http://www.businessday.co.za:80/articles/Content.aspx?id=75394

Basically they want to move her to Cape Town.

Personally I doubt it although the article does quote Port Authority and government and sounds feasible the harbour set up in CT is not suitable, the only places she could berth are on quays far from the actual city and even far from the harbour entrances meaning guests would have to drive around containers etc.

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Originally posted by viking109:
Does this just point to the fact that they simply don't really know what to do with her and perhaps regret the purchase.

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Originally posted by PamM:
But I would have thought her chances of "life" in Cape Town, far better than Dubai.

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However perhaps they will consider Durban, we have a perfect berth right on the new waterfront development next to the hopefully soon to be built cruise ship terminal. The same company already owns the Zimbali development which is getting bigger and bigger and has commited a R4 billion investment into AmaZulu world which will include a statue of King Shaka twice the height of the Statue of Liberty close to Durban !! There are already 10 new hotels planned for Durban to keep up with demand over the next 3 years and there is often a shortage of rooms with the various events hosted here.

That said I have often said I do not approve of ships being used as hotels - but if she has to go somewhere..............

From USA Today 7/17/09
Abu Dhabi-based The National reports Middle East developer Nakheel has confirmed its intent to temporarily move the world famous Cunard ocean liner from Dubai to Cape Town, South Africa. Nakheel tells The National the QE2's move to Cape Town would be for 18 months.

From the National 7/17/09
Nakheel Hotels, the owner of the Queen Elizabeth 2, has confirmed its intent to temporarily move the world famous cruise liner from Dubai to South Africa.

In a statement, the company said a proposed 18-month move to Cape Town had the support of the South African Ministry for Environment and Tourism.

Cape Town is one of the host cities for football’s World Cup, which takes place next summer, and the QE2’s stay would coincide with this.

In the statement, Manfred Ursprunger, the CEO of QE2 enterprises for Nakheel Hotels, said: “Nakheel is delighted to receive the support of the South African Ministry for Environment and Tourism for hosting QE2 in Cape Town, South Africa.

“In response to QE2 fans the world over, it has been our intention for some time to provide a short term opportunity to enjoy QE2 as a stationary hotel in her current condition before refurbishment begins.

“After months of feasibility studies, it is clear that Cape Town, with her ready made berthing facilities, provides the best opportunity for us to open QE2 to visitors as quickly as possible.

“In addition, the forthcoming 2010 football World Cup makes a sensible business case for moving her there. Cape Town will provide an exciting environment to experience the legendary QE2 over the next 18 months alongside the rich culture of South Africa and the incredible array of activities, entertainments and excursions available there.

“A full announcement regarding our plans will be made once they are finalised.”

*The National

[ 07-18-2009: Message edited by: dmwnc1 ]

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Originally posted by viking109:

I'm guessing that there would be no reason for the ship not to sail under her own power i.e no Cunard legality issues.

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Originally posted by viking109:
Interesting that Reuben ( ssmaritime ) reported the rumour of an 18 month contract on June 18th as he is normally slated for inaccurate info.
I'm guessing that there would be no reason for the ship not to sail under her own power i.e no Cunard legality issues.

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Hi Viking 109

With Rueben having been in the shipping business for a very long time he does have some good contacts for information but like nearly everywhere else it sometimes can be wrong.

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Queen Elizabeth 2
From: Dubai
Last seen : 19.07.2009 03:11
Destination: QINHUANGDAO
ETA: 11.07.2009 23:00
Course: 360°

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Originally posted by DAMBROSI:
I got this information from Vesseltracker.com:

Here is the source:

QUEEN ELIZABETH 2

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An ETA 9 days before her departure ??? Is the QE 2 able to travel back in time as well ?

[ 07-19-2009: Message edited by: Pascal ]

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We have to be very careful about AIS information, but it's not a rumor. AIS data was sent by someone "important" from the QE2, true or false ... we will see. The maritime world if sometimes very dark, but it's a bad news if it's confirmed in the next few days.

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It's nothing - more/less - than an information. I'm not Reuben Goossens, for me facts are facts and not dreams.

By the way, she has moved and was surrounded by "tugs" this afternoon (French time).

[ 07-19-2009: Message edited by: LenKinap ]

[ 07-19-2009: Message edited by: LenKinap ]

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Originally posted by Pascal:

An ETA 9 days before her departure ??? Is the QE 2 able to travel back in time as well ?

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