Incredibly, 15 times more money has been spent refurbishing and refitting the ship than it cost to build. The money needed to make the vessel comply with the Safety of Life at Sea regulations that become law in 2010 would have been prohibitive. Hence Cunard is letting the ship go.

Reports are that the iconic red funnel will be taken off and used as an entrance to the hotel. It is rumoured that in its place will be a glass penthouse, the most exclusive room in Dubai.