Nakheel denies rumours of QE2 return to UK

State-owned developer Nakheel denied on Wednesday the luxury cruise liner QE2 would be returning to her home city in the UK, just eight months after she was sold to Dubai for $83m (£50m).

Responding to UK media reports that Queen Elizabeth 2 could be destined again for Southampton, a company spokesman said: “Nakheel will not be selling the ship or using her as a cruise liner. There is absolutely no truth in these rumours."  

The Daily Echo in Southampton reported on Tuesday that “high-placed sources” had told the paper port bosses had been contacted about the possibility of a comeback by the Grand Old Lady of the Sea towards the end of the year.

In November, Nakheel bought the ship with aim of turning it into a luxury hotel.  But the global downturn has thrown these plans into doubt.

The ship, once renovated, will form the centerpiece of the QE2 precinct on Palm Jumeirah.

Plans include 200 rooms, 10 of which will be suites, a 500-seater theatre as well as a 5,000 square metre indoor and outdoor wellness centre and spa.

It will boast five restaurants, with menus devised by the three-star Michelin chef Michel Roux.

Arguably one of the world's most famous ships, the QE2 has circumnavigated the world 25 times, crossed the Atlantic around 800 times and has carried more than 2.5 million passengers.

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