The Queen Elizabeth 2 (or QE2) was launched in Dubai in 2018 as a floating hotel. But I was lucky enough to be on her last voyage long before she was converted into a hotel.
Dubai’s second round of quantitative easing
QE2.com is the hotel’s official website, which offers pictures of refurbished rooms, with prices starting at around AED 344 per night. Guests can choose from deluxe rooms with or without ocean views and multiple suites (the Royal Suite is by invitation only). The cabins have been dramatically transformed with luxurious beige and cream soft furnishings, flat-screen TVs and modern artwork.
Second round of quantitative easing facts:
- 2.7 million man-hours spent converting QE2 into hotel
- The ship docked at Port Rashid in Dubai
- There are 13 bars and restaurants on board
- She was built at Clydebank and launched on the 20thth First voyage, September 2, 1967ND May 1969
- QE2 has a tonnage of 70,327 and a length of 293.53 meters
- There are nine diesel engines on board
- Her top speed is 32 knots
My memories of QE2
The QE2 is a boat that has special meaning to my family, especially my father who used to sell items in his shop, Spider web ocean liner souvenirs, In the bookstore on the ship.
From a very young age, my mum and dad would take me on board on turnover days in Southampton to refresh the cupboards in their bookshop. Dad also loaned Cunard some items for the QE2 Heritage Trail, a permanent exhibition on the ship. I remember hanging out in libraries and bookstores as a kid, browsing the wonderful books on display. My parents also sailed on her regularly as she was their favorite cruise ship (or ocean liner).
I was lucky enough to go on her third cruise in 2008 and it was a truly unforgettable experience. We set sail on the 22ndND October, return to Southampton on 27thth in October 2008 as part of her fall vacation trip. Our cruise took us to Bilbao, Le Verdon and St. Peter Port in Guernsey. I kept the daily plan and sadly this voyage marked the last call to these ports for the second round of QE.
QE2 cabin
My brother Simon and I shared a Caronia-class double cabin with an adjacent door to my parents’ cabin. The cabin furniture and floral bedspread were rather dated for the time, but still comfortable.
QE2 retained her 1960s decor (with a modern twist) throughout her service, which is part of her charm. The wood paneling that adorned corridors and public spaces became one of her trademarks. The China Ship Lobby has gone through several changes, but it always leaves a lasting impression on guests when they first step on board.
Catering during QE2
One thing I remember from QE2 was afternoon tea. We had afternoon tea at the Lido and Queens Room. White-gloved waiters serve exquisite sandwiches and cakes. Afternoon tea has always been an activity on Cunard ships and I was lucky enough to experience this on QE2. The Queen’s Room is a popular function space, like the more modern version on newer Cunard ships.
We dined in the Caronia restaurant, sitting at the chief engineer’s table. The food was great, I really enjoyed the blueberry pancakes for breakfast. One night I wasn’t feeling well and our waiter knew how much I wanted to try the Grilled Alaska. So they made sure to send some to my room for me. At the end of the cruise, the waiter put all my menus together along with a little note that said “Things to Remember on QE2.” The service was impeccable.
Farewell to the last great ocean liner
Although our voyage was short, sailing on the QE2 was a pleasure and an experience I will never forget. I kept a lot of souvenirs and it’s wonderful to look back on the voyage now. On the 11th my parents and I went to the pier in Southampton to say goodbye to her, it was a sad day.th November 2008. The atmosphere was somber, but the farewell ceremony was spectacular.
Although her new purpose and residence may be controversial at times, I’m glad that others can still visit this wonderful vessel. I want a whole new generation to be able to experience this important part of maritime history.
You can read more about my cruising experience here cruise advice section of my website.
This article was last updated on September 25, 2024.
Follow me on social media
Source link
