DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Britain’s most famous luxury cruise ship, the Queen Elizabeth 2, arrived in Dubai on Wednesday where it will turn into a floating hotel moored off an artificial palm-shaped island.
More than 60 naval vessels and private boats, led by a mega-yacht owned by Dubai’s ruler, met the 70,000 ton ship in the Persian Gulf on Wednesday. In the city’s Rashid port, the legendary cruise ship was greeted by a police marching band and fireworks.
In 40 years at sea, the luxury liner has traveled 6 million miles, carried 2.5 million passengers and crossed the Atlantic more than 800 times.
The MS Grandeur of the Seas is part of Royal Caribbean International’s Vision Class of cruise ships. Features include a full-service spa, six whirlpools, an outdoor jogging track and a number of bars and restaurants.
Grandeur of the Seas
Grandeur of the Seas’ Highlights
Participating in an intercultural academic program while traveling the world aboard a passenger ship is an extraordinary opportunity. The Scholar Ship embarks on a semester-long journey around the world twice a year, commencing each January and September. Itineraries vary from voyage to voyage, but all are planned to provide engaging learning experiences through our Port Program, which complements our Academic Program and Onboard Life Program.
Each voyage calls on approximately eight to ten ports in which several days (typically one week) are spent to provide students an enriching experience through their participation in academic field study, community service, shore excursions, and independent travel.
Next ports of call of their September voyage are :
Sydney, Australia 17/Nov/2008
Shanghai, China 06/Dec/2008
Macau/Hong Kong 18/Dec/2008
Hong Kong 23/Dec/2008
The scholar Ship