Queen Elizabeth II liner now a floating luxury hotel in Dubai

It was the most storied ship during its lifetime, sailing around the world 25 times, carrying more than 2.5 million passengers.

After four decades of service the Queen Elizabeth II ocean liner was decommissioned in 2008, but now has a new lease on life as a floating hotel in Dubai.

Back then the ship was bought for US$100 million dollars but the global financial crisis delayed the plans.

Fast forward 10 years, it's finally open for business.

Queen Elizabeth II chief executive officer Hamza Mostafa says: “We have started this project three years ago and our main incentive, our main objective was that we have her as a museum and as a hotel. We're opening the ship in phases. The first phase is seven decks, seven floors and that is 244 rooms.”

The Queen Elizabeth cruise ship when moored in Hong Kong. — AFP pic

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Everything from the carpets to the theatre and even restaurant menus is in keeping with the liner's original design, evoking nostalgia for loyal fans.