QE2 May Be Headed For South Africa

Retired ocean liner Queen Elizabeth 2 looks to be headed for South Africa as a floating hotel for next summer’s football World Cup. The current owners, Nakheel, a subsidiary of Dubai World, planned to refurbish the QE2 and have it berthed at the man-made Palm Jumeirah island in Dubai, but the recession has hit the company just like many others. As a result, they are looking for ways to make additional money off the famous ship, and South Africa is in need of additional hotel rooms for the World Cup.

The Johannesburg newspaper Business Day reported that Dubai World is looking to berth the ship at Cape Town, where it is part owner of the V&A Waterfront. However, South Africa’s National Port Authority indicated that several approvals were necessary prior to any decisions being made, according to spokesman Ronel Bester.

“The National Ports Authority has to decide on the practical implications of berthing (and) a decision has to be taken by the department on the desirability of allowing the QE2 to berth in Cape Town in the light of the available accommodation in the city and surroundings," Bester said. "We are consulting with the industry and the department will take a decision by the end of next week."

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