QE2 to be put out to "pasture" in Dubai

Cunard Line announced today that the grande dame cruise liner Queen Elizabeth 2 will leave its fleet as an ocean-going passenger vessel in late 2008 and be permanently relocated in Dubai to become a luxury floating hotel and tourist attraction in 2009. It will be berthed at Dubai's Palm Jumeirah, the world's largest man-made island.

The QE2, which was launched nearly 40 years ago, is the longest-serving ship in Cunard's history and has made 25 world cruises and 800 transatlantic passages, carrying more than 2.5 million passengers.

Chances are demand will go up for QE2 sailings in the next year, so if you're interested in booking an upcoming voyage, this would probably be the time.