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Floating Hotels and Accommodation Ships for Sale or Charter

Floating hotels, hotel ships, flotels and accommodation barges for sale or charter. Compare ship, barge and converted cruise ship options with QPS.

When a project, port city or event needs beds fast, a floating hotel can be the quickest answer. A hotel ship or accommodation barge arrives with cabins, galley, dining, laundry and life-support systems already built. It berths alongside, connects to shore services, and can leave again when the need ends.

QPS Marine Ships brokers the sale and charter of accommodation vessels (barges and ships) and cruise ships worldwide. We help owners, project managers, investors and public bodies find the right floating accommodation and structure the deal.

What is a floating hotel?

"Floating hotel" covers any vessel used mainly to house people rather than to carry them on voyages. Common terms include:

  • Hotel ship: a passenger ship, usually a former cruise ship, operated as a hotel while berthed.

  • Accommodation ship or vessel: a ship designed or converted to house workers or guests, often with simpler cabins and large messing areas.

  • Flotel: a term widely used in the offshore energy sector for accommodation units serving platforms and projects.

  • Accommodation barge: a non-self-propelled hull with accommodation blocks on deck, towed into position and moored.

Trade press has reported on QPS's involvement in the sale of a former Cunard ship to a buyer in Myanmar for use as a floating hotel. QPS has also supplied a passenger support vessel for the King of Saudi Arabia's visit to the Maldives, and vessels for film and TV productions including the Netflix series The Romanoffs.

Common uses

Permanently docked hotel

A ship can become a waterfront hotel, sometimes with restaurants, events space and a strong heritage story. Owners often keep the ship in class so it retains value and could be moved or resold later.

Project housing

Mining, energy, shipyard and infrastructure projects in remote or crowded locations need to house hundreds of workers near the site. See our page on worker accommodation vessels.

Events

Major sporting and cultural events can push local hotel demand far beyond supply. A berthed cruise ship can add a large block of rooms for the event period. See event accommodation cruise ships.

Disaster relief and emergency housing

After hurricanes, earthquakes or other disasters, ships have been used to house responders and displaced residents while shore infrastructure is restored. A self-propelled ship can usually reach a site faster than new buildings can be put up, provided a suitable berth is available.

Ship vs barge vs converted cruise ship

| | Accommodation ship | Accommodation barge | Converted / berthed cruise ship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Propulsion | Usually self-propelled | Not self-propelled; towed | Self-propelled |
| Typical cabin standard | Functional, often 1–4 berths per cabin | Functional, often modular blocks | Hotel standard, mostly private bathrooms |
| Public spaces | Messing, recreation, gym | Messing, recreation | Restaurants, lounges, theaters, pools |
| Relocation | Moves under its own power | Needs towage and planning | Moves under its own power |
| Draft and berth needs | Moderate | Often shallow; suits sheltered water | Larger ships need deeper berths |
| Best fit | Workforce and project housing | Long stays in sheltered locations | Events, hotels, guest-facing use |

Each vessel is different. Ask us for the particulars of any ship you are considering.

What to plan before you commit

A floating hotel is a ship and a hotel at the same time. Both sides need planning.

Berth

You need a berth or mooring with enough length, depth and fendering for the vessel, available for the full period. Port authorities may give priority to cargo or cruise calls, so secure the berth early.

Shore power and fuel

Running the ship's generators continuously is costly and may be restricted in some ports for noise and emissions reasons. Check whether shore power is available at the right voltage and frequency and whether the vessel can accept it. If not, plan fuel supply and emissions compliance.

Fresh water, sewage and garbage

A full ship uses a lot of water and produces a lot of wastewater. Plan the supply of potable water and the discharge of grey water, sewage and garbage to shore facilities or approved trucks, in line with local and international rules.

Port and local permits

Depending on the location, you may need approvals from the port authority, environmental regulators, fire and safety authorities, immigration and customs, and local planning bodies. Allow time for these.

Flag and class

Most owners keep the vessel flagged and in class during a hotel deployment. This protects insurance, financing and resale value. The flag state and class society may have specific requirements for a vessel used as stationary accommodation.

Crew vs hotel operator

You need marine crew to keep the ship safe and its systems running, and hotel staff for rooms, food and guest services. Some owners supply both. In other deals, a separate hotel or catering company runs guest services while the owner or a ship manager keeps a reduced marine crew. Settle who does what, and who carries which cost, before signing.

Floating hotels and accommodation ships available now

Accommodation vessels and cruise ships currently offered for charter through QPS. See all accommodation vessels for charter. Availability changes, and more vessels are available off-market under NDA.

Accommodation vessels

Cruise ships and cruise ferries suited to hotel or event use

Frequently asked questions ### What is the difference between a floating hotel and an accommodation barge?

A floating hotel is usually a self-propelled ship, often a former cruise ship, run as a hotel while berthed. An accommodation barge has no engines of its own, is towed into place, and is typically used for workforce housing in sheltered water.

Can I charter a floating hotel instead of buying one?

Yes. Many accommodation vessels and some cruise ships are offered for charter, from short event periods to multi-year project contracts. Buying makes more sense for permanent hotels or very long deployments.

What is a flotel?

Flotel is a term widely used in the offshore energy industry for an accommodation vessel or unit that houses workers serving offshore platforms or projects.

What do I need to berth a hotel ship?

A berth with enough length and depth for the full period, plus shore power if possible, fresh water supply, sewage and garbage disposal, and the relevant port, safety and environmental permits.

Does a floating hotel need to stay in class?

Most owners keep the vessel flagged and in class during a hotel deployment because it supports insurance, financing and resale value. Requirements vary by flag state and class society.

Tell us what you need

Send us the number of guests or berths, location, start date and duration, intended use, and budget. We will reply with suitable accommodation ships, barges and cruise ships, including off-market options.

Capt. Ken Caine, Managing Broker – +1-516-647-5129 (mobile/WhatsApp), sales@qpsships.com
Jeff Garcia, Managing Broker, Mediterranean Sea Area – +1-954-296-9066, Jeffgarcia@qpsships.com
Office: 4000 Island Blvd, Suite 1506, Aventura, FL 33160

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