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The Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2), the world’s most legendary ocean liner, now permanently docked as a floating hotel at Mina Rashid, Dubai, offers travellers more than a stay — it offers a journey through time. With a rich tapestry of seafaring heritage and innovation spanning over five decades, the QE2 invites history enthusiasts, maritime admirers, and curious travellers alike to explore one of the most remarkable ships ever built. Once the pride of the British merchant fleet, the QE2 now stands as a living maritime museum, preserving the romance, craftsmanship, and pioneering spirit that defined her golden years at sea.

Launched by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 20 September 1967, the QE2 was purpose-built to redefine luxury cruising across the North Atlantic in all seasons. She was the first British liner to be fully air-conditioned and featured advanced stabilisation systems that set new standards in passenger comfort and maritime engineering. Her sleek silhouette, modern design, and unmatched performance captured the optimism of a new age, perfectly balancing elegance with efficiency.

Over her extraordinary career, the QE2 completed an impressive 25 world cruises,sailed more than 6.5 million nautical miles and carried over 2.5 million passengers, making her one of the most iconic ships to sail the seas. From her early transatlantic crossings as a luxury cruise liner hosting royalty, statesmen, and celebrities, to her distinguished service as a troop carrier during the Falklands War, she embodied both resilience and glamour. Few ships in history have bridged so many worlds with such grace, evolving effortlessly from an era of ocean liners to one of international cruising.

Today, anchored in Dubai, the QE2 continues her voyage as a cultural landmark and symbol of British maritime ingenuity. Guests staying aboard can explore her original features, walk her teak decks, and relive the stories that once echoed through her corridors. Restored with meticulous attention to detail, the ship’s interiors reveal polished wood panelling, period furnishings, and her iconic red funnel, each an enduring tribute to her illustrious past.

The QE2 heritage collection offers an immersive look into five decades of seafaring history. Through guided tours and curated exhibitions, visitors can view authentic artefacts, rare photographs, navigational tools, and personal memorabilia from her crew and passengers. Each display opens a window to the ship’s storied global voyages, celebrating craftsmanship, courage, and innovation.

Dining aboard the QE2 is another way to experience her legacy. From the stately Queens Grill to the lively Golden Lion pub and panoramic Lido Restaurant, each venue captures the ship’s enduring spirit of discovery. This year, the QE2 introduces “Around the World in 80 Days,” a limited-time culinary activation inspired by her international journeys, with destination-themed menus that pay homage to her global heritage.

Highlights of the QE2 Experience:

• Located in Port Rashid, in close proximity to Dubai’s main attractions and shopping malls, its 447 renovated rooms and suites are carefully decorated, offering a peaceful retreat to relax and unwind.
• Authentic Artefacts & Memorabilia: Discover original documents, artworks, and maritime instruments from her golden years.
• Historic Design & Innovation: Learn how pioneering British engineering allowed the QE2 to “defy the seasons” and adapt to changing eras of travel.
• Private Quarters & Royal Touches: Step into preserved cabins, the captain’s quarters, and the ship’s original garage, which once housed a vintage Rolls-Royce.
• A Clydebank Masterpiece: Built by John Brown & Co. in Clydebank, Scotland, the birthplace of great liners, she remains a symbol of excellence in design and craftsmanship.