Speculation mounts that the QE2 is heading for a new life in China, or to the scrapyard in 2013. On 18 December the QE2 Story Forum broke the news that the V-Ships crew, who had been looking after the QE2 since she arrived in Dubai in November 2008, was being replaced with a Chinese crew.
Since then the news has been picked up by a national newspaper, with the Daily Mail printing a story that the ship was heading for the scrapyard in a deal worth £20 million. The story contains no factual evidence, and has not been confirmed by Isthimar, the QE2's owners. In a Facebook post Cunard has dimissed the story as speculation.
If Dubai is selling the QE2 there are plenty of options for her in China. Macau and Hong Kong are special administrative regions of the People's Republic of China. Macau has developed as a tourist and gambling resort and, standing on the banks of the Pearl River Delta, would be just as worthy a home as Dubai. Redeveloped as a luxury floating hotel, with her British links and Royal connections, the QE2 would be an undoubted success.
View all news stories »