Queen Elizabeth 2 has been transformed into a floating hotel a decade after it was purchased by Dubai for $100 million, PCFC Hotels announced Monday.
The retired ocean liner will be permanently moored at Mina Rashid marina in Dubai with a soft opening scheduled for Wednesday ahead of a grand opening in October 2018.
The Middle East's first floating hotel will feature more than a dozen categories of restored guestrooms and suites boasting views of the Dubai skyline and Arabian Gulf. The two Royal Suites are equipped with a luxe bedroom, private veranda, conservatory and dining room and are available by invitation only.
Guests can also choose from 13 different onboard dining and nightclub venues, including some that have maintained their original names and decor. The Chart Room lounge, The Golden Lion English pub, The Pavilion family restaurant, Lido, The Grand Lounge and the Yacht Club will all be open during the soft launch.
Other highlights of the restored interior include period furniture, renowned paintings, and famous memorabilia.
Meanwhile, the hotel lobby is adjacent to an interactive museum showcasing the vessel's rich history, which dates back to its launch in 1967. The self-guided exhibition features information panels in both English and Arabic. The lobby will also feature Dubai's first self-check-in kiosks, allowing guests to check-in and out instantly.
The Queen Elizabeth 2 will also host meetings, weddings and other events in The Queen's Room ballroom.
"To finally open the QE2 is a dream come true for my team and me," said PCFC Hotels CEO, Hamza Mustafa in a statement. "It is one of Dubai's most highly anticipated projects and we know that a lot of people are going to be very excited to see her for the first time, or to step back on board the vessel that created so many wonderful memories during her 40 years at sea."
The 963-foot ship completed its maiden voyage in 1969 and was retired by Cunard nearly four decades later in 2008. Government-owned Istithmar World PJSC acquired the ship a year earlier.
A whopping 2.7 million man-hours have been spent transforming Queen Elizabeth 2, which celebrated its 50th-anniversary last year.
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