Iconic cruise liner to be restored to the former splendor of her glory days after refurbishment into five-star 500-room hotel
QE2 Dubai has announced that the MS 'Queen Elizabeth 2' ('QE2') will be moved to Drydocks World Dubai for undertaking classification checks prior to her renovation as a luxury floating hotel.
Before the liner's retirement to Dubai in November, 2008, the 'QE2' took regular cruises around the world, as well as operating a scheduled liner service across the Atlantic Ocean between Southampton in the UK and New York, USA. She carried 2.5 million passengers, sailed nearly six million nautical miles and completed 806 trans-Atlantic crossings during 39 years of service for Cunard.
QE2 Dubai has created a large consortium to convert the 'QE2' into a five-star hotel with 500 rooms managed by a prestigious international hotel operator.
The Oceanic Group, a group of deeply-experienced advisers to cruise operators and managers in Asia, will take the lead in managing this project while Drydocks World Dubai will carry out "extensive technical and operational checks prior to her move into Asia."
"The vision for the 'QE2' is for her to become a landmark cultural and tourist attraction," commented QE2 Dubai in a statement, "a beacon of luxury, glamour, quality and tradition – in the heart of a leading Asian city that shares her rich maritime heritage and is prepared to give this very special ship the prominent waterfront home she so richly deserves.
"The consortium will lavish many millions of dollars on this magnificent ship to restore her to the splendor of her glory days as an icon of the very best the world has to offer."
QE2 Dubai further stated that a number of Asian cities have expressed interest in securing the historic ship: "We have firmed up with an international tourist city in the Far East as her first destination. The chosen city shares the passion of the partnership for preserving the history and reputation of this great ship that holds a special place in the collective memory of the many a million passengers that have sailed on her during nearly 40 years of service. The renovations and upgrades planned will respect and safeguard the immense heritage embodied in her fine lines and luxurious fittings."
Plans for the upgrading of the 'QE2' also include a shopping mall, a QE2 Café offering meals "similar to those served during cruises", three Michelin-starred restaurants, and convention and meeting facilities. There will also be an onboard maritime museum displaying QE2 memorabilia, along with a collection of artefacts from Dubai.