The QE2's Legacy: From Ocean Liner to Floating Hotel

The QE2, also known as the Queen Elizabeth 2, was a once-renowned ocean liner that transitioned into a floating hotel. This article explores her history, retirement, and current status as a museum and hotel in Dubai.

History and Service

Launched in 1969 for the Cunard Line, the QE2 made her maiden voyage that year. She served as both a transatlantic liner and a cruise ship for almost 40 years (Reference: Queen Elizabeth 2 - Wikipedia). During her service, the QE2 made over 800 crossings of the Atlantic Ocean and transported approximately 2.5 million passengers (Reference: The QE2 Returns to Service as a Hotel While the Queen Marys Prospects Sink Frommers). The QE2 was the pride of the Cunard Line until she was surpassed by the Queen Mary 2 in 2004 (Reference: Queen Elizabeth 2 - Wikipedia).

Retirement and Conversion

The QE2 officially retired from active Cunard service on November 27, 2008 (Reference: Queen Elizabeth 2 - Wikipedia). Plans to convert her into a floating hotel in Dubai, at the Palm Jumeirah, were made. However, due to the 2008 financial crisis, the conversion plans were postponed (Reference: Queen Elizabeth 2 - Wikipedia). She was moored at Dubai Drydocks and later at Mina Rashid until 2017, when a Dubai-based construction company began the refurbishment project (Reference: Queen Elizabeth 2 - Wikipedia). The restored QE2 reopened to visitors on April 18, 2018 (Reference: Queen Elizabeth 2 - Wikipedia).

Current Status

Currently, the QE2 operates as a floating hotel and museum at Mina Rashid in Dubai, having undergone a 100 million investment to restore its 1960s interior design (Reference: The QE2 Returns to Service as a Hotel While the Queen Marys Prospects Sink Frommers). While the hotel is open, some amenities like the gym, spa, theatre, and full shopping options are still on hold (Reference: The QE2 Returns to Service as a Hotel While the Queen Marys Prospects Sink Frommers). Tour groups led by former crew members are planned for non-guests to explore the ship's rich history (Reference: The QE2 Returns to Service as a Hotel While the Queen Marys Prospects Sink Frommers).