Queen Elizabeth 2 Dubai: Historic Floating Hotel & Tourist Attraction

The Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) now stands proudly at Port Mina Rashid in Dubai as the Middle East’s first floating hotel, marking a new chapter in her illustrious history. This iconic vessel, which operated as Cunard’s flagship ocean liner, has been meticulously preserved and transformed into a unique hospitality destination.

Key highlights:

• Transformed from ocean liner to luxury hotel in 2018
• Located permanently at Port Mina Rashid, Dubai
• Combines British maritime heritage with Arabian hospitality
• Carried royalty, celebrities, and over 2.5 million passengers during her seagoing career
• Offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to experience maritime history

Queen Elizabeth 2 Heritage & History

The QE 2 was launched by Queen Elizabeth 2 on September 20, 1967, as a transatlantic ocean liner, and it stands as a landmark ship in maritime history.

Key historical milestones:

• Built by John Brown and Company in Clydebank, Scotland
• Maiden voyage from Southampton to New York on May 2, 1969
• Served as Cunard’s flagship from 1969 until 2004
• Transitioned from steam turbines to diesel electric power in 1986-87
• Traveled more than 5.8 million  miles during her sea career
• Completed 806 transatlantic crossings and 25 world cruises
• Served as a troopship during the 1982 Falklands War
• Retired from Cunard service on November 27,2008
• Acquired by Dubai and opened as a floating hotel in April 2018

Accommodation Experience

The Queen Elizabeth 2 provides an exceptional experience for visitors that connects maritime 

history with contemporary convenience. The original design elements of the ship’s structure remain in every cabin and suite while offering modern amenities that appeal to contemporary 

guests.

Room Categories:

• Standard Rooms – Compact cabins with original porthole windows
• Deluxe Rooms – More spacious with maritime accents
• Superior Rooms – Elegant spaces with nautical decor
• Queen Suites – Separate living areas and premium features
• Captain’s Club Rooms – Higher deck locations with exclusive benefits
• Royal Suites – Largest accommodations with personalized service for guests.

The accommodations maintain authentic elements, including original artwork, wood paneling, 

and distinctive maritime design touches, creating a unique experience for guests.

Extraordinary Dining Venues

Dining experience with  QE2 offers a journey through both culinary excellence and maritime history, with venues that preserve the ship’s legendary hospitality.

Queens Grill:

• Former first-class restaurant offering refined British cuisine
• Signature Royal Afternoon Tea service
• Fine teas, scones, finger sandwiches and pastries
• Waterfront views of Dubai

Additional Options:

• Lido Restaurant – International buffet in a casual setting
• The Chart Room – Cocktail lounge with light bites
• The Pavilion – Alfresco dining with skyline views
• The Yacht Club – A Sophisticated venue for special events

QE2 Heritage Tour Experience

The QE2 Heritage Tour delivers an engaging exploration of this historic ocean liner’s remarkable past. The tours are led by guides who understand the ship’s history because they either worked on the vessel during its operational years. These tours deliver exclusive knowledge about living on one of the world’s most recognizable ships.

Key Tour Areas:

• The Bridge – Ship’s command center
• Engine Room – View of massive propulsion machinery
• Grand Lounge – Former passenger gathering space
• Original First-Class Dining Rooms
• Royal Quarters – Areas reserved for distinguished guests
• Exhibition Gallery – Artifacts, photographs, memorabilia

The ship’s visitors find great value in the genuine artifacts that adorn the vessel, including its original navigation tools and historic photos, Cunard memorabilia, and royal ship items.

Entertainment and Recreation

The Queen Elizabeth 2 continues its legacy of providing first-class entertainment and recreation, now reimagined for its role as a permanently docked floating hotel.

QE2 Theatre:

• Original performance space preserved
• Live musical performances
• Cultural events and heritage presentations
• Film screenings and documentaries
• Maritime history lectures

Recreational Facilities:

• Indoor swimming pool in preserved vintage setting
• Health Club and Spa with fitness equipment
• Exterior deck access with Dubai skyline views
• Games Deck with traditional maritime pastimes
• Multiple lounges and quiet spaces throughout

Guests can enjoy strolls around the ship’s exterior decks, which provide panoramic views of Dubai’s skyline and harbor activities while experiencing the authentic maritime atmosphere.

The Queen Elizabeth 2 allows its guests to walk through its exterior decks and observe Dubai’s skyline and harbor activities while experiencing the historic maritime setting.

Events and Celebrations

The Queen Elizabeth  2 offers guests an outstanding event venue that stands alone as the only event space with both historical significance and luxurious facilities in Dubai.

Wedding Experiences:

• Queen’s Room ballroom for ceremonies
• Various reception package options
• Unique photography opportunities
• Wedding night heritage suite accommodations
• Customized British and international menus

The QE2 provides corporate clients with its unique meeting areas, which were originally used to host business leaders and dignitaries who crossed the Atlantic.

The ship delivers exceptional events, including gala dinners, product launches and corporate retreat and award ceremonies through its authentic maritime atmosphere combined with contemporary technology and support facilities.

Location and Accessibility

Proximity to Attractions:

• 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport
• 10 minutes from Gold and Spice Souks
• 15 minutes from Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall
• 20 minutes from Jumeirah Beach
• 25 minutes from Palm Jumeirah

Transportation Options:

• Hotel shuttle service to key attractions
• Readily available taxis and ride-sharing
• Nearby public bus connections
• Water taxi services from the port
• Convenient guest parking

The port area itself is in the process of major development as part of Dubai’s tourism vision, with the Mina Rashid Marina and waterfront projects improving the area around the QE2. This developing district combines Dubai’s maritime history with modern facilities.

Planning Your Visit

The Queen Elizabeth 2 stay requires thoughtful planning to achieve the best experience from this floating hotel.

Best Times to Visit:

• October to April for pleasant temperatures
• December for holiday decorations and events
• April for Heritage Day celebrations
• Weekdays for a more tranquil experience

Booking Tips:

• Reserve heritage-themed rooms in advance
• Consider packages with tours and dining
• Check the website for special promotions
• Request higher deck rooms for better views

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is the Queen Elizabeth 2 still a functioning ship that sails? 

 A1. No,  the QE2 remains stationed at Port Mina Rashid in Dubai and operates as a floating hotel. 

Q2.What makes staying on the QE2 different from a regular hotel? 

A2.The Queen Elizabeth 2 provides accommodations that make a difference from standard hotels because of its original maritime features, historical value, and unique cabin rooms.

Q3.Are children welcome aboard the Queen Elizabeth 2? 

A3.Yes, families with children are welcome. The ship offers family rooms and activities suitable for younger guests.

Q4.Can visitors tour the ship without staying overnight?

A4.Absolutely. Visitors who spend the day at the QE2 have access to major areas of the ship through heritage tours.

Q5. Is the QE2 accessible for people with mobility challenges? 

A5.The QE2 provides accessibility features for visitors with mobility issues, but guests should be aware of the historical ship’s natural restrictions. The hotel staff assists where possible.