The hottest ticket for New Year's Eve: A party on QE2
She’s back! After three years in the wilderness, otherwise known as her ‘retirement home’, Dubai’s Port Rashid, the legendary QE2 is to throw down her gangway once more for what we reckon is the mother of all New Year’s Eve parties.
A local Emirati party planner, Global Event Management, has managed to secure the former Cunard flagship for a spectacular celebration on December 31. The one-off, black tie bash will include laser shows, live music and fireworks galore and we’re promised “royals, dignitaries, celebrities and VIPS”, although who is attending yet is unclear. But a chance just to see the ship would be amazing. Luckily, a few tickets will be on sale to the public, although let’s not kid ourselves that these will be cheap.
QE2 was supposed to become a luxury floating hotel when the sale went through, lock, stock and barrel, to Dubai’s Istithmar World in 2007. But the Emirate’s financial crisis meant that plans were put on hold and since the big arrival in 2008, the world has been wondering what will happen to the ship. A skeleton crew has been maintained but hardly anybody has been allowed on board, although Rob Lightbody, a QE2 enthusiast and founder of the site The QE2 Story, filmed on board in April this year. Rob was delighted to find everything in tip-top condition, if a little spooky without the buzz of crew and guests.
Now, new life will be breathed into the old girl once more. Will you be applying for a ticket?
Sue Bryant
Check out what members are saying about Cunard’s three current ships.
Rather a snowy festive season cruise than a trip to the Dubai desert?
Try a Christmas markets river cruise.
