Former Cunard flagship QE2 is to be a floating hotel in Cape Town in time for next year’s World Cup in South Africa.
The vessel, which was sold for £50 million to Dubai-based developer Nakheel, was originally to be refurbished as a floating hotel in the Gulf state.
But instead the QE2 is to be moved to the South African city for 18 months.
The ship will be positioned in the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront to help ease a shortage of hotel rooms.
A spokesman for Nakheel said: "It has been our intention for some time to provide a short term opportunity to enjoy QE2 as a stationary hotel in her current condition before refurbishment begins.
"It is clear that Cape Town provides the best opportunity for us to open QE2 to visitors as quickly as possible.”
by Phil Davies
