'Queen Elizabeth 2' (QE2) is a retired British ocean liner. Originally built for the 'Cunard Line', the ship, named as the second ship named Queen Elizabeth. It was operated by 'Cunard' as both a transatlantic liner and a cruise ship from 1969 to 2008.
The 'QE2' was originally fitted out with a steam turbine propulsion system utilizing three boilers, which provided steam for the two turbines that drove two propellers. Over time, these proved to be troublesome, so after 27 years service and with a major overhaul planned, a major re-fit of the engine room took place. The steam turbines were removed and replaced with nine medium-speed diesel engines. Using a diesel-electric configuration, each engine drives a generator, each developing 10.5 MW of electrical power at 10,000 volts. This electrical plant, in addition to powering the ship's auxiliary and hotel services through transformers, drives the two main propulsion motors, one on each propeller shaft.
At the time of her retirement, QE2 had sailed 5.6 million miles, carried 2.5 million passengers and completed 806 transatlantic crossings.
'Queen Elizabeth 2' left Southampton Docks for the final time at 1915 GMT on the 11th November 2008, to begin her farewell voyage by the name of "QE2's Final Voyage", arriving on the 26th November. Nearly 10 years passed and on 18 April 2018, following an extensive refurbishment the 'Queen Elizabeth 2' reopened as a floating hotel.
Forty years after the launch and with time, wear and tear was taking its toll on the 'QE2'. Further maritime regulations meant its cruising days were now numbered. On the 18th June 2007, it was announced by 'Cunard' that 'QE2' had been purchased by an investment company, who would use it as a grand floating hotel in one of the newest and most vibrant cities in the world, Dubai.