FAQGO.com- breaking, latest, most searched news

The QE2 is to have its new home 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 centre 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.

Some line 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 kilometres in length and 450 metres across with a gently flowing central canal spanning 50 metres in width peoviding a prominent centrepiece.. For a blend of exceptional shopping, homes and marinas, The Trunk features the Shoreline Apartments, The Golden Mile and the Village Centre 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 neighbourhoods. Whilst one of the fronds is reserved for beautiful flower gardens the others host exclusive neighbourhoods 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 kilometres long which surrounds and protects the island. The Crescent is an unforgetable 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 akl

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 jewellery 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, aquaria 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 makes it possible.

Popularity: 2% [?]