Uncertainty surrounds plans for the QE2 to sail to Cape Town for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Following the positive news from Dubai concerning a temporary move to Cape Town the situation appears increasingly complicated.
Internet forum The QE2 Story and website Cruise Critic both report that plans for the move have seemingly broken down as discussions between Nakheel and the Cape Town authorities appear to have stalled. Her dry-docking for repainting and cleaning and re-registering under the flag of Vanuatu appeared to suggest that her relocation to Cape Town was imminent.
The reports suggest a lack of accommodation for the 2010 tournament, but concern that any money earned by the QE2 would not be directed back into the South Africa but to Dubai. Yet the QE2 would be a boon to the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront during the World Cup. It must be hoped that the differences can be resolved and the uncertainty about the QE2's future put to rest. Statements from Dubai continue to stress that discussions are still on-going.
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