The BBC reports that QE2's iconic red funnel is to be sliced off by its new owners, Dubai-based Nakheel, and replaced with a four-deck glass penthouse with swimming pool, designed to become the most exclusive hotel room in Dubai.
The Cunard ship sails from Southampton for the last time on November 11, to start a new life as a floating hotel at the Palm Jumeirah, one of the reclaimed islands on the waterfront in the emirate.
According to the report, the funnel will be used as an entrance to the ship, the lifeboats will go, extra rooms will be built at the stern and all cabins will be ripped out and replaced with bigger, modern bedrooms.
"What's happeneing to the ship is very good," Captain Ian McNaught is quoted as saying. Tell that to the thousands who will be shedding more than a few tears as they wave a last farewell on the 11th day of the 11th month.
Jane Archer
