The QE2 has hit the headlines this morning. The 70,000-tonne Cunard liner, which was launched by Queen Elizabeth II in 1967, is to cease operating as a cruise ship and will become a luxury floating hotel at The Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. The move follows a $100m deal between Cunard and Dubai government owned Istithmar (the investment arm of Dubai World). The ship will be delivered in November 2008 and berthed at a specially-constructed pier at The Palm Jumeirah development from 2009. The vessel will be refurbished and the changes will accommodate a museum dedicated to its rich history.
