Home #WHERETONEXT Middle East Queen Elizabeth 2: A Living Legacy of Maritime Design and Heritage

Queen Elizabeth 2: A Living Legacy of Maritime Design and Heritage

From transatlantic crossings to a permanent berth in Dubai, the Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) continues to capture imaginations as one of the greatest ocean liners of all time. More than a floating hotel, the QE2 is a living chronicle of design, history, and British craftsmanship.

Launched by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 20 September 1967, the QE2 was hailed as a triumph of modern maritime engineering and celebrated for its ground-breaking interior design. From the striking geometric patterns of the Midships Lobby to the avant-garde ceiling of the Queens Room, every space aboard the ship was a showcase of innovation, elegance, and purpose. As noted in The Times in 1969, “a lot of care went into our new floating showrooms” – a nod to the ship’s collaborative creation by some of Britain’s most visionary designers.

Today, permanently docked at Mina Rashid, Dubai, the QE2 invites the public to step aboard and rediscover this remarkable legacy through expertly guided QE2 Heritage Tours. Visitors walk the same corridors once graced by royalty, world leaders, and cultural icons, exploring everything from the ship’s original furnishings and art to her preserved engine room and bridge.

The QE2 remains a masterpiece of British design and maritime storytelling. As Dubai strengthens its cultural and heritage offering, the QE2 stands tall, anchored in the past, yet reimagined for today’s curious traveller.

QE2 Heritage Tours

Step aboard the iconic Queen Elizabeth 2 and explore her storied past through four unique guided tour experiences

  • QE2 Heritage Tour
    A classic guided experience taking guests through the ship’s most historic spaces, sharing the stories, design, and moments that shaped her legacy. Available daily at 11:00 am and 5:00 pm.
  • QE2 Heritage Tour for Schools
    Specially designed for student groups, this educational tour runs on weekday mornings at 8:30 am and 9:30 am, with a maximum of 30 students per session. Advance booking is required.
  • QE2 Royal Afternoon Tea & Heritage Tour
    Pair your heritage journey with the QE2 Royal Afternoon Tea experience at the Queen’s Grill, available on Fridays and Saturdays from 3:00 pm and 6:30 pm (last seating at 5:00pm).
  • QE2 Dine & Discover
    Combine the Heritage Tour with a lunch or dinner for a complete culinary and cultural experience aboard Dubai’s most iconic vessel. Available daily at 11:00 am and 5:00 pm.