QE2

It has been known for a number of years that the Queen Elizabeth 2 would be transformed into a floating hotel after coming out of service in 2008. The QE2 was operated by Cunard as a transatlantic liner and cruise ship from 1969 to 2008 and was an iconic, popular and much loved ship with both passengers and crew.

QE2 was the flagship liner for the Cunard brand until she was succeeded by RMS Queen Mary 2 in 2004. She was acquired by a Dubai company, Istithmar, the private equity arm of Dubai world, and it was planned that she would be transformed into a floating hotel which would be permanently berthed in Dubai at the Palm Jumeirah.

It was expected that the transformation of the QE2 would begin in 2009 in the Dubai Drydocks however no work has begun as yet.

There were rumours that the liner had been sold by Istithmar to a Chinese company for scrap for around £20 million however these were quickly denied by Cunard Line who confirmed that the transformation of the Queen Elizabeth 2 into a luxurious five star hotel will be completed by 2015.

Her Final Destination is yet to be Decided

Her final destination is, as yet, unknown but what we do know is that the Queen Elizabeth 2 will become a floating hotel and remain that way for many years to come.

The President and CEO of QE2 Holdings announced that the Queen Elizabeth 2 liner has ‘more than 500,000 square feet of usable space, in a structure roughly equivalent to any five star hotel.

The goal for the final design is to preserve the soul of the QE2; many of the original furnishings and much of the décor will be incorporated while creating a modern, luxury hotel.’

The 990 staterooms of the QE2 will be completely transformed into 400 spacious and luxurious suites. There will be seven different restaurants for guests to dine in as well as a state of the art cinema and glittering ballroom.

There is also set to be a maritime museum on board which will allow guests to learn all about the QE2’s heritage and her role as one of the world’s most iconic, graceful and well known ocean liners in the world.

It will also allow guests to learn more about the maritime world, sailing and navigation of the world’s oceans and seas. The QE2 holds a number of maritime artefacts that are drawn from Cunard’s long history of operating merchant and liner vessels. Perfect for any maritime enthusiast!

Would you like to stay in the Queen Elizabeth 2 floating hotel once it has undergone its transformation? I think it would be a great way to experience the atmosphere and elegance of the golden era of cruising.

Thanks Emma