The QE2 was once the biggest ship to ever take the seas. For 40 years, it ferried over 2.5 million passengers a total of six million miles in wood-paneled, velour-lined comfort. But now, GQ writes, the once-luxurious cabins are just kind of spooky. Not for long though, since a Dubai-based group plans to turn the 13-story ship, complete with its onboard British pub, into a luxury hotel. The ship is now owned by the government of Dubai, who purchased the ship after it stopped sailing commercial routes in 2007 — after it had circumnavigated the globe 25 times and crossed the Atlantic more than 800 times. The government bought it for $100 million. The hotel will have on-board bars and restaurants, as well as period-correct fittings, reports GQ. The Queen’s Grill will feature a British tasting menu and dishes that were served on the ship’s maiden voyage from Southampton in 1969.
Amazing experience staying the night aboard the beautiful #QE2 pic.twitter.com/wI0zAPG0Zm
— kiwi traveller (@FBearder) May 1, 2018
The ship will have three different types of rooms that range in price from just over $200 per night to $8,700 per night — the more expensive ones include a private dining area. According to GQ, almost three million hours of work have been spent renovating the rooms to bring them back to their original classy and luxurious state.
Meet your guide
