Luxury ocean liner the QE2 has ended service as a cruise ship and will become a floating luxury hotel off the coast of Dubai.

The QE2, launched in 1969, became the largest vessel ever to navigate the Panama Canal, transported British troops to the Falkland Islands in 1982 and once ran aground off Cape Cod in Massachusetts.

In November, the QE2 will make its final journey to Dubai, where it will be berthed at Palm Jumeirah, the world’s largest man-made island.

Dubai World acquired the vessel for £50m.

By staff writer