The Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) is a retired British ocean liner transformed into a floating hotel. Originally constructed for the Cunard Line, the ship served as both a transatlantic liner and a cruise ship from 1969 to 2008. After a period of layup, it was converted into a floating hotel in Dubai, beginning operations on 18 April 2018.
Designed for transatlantic voyages from Southampton, UK, to New York, USA, the QE2 held the flagship status until succeeded by the Queen Mary 2 in 2004. Built in Clydebank, Scotland, the ship marked the end of the era of transatlantic ocean liners until the announcement of “Project Genesis” in 1995. This project aimed to revitalize ocean liners, resulting in the construction of the Queen Mary 2.
In 1986–87, the QE2 underwent a significant refit with a modern diesel powerplant. Over nearly four decades, she embarked on regular world cruises and later operated primarily as a cruise ship, departing from Southampton. While she never ran a year-round weekly transatlantic service, the QE2 maintained the Cunard tradition with regular scheduled transatlantic crossings.
Retiring from active Cunard service on 27 November 2008, the QE2 was acquired by the private equity arm of Dubai World. Originally intended for conversion into a 500-room floating hotel at the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, financial challenges during the 2008 crisis led to the ship’s layup at Dubai Drydocks and later Mina Rashid. Although conversion plans were announced in 2012 and 2013, they faced delays. In November 2015, it was declared that QE2 would not be scrapped, and in March 2017, a Dubai-based construction company announced its contract for the ship’s refurbishment.
The Queen Elizabeth 2 reopened as a floating hotel in Dubai on 18 April 2018 after undergoing an extensive refurbishment, with more than 2.7 million man-hours dedicated to upgrading the ship to meet hotel standards. This comprehensive effort involved a complete hull repaint and the replacement of the Port Vila registry with Dubai on her stern. The reopening marked a ‘soft opening’ as remaining work continued.
The newly introduced QE2 Heritage Exhibition, situated adjacent to the lobby, provides insights into the vessel’s rich history. Operated by PCFC Hotels, a division of the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation owned by the Dubai government, the ship underwent a change in management in May 2022 when French hospitality group Accor took over. Accor has ambitious plans for further renovation, and upon completion, the hotel will boast 447 rooms.
Contact Info
Address:
Queen Elizabeth 2
Mina Rashid
P.O. Box 6769
Dubai, UAE
Phone: +971 4 526 8888
Website: www.qe2.com