THE QE2 is set to be returned to her former glory - for one night only.

Having been a ghost ship alongside Dubai since leaving Southampton in 2008, the ship will host a lavish New Year's Eve party.

QE2 has faced an uncertain future since moving to Dubai but now, for the first time since she left Southampton, the public will be allowed back on board when she becomes the spectacular venue for “one of the most exclusive New Year celebrations in the world''.

The event's organisers said: “From gourmet food, captivating entertainers, magnificent laser and firework displays, an exceptional line up of international acts, to Royals, dignitaries, celebrities and VIPs, the event aims to treat guests to a unique, luxurious experience and the most stylish way to ring in 2012.''

The majority of guests attending the back-tie, charity celebration will be there strictly by invitation only, however, a limited number of tickets will go on sale this week to the general public.

When QE2 was bought, three years ago, by developers in Dubai, it was planned she should be turned into a floating hotel and world-class tourist attraction, but in the wake of the international recession the plans were postponed, for what was described as “the foreseeable future''.

During her long sea-going career, QE2, which entered service in 1969, criss crossed the Atlantic on the passage between Southampton and New York hundreds of times, breaking many records, including that of the longest serving flagship in the Cunard Fleet.

Since arriving in Dubai, QE2 has remained at her berth with just a skeleton, maintenance crew on board.