The Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) has opened its doors to the public following a transformation of the historic cruise liner into a tourist destination and hotel by the government of Dubai.
The world-famous vessel, which was decommissioned in 2008, is now docked permanently at Mina Rashid in Dubai. Reimagined as a floating 13-deck attraction, it is welcoming visitors on board for the soft opening of some of its dining, accommodation and entertainment offerings.
The ship, built as a transatlantic liner for the Cunard Line in 1969, has been fully restored and interior design features, such as period furniture, artwork, memorabilia and the original porthole windows, have been retained.
While the guest rooms have been modernised and new technology integrated, many of the QE2’s original amenities – including the cabaret-style Grand Lounge and The Golden Lion, a traditional English pub – have kept their original names and décor.
The project – which has been bankrolled by PCFC Hotels, part of the Dubai government's Ports, Customs and Free Zones Corporation – will have 13 restaurants and bars, five of which have been completed, and an interactive museum that showcases the heritage of the QE2.
PCFC CEO Hamza Mustafa said: "To finally open the QE2 is a dream come true for my team and I. It is one of Dubai's most highly anticipated projects and we know that a lot of people are going to be very excited to see her for the first time, or to step back on board the vessel that created so many wonderful memories during her 40 years at sea.
“We have dedicated more than 2.7 million man-hours into transforming this legendary ocean liner into the multi-faceted tourist destination that she is today and I am very proud to reintroduce her to the world as she embarks on the next stage of her celebrated journey.”
When officially launched in October 2018, the QE2 will offer a selection of 13 room and suite categories, including two Royal Suites named after the Queen's mother and grandmother, each with a private veranda, conservatory and dining room.
