The transformation of the Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) into a five star hotel will be completed by 2015.

Her 990 cabins shall be transformed into 400 suites and her impressive ballroom shall be brought back to life. Seven restaurants onboard shall be refitted along with 10 lounges, cinema and a maritime museum.

Her final destination is still unknown, but at least for now she is being brought back to her former glory and shall remain around for many years to come as a floating hotel.

Daniel Chui, President and Chief Executive of QE2 Holdings and Managing Director of Oceanic Group, said: “The QE2 offers 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.”

Built for Cunard Line in 1969, the QE2 is one of the world’s most iconic vessels. She was considered the last of the great ocean liners and Cunard’s flagship until sister ship the Queen Mary 2 joined the fleet in 2004.

The QE2 retired from active Cunard service on 27 November 2008 and was acquired by Istithmar, the private equity arm of Dubai World, which planned to begin conversion of the vessel into a 500-room floating hotel moored at the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. These plans fell flat and there were rumors that the vessel had been sold for scrapping in China for £20 million. Cunard Line quickly dismissed these rumors and today we share in the happy news that she will be given a new lease of life!

Author: Danielle