Posted on: 19-04-2018 in Dubai
The famous British ocean liner QE2 has found a new permanent home in Dubai as luxury floating hotel.
In a fantastic new lease of life, the Queen Elizabeth 2 (as she was formally named) has been transformed into a 13-deck luxury hotel to be permanently moored at Mina Rashid in Dubai, according to QE2.com.
The ex-cruise ship’s future looked uncertain after her acquisition by the private equity arm of Dubai World in 2008 and the financial crisis which struck in the same year. So, her “soft” opening on the 18th April has come as welcome news to those fond of this historic liner. The “grand” opening is scheduled for October later this year.
The ship, now operated by PCFC Hotels, a division of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation owned by the Dubai Government, has retained a British feel following the extensive refurbishment and sports a traditional English pub, The Golden Lion. Customers will even be able to sample some of the original dishes offered on her maiden voyage in 1969 in one of the hotel’s 13 planned restaurants and bars on board.
There will be a total of 13 different types of rooms available ranging from 180 square feet through to 800 square feet for the royal suites. If you fancy treating yourself the royal suites come complete with private dining rooms and verandas. Rates will reflect the level of luxury you can afford, ranging from a modest AED 600, to a more extravagant AED 25,000 per night. You’ll be in prestigious company though – the ship has played host to the Queen, Princess Diana as well as Nelson Madela and Beatles George and Ringo!