V&A could get ocean liner QE2 as luxury floating hotel

IN WHAT must be the most ambitious hotel project yet in SA, investment group Dubai World plans to berth the ageing QE2 passenger ship permanently at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront and convert it into a luxury hotel.

Dubai World subsidiary Nakheel acquired the ship in 2007, and took ownership last November after she was retired from active service. Dubai World is applying for berthing rights from the National Port Authority, and the Department of Tourism is weighing up the desirability of the plans.

Ronel Bester, the department’s spokeswoman, said yesterday that the department was aware of the plans, but several approvals were required before any decision could be made.

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