The refurbished QE2 vessel is to open its doors as a hotel in Dubai this week.
The world-famous cruise liner has been reinvented by PCFC Hotels – part of the Dubai government’s Ports, Customs and Free Zones Corporation – as a must-see tourist attraction.
The liner, which has a history spanning five decades, is now docked permanently at Mina Rashid.
Hamza Mustafa, CEO of PCFC Hotels commented: “To finally open the QE2 is a dream come true for my team and I. 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.
“We have dedicated more than 2.7 million man-hours into transforming this legendary ocean liner into the multi-faceted tourist destination that she is today and I am very proud to reintroduce her to the world as she embarks on the next stage of her celebrated journey. It has been an honour to work on this wonderful project and to help ensure that our lovely lady lives up to her new slogan: still making history.”
The 13-deck hotel has been restored to former glory – maintaining the most loved interior design features – including period furniture, renowned paintings and famous memorabilia. The original porthole windows still add a maritime feel to the attractive modernised guest rooms and a number of the original restaurants have retained the same names and décor as in the former years.
The grand launch of the QE2 will take place in October 2018.