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Queen Mary Ready For Royal Refit

LONG BEACH (CBSLA.com) — After 31 years at sea and 45 more as a tourist attraction and hotel, the Queen Mary is ready for a few upgrades.

The ship is getting a $15 million makeover to make her more attractive to paying guests.

Improvements will include faster wi-fi, new furniture and better lighting.

Urban Commons, the real estate investment and development firm that operates the Queen Mary under lease, promises to renovate all 346 original first-class staterooms and nine suites.

The design team is working with Brintons, a British company that created some of the original carpets for the Queen Mary more than 80 years ago.

"Our goal is to channel a new aura of regal elegance while maintaining the ship's cherished historic elements," said Taylor Woods of Urban Commons in a press release. "We intend to stay true to the original art deco design of the ship by working with various manufacturers to emulate and modernize different patterns, designs and furniture."

The work will start in a few months and should be done by the end of next year.

The ship will remain open during renovations.

Also in the works are plans to develop retail, dining and entertainment venues on 45 acres next to the retired liner.

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