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June 1, 2018  |  By Emma Smith In Cruise lines, Industry

Cunard’s legacy lives on as QE2 reopens

Cunard cruise ship - QE2

A hallmark of Cunard’s quintessentially British history, the QE2 was the world’s most celebrated ocean liner during her prime. Now, after her initial sailing in 1969, the QE2 is to be opened once more to the public.

Over fifty years since, including four decades of service, this maritime legend is now right a home in Dubai, after having made a final voyage here in 2008 to settled in Port Rashid.

QE2 - Cunard's previous member of the fleet

Steve R Watson / Flickr.com, CC BY-SA 2.0

The ship has a colourful background, having followed in the footsteps of Lusitania and the Queen Mary, two ships which sailed for Cunard through the early nineties.

After a ceremony in September 1967, when Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip christened the ship, joined by 30,000 spectators at John Brown’s shipyard, QE2 became a symbol for maritime engineering and craftsmanship.

During her time at sea, she completed 1,400 voyages including 25 circumnavigations, housing 2.5 million passengers as she sailed a grand total of six-million nautical miles. She was even requisitioned by the government as a troop carrier, transporting 3,000 members of the 5th Infantry Brigade to South Georgia!

She continued sailing as a flagship of the British merchant navy until 2008 when she sailed to her resting waters in Dubai.

It’s a bright future for QE2

Cunard cruise ship - QE2

Jim McDougall / Flickr.com, CC BY 2.0

Now, after months of work on a refit for the ship, the QE2 is open to stay on-board once more. The ship will serve as a floating hotel, with many of her original features still intact.

Though the official opening is not until October this year, events are building up to this with several phases for guests to step on-board and enjoy her facilities again. Dine and drink at The Golden Lion, The Yacht Club and the Queen’s Grill, visit the Queen’s Room, and experience the beautifully designed interiors as they were during the sixties.

The chief executive of PCFC Hotels, 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.”

With such an illustrious history and characteristic design, it’s no wonder that the QE2 is finally making her come back.

Grand lobby on-board Queen Elizabeth, a current fleet member of Cunard

If you’re eager to enjoy a traditional cruise for yourself, Cunard Cruises are perfect for sailing the wonders of the world aboard an iconic cruise line. Find some of our best deals to experience a journey on-board for yourself here.

For the perfect cruise and stays with Cunard, some of which include stays at this extraordinary hotel, take a look at our latest Cruise & Stay offers by clicking the link below.

See all Cunard cruise and stay offers

Call our Cruise Concierge team on 0808 1234 118 for any questions you may have or assistance with your booking, which our award-winning team are more than happy to help with.

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Emma Smith
Emma has more than seven years' experience as a writer and has been in the travel industry for nearly five years. She loves learning about new places and cruise ships coming to market, as well as discovering fun and exciting activities to do while you sail. She has cruised with Princess Cruises, Cunard, Celebrity Cruises, Virgin Voyages, Avalon Waterways and Royal Caribbean and is looking to get something in her diary for 2024! Her favourite things to see on a ship include excellent entertainment, a delicious cocktail menu and extraordinary dining venues.

Comments: 4 replies added

  1. Tracey May 25, 2018 Reply

    Hi i would like to know about the smoking rules aboard the ships and in the cabins ? . Thanks Tracey

    • Emma Smith June 11, 2018 Reply

      Hi Tracey, the smoking policy on-board all Cunard ships does not permit smoking in staterooms, on stateroom balconies or in public rooms and restaurants. There are designated areas on the open decks where smoking is permitted. Thanks, Emma.

  2. Jeff October 30, 2018 Reply

    Hi - I was wondering if you do cruise travel bookings for travel from the US for US citizens? thx, Jeff

    • Emma Smith October 31, 2018 Reply

      Hi Jeff, that's certainly something we can look to do for US customers. If you'd like to enquire or make a booking, please call our Cruise Concierge team on 0808 1234 118 and we will be happy to help you. Thanks, Emma.

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