Last fall the QE2 ocean liner made its final journey, departing from Southampton in England and travelling to Dubai, UAE. After 40 years as the grandest of luxury liners, the QE2 has been docked on the shore of Palm Jumeirah Island, one of the city’s premiere artificial islands.

Purchased last year for $100 million, the ship will open in 2009 as an entertainment and retail venue as well as a first class hotel. There are a number of luxury Dubai beach resort in the area, but the QE2 will offer a truly unique experience for those wishing to enjoy the Dubai seaside.

The QE2 was launched in 1967 and carried over 2.5 million passengers in is forty-year history. With over 800 trips across the Atlantic, the ship was the longest-serving vessel in Cunard Line’s history when it was retired. Many of the ship’s luxury cabins were to be restored as well as
new suites and apartments created. The project also calls for a new Broadway-style theater and a large spa complex.

Dubai has become of the of the world’s more popular luxury destinations. Its artificial islands (including the three largest in the world) are home to five star restaurants, designer shopping malls, and first-class entertainment venues. Visitors can lounge on the many beaches or engage in activities such as wind surfing and scuba diving. There is a water park in the area and seaplane and yatch tours are also popular.

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