The Queen Elizabeth II which has been sitting at a Dubai port will dazzle again as a converted luxury hotel at sea in Asia.
The boat's destinations have not been disclosed but The Associated Press noted that there planned trip ends in China.
"We promise to take good care of her," said Daniel Chui, managing director of the Oceanic Group to the AP.
The Singapore-based Ocean Group plans to turn the vessel into a 500-room hotel.
There is no time set for when the QE2 will embark on its journey. It first needs to undergo full checks in Dubai to make sure that it is ready to set sail. Khamis Juna Buamin, chairman of Drydocks World, a shipyard operator said the checks could take up to three months..
"The interior of the ship has been meticulously maintained since its last voyage in late 2008 and Dubai will retain ownership of the vessel after its conversion to a hotel. Buamin said technicians will now do any needed upgrades to the hull, engine and other systems," reported the AP.
Buamin said to reporters about the full renovation on the 45 year old ship, "Once we are finished with it, she'll be 18 years old again."
Chui noted that the ship would be renovated to resemble its "glory days." The ship entered the Dubai port in 2008 with many officials questioning what would happen to the ship in the future.
The QE2 was launched by Britain in 1967 and ist started service in 1969. The AP reports that it as made at least 26 world voyages.
"It's a global ship," said Buamin to the AP. "This ship may come back to Dubai. This is what ships do. Ships have to travel."
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
