Image via Rocky Grimes / Shutterstock.com

The long-awaited opening of former Cunard flagship QE2 as a floating hotel in Dubai is expected next Wednesday.

Local reports point to April 18 being a soft launch date, followed by a more formal opening later in the year.

According to an updated website, QE2 has 224 refurbished rooms and suites, 13 restaurants and nightlife venues, a shopping arcade and 25 meeting rooms and conferencing facilities.

The 13-deck ship is docked permanently at Port Rashid in Dubai as the first floating hotel in the Gulf region.

Guests will enter the ship from a terminal, which has been turned into a maritime museum featuring artworks from the ship, which was sold by Cunard to Dubai government investment company Istithmar World in 2007.

The ship travelled to Dubai a year later following a farewell voyage around the UK.

QE2 Shipping and PCFC Hotels are both wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Government of Dubai’s Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation.

PCFC Hotels, with investment in the hospitality, retail, real estate and technology sectors, is the operator of the QE2.

The website says: “Docked permanently at Dubai’s Mina Rashid, she has been lovingly restored to her former glory – revitalized with all the latest in smart technology.

“Step aboard and relax in her comfortable rooms and suites that offer an imposing backdrop of Dubai’s iconic skyline or the ocean beyond.

“Embark on a culinary journey across her 13 restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. Immerse yourself in her rich past at the onsite QE2 Exhibition.

“We’ve curated a seamless and unforgettable journey that blends old-world sophistication with a new level in hospitality.”