The QE2 is set to leave Dubai and travel to Asia to begin its transformation into a 400-room floating hotel on 18 October.

Launched more than 40 years ago by Britain's Queen Elizabeth, the QE2 was sold to the UAE real estate developer Nakheel and left Southampton for the last time on 11 November, 2008.

The ship’s ownership is now being transferred to a consortium of investors under a Dubai-based entity called QE2 Shipping.

Dubai shipbuilder Drydocks World and Oceanic Group, an Asian cruise company, will be carrying out repairs to enable the voyage.

Memorabilia will be removed and stored in a secure warehouse in Singapore, to be reassembled after the renovation is complete.

The final destination of the vessel has not yet been revealed.