From transatlantic crossings to a permanent berth in Dubai, the Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) retains a legacy as one of the greatest ocean liners of all time. Now a floating hotel under the Accor flag, the public at large can step aboard and rediscover its remarkable legacy through guided QE2 Heritage Tours.
More than a hotel, the QE2 is a living chronicle of design, history, and British maritime storytelling. Today, permanently docked at Mina Rashid, Dubai, the QE2 invites visitors to walk the same corridors once graced by royalty, world leaders, and cultural icons, exploring everything from the ship’s original furnishings and art to her preserved engine room and bridge.
QE2 Heritage Tours
The Queen Elizabeth 2 offers three unique guided tour experiences:
- QE2 Heritage Tour: A classic guided experience taking guests through the ship’s most historic spaces, sharing the stories, design, and moments that shaped her legacy. Available daily at 11 am and 5 p.m.
- QE2 Royal Afternoon Tea & Heritage Tour: Pair your heritage journey with the QE2 Royal Afternoon Tea experience at the Queen’s Grill, available on Fridays and Saturdays from 3 pm and 6:30 pm (last seating at 5 p.m.
- QE2 Dine & Discover: Combine the Heritage Tour with a lunch or dinner for a complete culinary and cultural experience aboard Dubai’s most iconic vessel. Available daily at 11 am and 5 p.m.
Heritage tour
Originally launched by Queen Elizabeth II on Sept. 20, 1967, the QE2 has sailed more than 5.6 million nautical miles, carrying over 2.5 million passengers and earning her place as an icon of British engineering and seafaring excellence.
From her days as a glamorous transatlantic liner to her service during the Falklands War and her transformation into one-of-a-kind hotel, QE2 has worn many faces.
Highlights of the Heritage Tour Include:
- Original Artifacts and Memorabilia: See authentic objects from the ship’s early voyages, including photographs, artworks, and navigational instruments.
- Historic Design and Innovation: Learn how QE2 was the first ship to feature air-conditioning throughout, and how her powerful steam turbines enabled her to reach over 32 knots at sea. Gain unique insights into British heritage, design, engineering, and the maritime history of this legendary vessel, spanning over five decades.
- An authentic passenger cabin, the captain’s quarters, and flag room, and an original garage housing a vintage Rolls-Royce.
Hotel
Managed by Accor, Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel, is the only floating hotel in emirates. Located in Port Rashid, in close proximity to Dubai’s main attractions and shopping malls, it has 447 carefully renovated rooms and suites.
Amenities include Lido, an all-day dining restaurant; The Golden Lion, Dubai’s oldest pub; The Pavilion, an alfresco lounge; and the Queens Grill, renowned for its classic Afternoon Tea experience.
“Whether you’re a maritime enthusiast, a lover of British history, or simply curious to see what life aboard an ocean liner was like, the QE2 Heritage Tour promises a nostalgic and awe-inspiring journey unlike any other,” say Accor.
Dine around experience
In November and December, the QE2 will “visit” ports around the world as part the “Around the World in 80 Days” culinary experience as chefs from around the world join Executive Chef Erwan Stadler to create a unique culinary exchange at the Queen’s Grill.
“One Ship, Eighty Destinations, Infinite Flavours. This isn’t just a dining experience, it is a cultural conversation through food. Each guest chef brings the spirit of their homeland into our kitchen, and together we honour the ship’s legacy of connecting the world,” says Stadler.
Each night through Dec. 19, the restaurant will feature a new destination, from Bombay to Istanbul.
If this article was shared with you by a friend or colleague, you may enjoy receiving your own copy of Travel Industry Today with the latest travel news and reviews each weekday morning. It’s absolutely free – just CLICK HERE.