Cunard's history when the QE2 sets sail from Southampton for her last ever world cruise on 6th January 2008. At the same time the brand new Queen Victoria will be joining her to travel across the Atlantic to New York together.

In addition to this - for the first time ever - the 3 Cunard Queens will meet up together in New York for an incredible photo opportunity when the Queen Mary 2 joins the Queen Elizabeth 2 and the Queen Victoria.

Cunard have just released some unbelievable low rates to enable you to witness and be part of this historic event without having to spare the money and time for a full 3 month world cruise. You can either join the QE2 for a 10 night cruise from Southampton via New York to Fort Lauderdale from only £799 pp including a direct flight back to London. Or take the opportunity to explore South America on the QE2 (one of the best ocean going liners afloat) for a 31 night cruise from Southampton via New York and around Cape Horn to Chile. This cruise packaged with a 2 night stay in Chile and flights back to London is available from just £2399pp saving over £1200pp on the current High Street price.

The last ever full 106 night world cruise on the QE2 sails via New York , Cape Horn , South America , New Zealand , Australia , Singapore , Hong Kong , China , Japan , Hawaii , Los Angeles, Mexico, Panama Canal & Caribbean . The High Street price starts from £24,259, if you have sailed with Cunard before and are registered with Cunard you should be entitled to receive a further discounted price of £23,046. Our Cunard cruise specialists at Jetline Cruises who should also be able to offer you a further discount of up to £2300pp.

Call to find out more on the individual sections of the world cruise and the prices that are available.

Apart from the incredible White Star service, the prestige of travelling with Cunard and the romance of an epic voyage across the Atlantic -Cunard operate the only true Ocean Liners in the world. All other ships are considered as cruise ships and not ocean liners.

Cruise ships tend to have a flatter bottom and shallower draught keel which is ideal for cruising sheltered waters visiting ports that are shallow in depth. Whereas the Cunard ocean liners have much deeper and sharper keels to help slice through the oceans and give the ship more stability in exposed areas.

We feel this is an opportunity not to be missed on many levels - particularly since the price is so low and can be taken as a cruise for many reasons.

CUNARD ORDERS NEW SHIP TO BE NAMED QUEEN ELIZABETH

Cunard Line has ordered a new 92,000-ton liner to be named Queen Elizabeth.

It is scheduled to enter service in autumn 2010, two years after the QE2 will leave the fleet to become a floating luxury hotel in Dubai.

"We are delighted that Her Majesty The Queen has given her blessing to our calling this new Cunarder 'Queen Elizabeth', after our first vessel of that name," said president and managing director Carol Marlow.

"The decision to order another ship for Cunard Line has been taken as a result of the strong booking response to the new Queen Victoria, and we are extremely pleased that Cunard will once again become a three-ship fleet so soon after the departure of the much-celebrated QE2 in November next year."

Cunard has signed an agreement with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for the construction of the new 2092–passenger ocean liner at an all-in cost of approximately €500 million.

The vessel will be the second largest Cunarder ever built.

Queen Elizabeth will fly the Red Ensign with her home-port Southampton, like the other ships in the Cunard fleet.

The agreement is subject to approval by the board of directors of Carnival Corporation.

Design details and initial itineraries will be announced in due course.

Courtesy of Travelmole.com