RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) is a Cunard Line ocean liner She was the flagship of the line from 1969 until succeeded by RMS Queen Mary 2 in 2004. The Queen Elizabeth 2 was built by the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders in the John Brown Shipyard in Clydebank, Scotland. Her keel was laid down on 5 July 1965, The QE2 was not named after Queen Elizabeth II, who launched her in 1967, but after the previous Queen Elizabeth. During her 40 years at sea The ship has sailed the equivalent of 185 times around the planet. In a ceremonial display before her retirement, the QE2 met the Queen Victoria and the Queen Mary 2 near the Statue of Liberty in New York City harbour on 13 January 2008 Her final voyage will be from Southampton to Dubai, leaving on 11 November 2008 After arrival, she will be refurbished and berthed permanently as a luxury floating hotel  and museum