Queen Elizabeth 2 (or QE2) launched as a floating hotel in Dubai in 2018. But long before her conversion into a hotel, I was lucky enough to sail on one of her final voyages.
QE2 Dubai
QE2.com is the official website for the hotel, which has images of the refurbished staterooms starting at around AED 344 per night. Guests have the choice of plush staterooms, with or without sea views and a number of suites (the Royal Suite is by invitation only). The staterooms have had a dramatic makeover, with luxurious beige and cream soft furnishings, flat-screen TVs and modern artwork.
QE2 facts:
- it took 2.7 million man hours to transform QE2 into a hotel
- the ship is docked at Port Rashid, Dubai
- there are 13 bars and restaurants on board
- she was built in Clydebank and launched on 20th September 1967 – her maiden voyage took place on 2nd May 1969
- QE2’s tonnage is 70,327 and she is 293.53 metres long
- there are nine diesel engines on board
- her maximum speed was 32 knots
My memories of QE2
QE2 is a ship that has special significance to my family, especially my dad who used to sell items from his shop, Cobwebs Ocean Liner Memorabilia, in the ship’s bookshop.
From an early age my mum and dad took me on board on turnaround days in Southampton to refresh their cabinet in the bookshop. Dad also loaned Cunard a items for the QE2 Heritage Trail, a permanent exhibition on board. I remember hanging out in the library and the bookshop as a child, looking through the wonderful books on display. My parents also cruised on her regularly, as she was their favourite cruise ship (or ocean liner).
I was fortunate enough to sail on her third to last cruise in 2008, a truly memorable experience. We set sail on 22nd October, returning to Southampton on 27th October 2008 as part of her Autumn Getaway Voyage. Our cruise took us to Bilbao, Le Verdon and St. Peter Port in Guernsey. I’ve kept my daily programmes, which sadly state that the cruise marked QE2’s final calls to these ports.
QE2 stateroom
I shared a twin Caronia grade stateroom with my brother Simon, which had an adjoining door to my parents’ stateroom next door. At the time, the stateroom was quite dated with old-fashioned furniture and floral bedcovers, but it was comfortable all the same.
QE2 retained her 1960s décor throughout her time in service (with modern touches), and this was part of her charm. The wood panelling which adorned the corridors and public spaces became one of her trademarks. The Midships Lobby went through several changes but it always left an impression on guests when they first stepped on board.
Dining on the QE2
One thing I remember from my time cruising on QE2 was afternoon tea. We ate afternoon tea in the Lido and the Queens Room. The dainty sandwiches and cakes were served by waiters in white gloves. Afternoon tea has always been an event on Cunard ships, and I feel lucky to have experienced it on QE2. The Queens Room was a popular multi-functional venue, much like the more modern versions on the newer Cunard ships.
We dined in the Caronia restaurant and sat on the Chief Engineer’s table. The food was outstanding and I really loved the blueberry pancakes for breakfast. One evening I wasn’t very well and our waiters knew how much I wanted to sample the Baked Alaska. So they made sure they sent some to my room for me. At the end of the cruise the waiters put together all of my menus, along with a little note which says “something to remember on board QE2.” The service was impeccable.
Saying goodbye to one of the last great ocean liners
Although our voyage was short, it was lovely to sail on QE2 and I will never forget the experience. I kept quite a lot of memorabilia and it’s lovely looking back on the voyage now. It was a sad day when my parents and I went to say goodbye to her at the docks in Southampton on 11th November 2008. The mood was sombre but the send-off was spectacular.
Although her new purpose and home may have been controversial at times, I am pleased that others can still visit this wonderful vessel. I hope a whole new generation will get to experience this important part of maritime history.
You can read more about my experience cruising on the Cruise advice section of my website.
This post was last updated on 25 September 2024.
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