By Shereen Shabnam & Verna S.
Some staycations transport you to another state of mind; others take you on a journey through time. Our recent escape aboard the Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) was very much the latter. It was a voyage into the golden age of maritime travel, right here in Dubai.
As we stepped aboard the QE2, now permanently docked at Mina Rashid, it felt less like checking into a hotel and more like walking into history. From the moment you enter the Midships Lobby, with its striking geometric patterns and original design details, the ship whispers stories of transatlantic glamour, royal visits, and the era when ocean liners were the ultimate symbol of sophistication.
Our room was one of the carefully restored suites, blending modern comfort with heritage charm. The porthole views of Dubai’s skyline provided a surreal reminder: We were still in the Emirates, though everything around is echoed of voyages across the Atlantic.
The QE2 Heritage Tour
The highlight of our stay was undoubtedly the QE2 Heritage Tour. Led by a passionate guide, the tour took us through the ship’s most iconic spaces, each with its own story. The Queens Room, with its avant-garde ceiling, still exudes an air of grandeur, while the preserved engine room and bridge revealed the heart and soul of this engineering marvel.
Walking the same corridors once graced by royalty, world leaders, and cultural icons was surreal. Every room, from the lounges to the dining halls, still carries the aura of a bygone era of sea travel, when design and detail mattered as much as speed and function.
Dining with a Story
Dining aboard the QE2 is an experience in itself. We both indulged in a leisurely meal at Lido, the all-day dining restaurant, where the nautical ambience paired beautifully with international cuisine. For something quintessentially British, the Royal Afternoon Tea & Heritage Tour is unmissable—the delicate pastries, finger sandwiches, and fine teas served in the Queens Grill made us feel part of a long tradition of refined indulgence.
Later in the evening, a visit to The Golden Lion, Dubai’s oldest pub, felt like stepping into a cosy slice of Britain. Between the hearty pub fare and the memorabilia lining the walls, it was easy to forget dinner but we persevered and enjoy a hearty meal after.
A Staycation with Soul
What sets the QE2 apart from any other staycation in Dubai is that it’s not just about relaxation but more about immersion. Staying here is as much a cultural and historical experience as it is a luxurious escape. The ship is a living museum, but one you can sleep in, dine in, and explore at your own pace.
As we stood on the deck at sunset, watching the light fade across Mina Rashid, we thought about the countless journeys this ship has made and the millions of memories created aboard her. Our own memory of this staycation now becomes part of that living legacy.
The QE2 is more than a floating hotel; it is a story anchored in Dubai’s waters, inviting us all to rediscover the elegance of a bygone era. For travellers seeking something unique, an experience that blends heritage, design, and luxury, the QE2 offers a staycation like no other.
