Inside Dubai’s five star floating hotel: The Queen Elizabeth 2 Dubai
From the world’s tallest building to the largest luxury mall, Dubai has done it all. And now, the city has a new addition to impressive list of world records – the Middle East’s first floating five-star hotel, the Queen Elizabeth 2 Dubai. Docked at Port Rashid Mina, the QE2 Dubai is the latest in the line of unique experiences that the city offers! Once a magnificent ocean liner, the QE2 has been transformed into a luxurious and elegant hotel spanning 13 decks along with dining, entertainment, events and so much more.
Over 50 years, the Queen Elizabeth 2 has carried a total of 2.5 million passengers and has been witness to a glorious maritime history. Today, the legendary vessel has been refurbished and restored to its former splendour, while some parts have been modernised to give guests a more modern, luxury experience. A must-visit attraction in Dubai, there’s no end to things to do on the QE2 Dubai! Dine at restaurants frequented by royalty or enjoy the best of entertainment at the onboard theatre. Read on to find out all the interesting restaurants, bars, shows, tours and offers to watch out for aboard this magnificent vessel!
10 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do Aboard the QE2 Dubai
Go on a heritage tour in the QE2 Hotel Dubai
The Queen Elizabeth 2 Dubai is a treasure trove of history and interesting tales. History buffs will love the heritage tour around the famous vessel, which gives visitors a glimpse into the glorious past of the Queen Elizabeth 2 ship. The tour starts from the Heritage Exhibition near the ship, then tours the original rooms and interesting artefacts of the Queen Elizabeth 2 from the inside. Did you know that the ship boasted the largest cinema at sea that could accommodate over 531 people? Visitors will also be able to view the impressive restaurants, theatre and other leisure activities aboard the QE2 ship. Keep in mind that the timings for the Heritage Tours are subject to change, so make sure to confirm them beforehand!
- Timings: 1pm, 3pm, 5pm and 7pm; Daily
- Price: AED 170 per person (incl. AED 100 worth voucher for F&B)
- Contact: 04 526 8888
Shop at Dubai Duty Free Arcade
No trip aboard the Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel Dubai is complete without the souvenir. The Dubai Duty Free – located on the Boat Deck – offers visitors ample opportunities to indulge their shopping cravings. Browse a selection of glittering jewellery and watches, quirky branded merchandise and the latest electronics. In fact, international visitors aboard the QE2 Dubai can shop to their heart’s content, and have their purchases delivered to the airport as well!
- Timings: 12pm – 10pm; Daily
Relax at the QE2 Spa
Looking for the ultimate relaxation aboard the Queen Elizabeth 2 ship? Head down to the QE2 Spa, situated on Deck 1, where revitalising massages and refreshing facials await. Managed by Dreamworks Spa, choose from specialised facials for men and women, or indulge in a full-body massage for a spa experience like no other.
- Timings: 10am – 10pm; Daily
- Contact: 04 526 8821
Watch a show at the QE2 Dubai theatre
Aboard the QE2 Dubai is the only licensed theatre in Dubai! This grand theatre can accommodate 515 people and offers the audience the chance to enjoy their drinks while watching the show. Catch a fascinating mix of local and international entertainment here. Upcoming shows include An Evening in Paris, which will transport visitors to the charming city with dance troupes, orchestras and operas, while dining on a five-course menu.
- Timings: Check website for calendar of events
- Contact: 04 330 3457
Stay in shape at the gym
For the health conscious, a fully-equipped gymnasium complete with free weights, mats and other training equipment is available on Deck 7 for those staying aboard the Queen Elizabeth 2 Dubai. If the gym isn’t your style, then the sleek nine-metre indoor swimming pool, restored from the original, is perfect for a couple of laps.
- Timings: 7am – 7pm
Dine on quintessential British cuisine
Ever wanted to dine like royalty? Then the fine-dining restaurant aboard the ship, Queen’s Grill is your best bet. Once patronised by members of British royalty, Queen’s Grill today still maintains the original ocean liner feel with the elegance of fine-dining. Dine on exquisite British specialities prepared by Chef Rama, who was a part of the culinary team during the ship’s sailing days. Delectable dishes like butter confit lobster and braised lamb paired with magnificent sea views make for an exhilarating experience. Browse the tasting menus on the QE2 Dubai website, and make a reservation before you visit the restaurant.
- Timings: 7pm – 11pm; Daily (Dinner); 3pm – 5pm; Thursday to Saturday (Afternoon Tea)
- Ages allowed: 7 years and above
Take in Dubai’s impressive skyline from the Yacht Club
Another one of the original QE2 restaurants, Yacht Club offers visitors a selection of house beverages and sparkling grape to enjoy. In cooler temperatures, visitors can even head to the sweeping terrace to admire Dubai’s skyline or watch a stunning sunset.
- Timings: 4pm – 1am, Monday to Wednesday; 4pm – 3am, Thursday; 12pm – 3am, Friday and Saturday
Watch live sports at The Golden Lion
The Golden Lion will take visitors back in time with its quaint and traditional pub atmosphere! Serving up a variety of house beverages, The Golden Lion in Queen Elizabeth 2 Dubai lets visitors delve into the ship’s past through the stories of its voyages around the world. Sip on your drink while you watch a spot of live football or give the pool tables and dart games a try.
- Timings: 12pm – 12am; Daily
Curl up with a good book at the Q Cafe
Located near the entrance to the ocean liner, Q Café is a sun-drenched space where visitors can refuel with coffee, quick bites and light pastries. Letting in plenty of natural light, Q Café is the ideal spot to relax, catch up on work or sink into a good vintage book from its extensive collection.
- Timings: 7am – 11pm
Stay aboard the QE2 Hotel Dubai
QE2 Dubai offers you the chance to experience the thrill of staying in an ocean liner while being in the heart of the city. With some fantastic ongoing offers, visitors can truly immerse themselves into the QE2 Dubai’s history, by staying onboard this floating hotel. The rooms aboard the Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel have porthole windows with breath-taking views that will truly give you the feeling of being at sea. Visitors will have the chance to explore the entertainment and dining options at leisure when staying on the ship. Guests have the choice of a variety of rooms onboard, from standard rooms with sea views to club rooms that come with a balcony to enjoy the fresh air.
The prices to stay aboard the ship vary according to room types and dates chosen. Visitors can book their stay online through the QE2 Dubai website. However, to make the most of your stay, keep an eye out for the offers for hotel reservations! Take a look at some QE2 Dubai offers below we think you’ll love:
THE UAE RESIDENTS’ OFFER
This amazing offer is the perfect way for UAE residents to experience the QE2 Hotel! Book your stay aboard the ship and get:
- 15% off the flexible rate available online
- Enjoy complimentary buffet breakfast for two
- Upgrade yourself to the next room category
- Receive 25% off food and beverage during your stay!
You’ll also get entry to the brand-new Laguna Waterpark at an exclusive rate of AED 180 for two. It doesn’t get better than that!
STAY AND SPLASH
Book your stay through this offer and receive complimentary access to the thrilling Laguna Waterpark at La Mer, where you can surf, splash, slide and more!
Other Restaurants in Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel Dubai
The Queen Elizabeth 2 Dubai is home to 13 restaurants, cafés and bars, which serve sumptuous British cuisine. Apart from the ones mentioned above, keep an eye out for The Chart Room. Here, you can sip house beverages and try the classic fish and chips, while observing old world maps used by former captains of the QE2 Dubai. Or head to The Pavilion, that offers alfresco dining for the whole family and stellar views of the city skyline. Lido, Gin Bar and Casino Coffee Lounge are QE2 Dubai dining options for visitors or hotel guests.
The Queen Elizabeth 2 Dubai Location
The Queen Elizabeth 2 Dubai is permanently docked at Port Rashid Mina, just off Al Khaleej Road, and near the popular districts of Al Fahidi and Al Raffa. Centrally located in Dubai, the QE2 is easily accessible via car and metro. There is ample parking outside the QE2 Dubai terminal, and taxis are easily available there. The nearest metro station to the cruise liner is the Al Ghubaiba Station, which is part of Dubai Metro’s Green Line. If visitors are travelling via metro, it’s best to take a taxi from the Al Ghubaiba Station to QE2 Dubai.
The QE2 Dubai Contact Number
Visitors can inquire about reservations, general information and events through the contact number for Queen Elizabeth 2 Dubai below:
- General Information: 04 526 8888
- Reservations: 600 500 400
- Restaurant Reservations: 04 526 8811
Our Verdict
The Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel Dubai is a thrilling new experience that has quickly worked its way up the list of the city’s attractions! With sweeping views, charming restaurants and bars, nuggets of history and plenty of entertainment, a stay or visit aboard the QE2 Dubai will certainly be a novel experience for the whole family.
Looking for more of Dubai’s mind-blowing attractions? Take a look at our review for the Museum of Illusions Dubai, where your senses will be tricked and deceived! Dazzled by the ship’s dining options? You may also love these amazing rooftop restaurants in Dubai, that also come with gorgeous views of the city! And follow MyBayut for articles on Dubai’s best attractions.
