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Queen Elizabeth Overview

A cruise on the Queen Elizabeth , one of Cunard’s three ocean liners, is a chance to step back into the glamorous hey-day of cruising. Passengers can delight in the fabulously British touches of afternoon tea, a game of croquet and a formal royal ball. Queen Elizabeth also has lots of modern features, including a state-of-the-art Computer Centre, relaxing whirlpools and karaoke, for some fun at night. Cunard is also known for its cuisine - we recommend the Lobster Newberg at the Queens Grille and the decadent Cambridge Burnt Cream Tart at the Britannia Restaurant.

• Passenger Capacity: 2,081 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2010
• Last Refurbished:  2023

• The Queens Room The full history and grandeur of the Britain’s aristocracy comes alive on Cunard’s ocean liners. To really immerse yourself in the culture, you must have Afternoon Tea in the Queens Room aboard the Queen Elizabeth. Here you will be served tea along with cucumber sandwiches and scones, all while an orchestra plays. The Queens Room is also where the Royal Nights Themed Ball takes places.  

• Royal Spa Unwind completely at the Royal Spa on your next journey. The facility offers a chance to rejuvenate in the soothing waters of the Hydrotherapy Pool at the Royal Bath House. Renew your skin with a facial and revive your romance with a couple’s massage or body wrap. The spa is also home to the Queen Elizabeth’s fitness programs and salon services.  

• The Royal Court Theatre The Royal Court Theatre is home to the Queen Elizabeth Theater Company, known for their imaginative musicals and stirring production of Shakespeare classics. Some times this gorgeous theater with balcony seating doubles as a movie theater, showing recent hits and classic favorites.  

Queen Elizabeth Cruise Destinations

Cunard Line is famous for its transatlantic sailings, but they offer an impressive set of destinations and some fantastic itineraries all over the world. Visit four continents and hundreds of ports-of-call ranging from Tortola, British Virgin Islands to Tallinn, Estonia. Whether it be a historically enriching cruise to Northern Europe, or a tropical Hawaiian vacation, one of Cunard’s three regal ships will proudly be your vessel. 

Adventure is right around the corner with a Cunard Line cruise to Alaska. 

Delight in the historic treasures and scenic pleasures of the Far East on a cruise through Asia aboard Cunard Line’s world-famous ocean liners.

Immerse yourself in the delightful cultures and exotic locales of Australasia with a Cunard Line voyage to Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

Eastern Caribbean

Live the island life with Cunard in the Eastern Caribbean, where the sun is always shining. 

South Pacific / Tahiti

Inspire yourself with adventure, grand Sydney attractions, and vibrant marine environments on a cruise to Australasia and the Pacific Islands.

Transatlantic

Enjoy the excellent experience that is a vacation away from the everyday, sailing across the Atlantic and stopping at intriguing ports—try a transatlantic cruise.

Transpacific

Sail to the marvels of the Pacific aboard a marvel of your own with Cunard Line’s exquisite fleet of luxury ocean liners.

U. S. Pacific Coast

Explore some of the most iconic cities in the United States on a Cunard Line cruise to the US Pacific Coast. 

Western Caribbean

Enjoy the allure of a classic cruising experience when sailing with Cunard in the tropical waters of the Eastern Caribbean.

Queen Elizabeth Departure Ports

Traveling across the pond, there’s no cruise line better than Cunard, with more than 150 years of history, this brand makes routine cruises from Southampton to New York City and vice versa. However, they offer more than just transatlantic sailings. You can sail around the world with Cunard from Tokyo to Athens to San Francisco. Call The Cruise Web for a great offer on a Cunard cruise.

Darwin, Australia

Darwin is one of the northernmost cities in Australia, offering visitors a beautiful welcome to the great outdoors of Australia.

Melbourne, Australia

Soak up the culture and relaxed environment of Melbourne as you take in the live music, sip some perfect coffee and explore all that this unique city has to offer.

The near perfect days, beautiful scenery, pristine beaches and sparkling water offer the perfect backdrop for any dream adventure in Sydney, Australia.

Hong Kong, Hong Kong Sar, China

One of the world’s most exciting modern cities, Hong Kong offers a true East meets West experience where you can shop for traditional Chinese cure-alls and attend high tea all in the same afternoon.

Singapore, Singapore

Southeast Asia’s most modern city, Singapore, also contains a lot of history and treasures from the past, along with a perfect tropical climate – all making Singapore a wonderful destination year round.

In Miami, you’ll enjoy a small taste of the tropical weather many of you will experience during your cruise, and you’ll see why Miami is one of the most popular places to live in America.

On a cruise from San Francisco you can experience all that the ‘City by the Bay’ has to offer, from its artistic, forward-looking culture to the beautiful coastline.

Known as The Emerald City, Seattle is a beautiful, luscious city with incredible views of the Cascade Mountains and Elliott Bay. The city is full of activities for both water lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Whether it’s your cruise destination or a launching point, Vancouver is a beautiful destination in itself with a sophisticated downtown and lots of natural elements to explore.

Yokohama, Japan

See Japanese history in person as you discover Yokohama, Japan’s biggest port city, where the country was first opened to outside trade after more than 200 years of seclusion.

Fremantle, Australia

Beautiful beaches mixed with alternative art and music fill the Western Australia port city of Fremantle.

Queen Elizabeth Deck Plans

Deck eleven, deck twelve, queen elizabeth staterooms.

Balcony (BA)

Enjoy the view from your private balcony and the comfort of your luxurious interior as you relax in your well appointed stateroom. The Britannia Balcony staterooms have two beds, a shower, living area and balcony.

Balcony (BB)

Balcony (bc), balcony (bd), balcony (be), balcony (bf).

Balcony (CA)

Balcony (cb).

Balcony (A1)

Your Britannia Club Balcony stateroom offers the luxury of inside space and a stunning view from your private balcony. You will also dine in the intimate Britannia Club Restaurant, offering you the freedom to choose when you eat each evening. The Britannia Club Balcony staterooms have two beds, a shower, living area and balcony

Balcony (A2)

Inside (LC)

If you are travelling alone, our Single staterooms offer you the opportunity to enjoy more space for yourself. Each single stateroom offers comfortable accommodation with generous sized single beds, spacious bathrooms and comfortable lounge areas. The Britannia Single Inside staterooms have one bed, a living area and a shower.

Inside (GA)

Relax in complete peace and comfort, cocooned from the stress of the everyday. The Britannia Deluxe Inside staterooms have two beds, a desk area with seat and a shower.

Inside (GB)

Inside (gc).

Inside (IA)

Relax in complete peace and comfort, cocooned from the stress of the everyday. The Britannia Standard Inside staterooms have two beds, a desk area with seat and a shower.

Inside (ID)

Inside (ie), inside (if).

Oceanview (FB)

Gaze upon an ever changing seascape from your large window, which offers an abundance of natural light in your spacious stateroom. The Britannia Oceanview staterooms have two beds, a living area and a shower.

Oceanview (FC)

Oceanview (EB)

Oceanview (ec), oceanview (ef).

Oceanview (KC)

If you are travelling alone, our Single staterooms offer you the opportunity to enjoy more space for yourself. Each single stateroom offers comfortable accommodation with generous sized single beds, spacious bathrooms and comfortable lounge areas. The Britannia Single Oceanview staterooms have one bed, a living area and a shower.

As our guest in a abluxurious Queens Grill Suite, you will experience the very best of Cunard. A personal butler will see to your every request, a large lounge area offers space to relax and your suite will command the very best views. The Master Suites have two beds, a bath and shower, living and dining areas as well as a balcony.

In a luxurious Queens Grill Suite, you will experience the very best of Cunard. A personal butler will see to your every need, a spacious lounge offers space to relax and your suite commands the very best views. The Grand Suites have two beds, a bath and shower, living and dining areas as well as a balcony.

In a luxurious Queens Grill Suite, you will experience the very best of Cunard. A personal butler will see to your every need, a spacious lounge offers space to relax and your suite commands the very best views. The Penthouse Suites have two beds, a bath, a shower, a living area and a balcony.

In a luxurious Queens Grill Suite, you will experience the very best of Cunard. A personal butler will see to your every need, a spacious lounge offers space to relax and your suite commands the very best views. The Queens Suites have two beds, a bath, a shower, a living area and a balcony.

Your Princess Grill Suite is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Luxurious features such as a private balcony, separate seating area and a spacious bedroom make your Princess Grill Suite the ideal home from home. You also enjoy access to the Grills Lounge, Grills Terrace and renowned Princess Grill restaurant. The Princess Suites have two beds, a bath with shower along with a living area and balcony.

Photo Gallery for Queen Elizabeth Cruise Ship

Get a glimpse at the regal atmosphere that awaits you on a Cunard Cruise among one of their three Queens: Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth in this photo gallery. 

Queen Elizabeth

Princess Grill

Top 10 Queen Elizabeth Cruises

• Queen Elizabeth 28 NIGHT South Pacific CRUISE Departing From Vancouver, British Columbia (Sep 2024)
• Queen Elizabeth 3 NIGHT U. S. Pacific Coast CRUISE Departing From Vancouver, British Columbia (Sep 2024)
• Queen Elizabeth 23 NIGHT South Pacific CRUISE Departing From San Francisco, California (Sep 2024)
• Queen Elizabeth 27 NIGHT Australia CRUISE Departing From Melbourne, Australia (Oct 2024)
• Queen Elizabeth 2 NIGHT Australia CRUISE Departing From Melbourne, Australia (Oct 2024)
• Queen Elizabeth 30 NIGHT Australia CRUISE Departing From Sydney, Australia (Oct 2024)
• Queen Elizabeth 18 NIGHT Australia CRUISE Departing From Sydney, Australia (Oct 2024)
• Queen Elizabeth 7 NIGHT Australia CRUISE Departing From Fremantle, Australia (Nov 2024)
• Queen Elizabeth 12 NIGHT Australia CRUISE Departing From Fremantle, Australia (Nov 2024)
• Queen Elizabeth 5 NIGHT Australia CRUISE Departing From Melbourne, Australia (Nov 2024)

Learn More About Cunard

Accessibility

Learn about Cunard Line's handicap accessible cruises and accommodations for guests with special needs or disabilities.

Savor variety of dining options aboard Cunard Line cruises, including the Queens Grill, Princess Grill, Britannia restaurant, Queens Room, Todd English, Kings Court, Golden Lion Pub and more.

Entertainment

Enjoy Cunard Line's onboard entertainment, including live music, the Royal Court Theatre, Commodore Club entertainment, Royal Night Theme Balls, Queens Room dancing, karaoke and more.

Onboard Activities

Participate in Cunard Line's onboard activities, including Cunard Insights lectures, Book Clubs, computer lab, duty-free shopping, sports courts, art galleries, dance classes, afternoon tea, deck games, golf simulators and more.

Service & Awards

Learn about Cunard Line's famous White Star Service and extensive list of onboard services. Plus, view Cunard Line's cruising awards.

Spa & Fitness

Relax in Cunard Line's pools, the Royal Spa and Canyon Ranch SpaClub, where spa treatments range from relaxing massages to Ayurvedic experiences.

Special Events

Learn about Cunard Line's special cruises with exclusive speakers, activities and shore excursions, including Wine Lecture and Tasting voyages.

Explore Cunard Line's luxurious staterooms, including Queen and Princess Grill Suites, balconies, oceanviews and inside staterooms - each beautifully appointed in Cunard's classic style.

Youth Programs

Learn about cruising with children aboard Cunard Line. Cunard's youth programs are for ages 2 - 17, including the Play Zone (ages 2-7), Kids Zone (ages 8-12) and Teen Zone (ages 13-17).

Cruise Type

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Vintage photos show the Queen Elizabeth 2 cruise ship in its heyday during the 1960s and 1970s

• The Queen Elizabeth 2 was a luxury cruise liner launched in 1967.
• When it completed its maiden voyage in 1969, the QE2 was a marvel of modern cruising and design.
• The ship was retired in 2008 and later turned into a luxury hotel in Dubai.

Named for Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen Elizabeth 2 cruise ship is remembered as one of the most luxurious ships to ever sail the sea.

The ship was launched on September 20, 1967, by Queen Elizabeth herself, and it completed her maiden voyage the following year. 

Here's a look back at what the Queen Elizabeth 2 looked like when it first launched and during its heyday during the 1960s and '70s.

The Queen Elizabeth 2 was a British ocean liner and cruise ship that set new standards in luxury travel.

The Queen Elizabeth 2, or QE2, was launched on September 20, 1967. It cost £30 million, or $36.5 million, to build, according to Royal Museums Greenwich .

"There are no ships like it today, quite frankly," Andy Dinsdale, a former cruise director on the QE2, told Condé Nast Travel in 2021. "She was the fastest ship of her type in the world at that time. You look at the ships nowadays, they're all sky rises on ship bases. The QE2 was sleek, she was slim. She was made to cut through the ocean waves and she did it beautifully — fast and elegantly."

While flying was becoming an increasingly popular way to travel, cruising was still a way to cross the Atlantic for many people.

The ship was built by John Brown & Company of Clydebank, Scotland, for the Cunard Line.

It measured 963 feet long, which is 80 feet longer than the infamous Titanic that sailed in 1912. The QE2 weighed 65,863 tons and was fitted to carry 2,000 passengers. 

The ship was named after Queen Elizabeth II, who attended its launch.

In the photo above, Queen Elizabeth II and John Rannie, the managing director of the Clydebank shipyard, can be seen attending the launch of the Queen Elizabeth 2.

Roughly 30,000 spectators attended the ceremony and a bottle of Australian wine was smashed against the ship's bow. 

The ship completed her full maiden voyage in May 1969, after her maiden voyage in December 1968 was cut short due to turbine trouble.

For her maiden voyage, the QE2 sailed between Southampton, England, and New York. The voyage lasted about four days. 

Designed by Dennis Lennon, the ship's interiors were perfectly in keeping with the funky, modern design styles of the 1960s.

The photo above shows the interior of the Queen's Room, a large reception and dining area, on the QE2 in 1969.

The room featured carpeting and modernist furnishings that epitomized style and luxury at the time, which appeared inspired by the aesthetic of the jet and space age, The RIBA Journal reported.

Cruise liners like the QE2 set a new standard for luxury travel.

Above, passengers converse in the VIP lounge aboard the QE2 luxury liner in 1969.

The ship had a number of different dining rooms, which were seated according to which class ticket a passenger held, according to Condé Naste Travel. Afternoon tea took place each day with white-glove service, or guests could enjoy a cocktail at the piano bar.

The ship also offered guests the opportunity to attend classical music or jazz orchestra performances, take ballroom-dance classes, or attend lectures given by prominent filmmakers. 

There were multiple restaurants on board the QE2, including the Britannia Restaurant, which is still on board the ship today, and the Columbia Restaurant.

It was also typical for people to dress in suits, cocktail dresses, and gowns to eat dinner — something you rarely see on cruise ships today .

A photo of a recent menu that recreated the one served during the maiden voyage of the QE2 showed that guests dined on dishes like pan-seared scallops, fois gras parfait, halibut, and lamb. 

Many celebrities sailed on the QE2 during the height of its fame.

Actress Elizabeth Taylor and her husband Richard Burton sailed aboard the ship in 1970.

Audrey Hepburn, Carrie Fisher, Jane Seymour, and Meryl Streep are just a few other notable celebrities who have sailed on the QE2, according to Cunard.

By the 1970s, many of the modernist, space-age-inspired furnishings of '60s were replaced with simpler styles.

In 1972, the QE2 was refitted for the first time, and many of the original interior-design elements were removed. 

"In its original condition, which only lasted for three years, it was one of the great unsung masterpieces of the post-war era," Bruce Peter, a professor of design history at the Glasgow School of Art, told The RIBA Journal in 2018.

The cabins were still luxurious and spacious, but not as striking as they were when the ship first launched.

In the photo above, an employee makes the bed of one of the ship's cabins in 1975.

In the early 1970s, some of the ship's lounge areas were turned into restaurants and a casino in order to be more lucrative for the ship's owners.

As The RIBA Journal reported, "wear and tear" was another reason for the ship's redesign, thanks to years of cigarette smoke and the natural deterioration of the furnishings due to the thousands of passengers that sailed the ship during its first three years at sea.

In 1975, the QE2 set sail from Southampton on her first world cruise.

The ship sailed 38,000 miles and visited 23 ports in 92 days. The QE2 would go on to complete 25 world cruises during her career.

While the ship looks drastically different than many modern, luxury cruise lines of today, it still gave its passengers plenty of space to lounge, relax, and soak up the sun.

The photo above shows the original pool deck aboard the QE2. The original pool, where aqua aerobics classes once took place, is still there today.

In April 1982, the QE2 was briefly used as a troopship to carry members of the British military to the Falkland Islands during the war with Argentina.

The ship sailed to South Georgia with 3,000 troops aboard, and it arrived back in Southampton in June 1982. 

Throughout her life as an operating cruise liner, the QE2 traveled more than 6 million miles and carried more than 2.5 million passengers.

The ship was officially retired and sold in 2008. 

In 2018, after millions of dollars was spent refurbishing and restoring the ship to its former glory, the QE2 opened as a luxury hotel in Dubai. 

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What It Was Like to Cross the Atlantic on the Queen Elizabeth 2

In the last decade, cruising has grown immensely , with hundreds of ships regularly ferrying passengers to nearly every corner of the globe: from Miami to the Caribbean, around the Cape Peninsula, through the Panama Canal, up and down the Mediterranean Sea. There’s a route, and a cruise line , for every type of traveler. But for many seasoned cruisers, one ship, and one iconic route, will always stand out as the crown jewel: Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth 2 , more affectionately known as the QE2 .

In operation from 1969 to 2008, the QE2 brought the rich and famous— Neil Diamond, Nelson Mandela, Elton John, Elizabeth Taylor, and several members of the Royal Family among them—from New York to Southampton, England, and vice versa. The ocean liner was a luxurious—and for some, less nerve-wracking—way to cross the Atlantic, and, at one time, was the only way to do so by sea.

When she was finally taken out of service, and eventually brought to Dubai to be turned into a floating hotel , crew and former passengers alike were “distraught.” We spoke to some of those former crew members and guests to find out what it was like to be on board, and what exactly made the ocean liner so alluring.

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Sleek, streamlined, and elegant

The QE2 ’s design stands in stark contrast to the ships most travelers see today. “There are no ships like it today, quite frankly,” says Andy Dinsdale, a former cruise director on the QE2 . “She was the fastest ship of her type in the world at that time. You look at the ships nowadays, they're all sky rises on ship bases. The QE2 was sleek, she was slim. She was made to cut through the ocean waves and she did it beautifully—fast and elegantly.”

Tim Davey, who worked as a crew purser and hotel officer onboard the QE2 in the early 90s, echoes the importance of the ship's design. “This thing had some really sexy shapes about it, you know? It was well maintained, always immaculate. And it was the pride and joy of Cunard every time it came into port. You knew you were on something special, whether you were a passenger, or a crew member.”

When she first came into service, the QE2 had a slick modern '70s “space-age-y” design, Dinsdale says. Public spaces were decorated with plastic laminates, modular furniture, and abstract art. Over the years, refurbishments led to a slightly more grandiose aesthetic, but many original structural elements remained.

Christian Reay , who sailed as a passenger in early 2007 and has since been on 17 cruises, said in an email that he remembers the ship’s “sleek, yacht-like” design, the “intricate ceilings and space-age pillars” of The Queen’s Room, where afternoon tea was served, as well as “her funnel in the traditional Cunard red and black livery, and the beautifully tiered aft decks and superstructure.” 

“I still remember being in the taxi, approaching the Queen Elizabeth II Terminal at Southampton docks, and seeing QE2 for the first time, and being completely in awe,” Reay said.

The interior of the Queen's Room, where afternoon tea was served and cocktail parties were hosted, 1969

A dining experience ‘second-to-none’

Guests on the QE2 dined according to the tier of room they paid for. Still, though, the food in any dining room was considered five-star. “From top to bottom—even if you're in the Columbia Dining Room, which was for those in the lower cabins, the food and the experience were still magic,” Davey says.

Drinks were a given, too. “The cocktail waiters were just magnificent. I've never seen mixologists like that before,” Dinsdale says.

Former guests concur. “No midnight buffet has ever been the same since,” Benedict Montgomery , who sailed with his family around the Norwegian Fjords aboard the QE2 in 2006, said in an email. “From elaborate ice sculptures to fresh oysters and lobster to whatever your heart desired, there was so much choice.”

British traditions were a highlight, too. “Afternoon Tea took place each day, promptly at 3 p.m., and it was an event not to be missed,” Reay says. “Immaculate white gloved waiter service, and a vast selection of finger sandwiches, cakes, French fancies, and scones with jam and clotted cream.” Altogether, “The dining experience was second to none,” he says.

Passengers in a VIP lounge during the QE2's first year of service, 1969

An elaborate event

Entertainment abounded on the QE2 , especially for Atlantic crossings. Guests could enjoy a drink at the piano bar, listen to classical music or jazz orchestras, practice ballroom dancing, or attend lectures given by filmmakers, former Concorde pilots , and more. “When you're doing a five day transatlantic, you want to know that you're going to have the opportunity to meet a famous author and do some education across the pond as well,” Davey says.

Occasionally, a themed cruise would be on offer, sailing with soap opera stars, former Olympians, or comedians. Beyond the notable names, guests mingled with one another—“The QE2 had this way of attracting people from all around the world who would come to sail on here, so there were always interesting people around,” Davey says. And guests dressed for the occasion, wearing suits and gowns to dinners. “You were really going on the QE2 to be part of an elaborate event, and it made it special.”

Luxury from start to finish

Also unique to the QE2 ? Its partnerships with other luxury modes of travel at the time. Packages were available to allow guests to travel on the Orient-Express train to Southampton, sail over to America, stay a night or two at the Waldorf Astoria in New York, then fly a chartered Concorde plane back to London. “That means of traveling the world—you’re going in the lap of luxury on all three” modes of transport, Dinsdale says.

Janice Jeffery, who took the Concorde to Singapore on her 21st birthday while working for Cunard, and arranged these packages for guests, says the experiences helped to put the cruise line back on the map.

“Now I meet people, and they always say, ‘my big regret was I never did Concorde and I never did QE2 ’ because they were iconic," she says. "I don't think we'll see anything like that again. There are too many ships and too many planes.”

Sailing out of New York, 2008 

A warm welcome

In the QE2 ’s heyday, world cruises were still somewhat of a novelty—so much so that locals would crowd into ports to see the ocean liner coming in. Jeffery and Davey recall hundreds of small sailing boats and motor vessels that would sail in with them in ports like Rio de Janeiro and Sydney , and the excited crowds that would greet them, lining the decks as they sailed into places like South Africa ’s Port Elizabeth.

Davey remembers sailing into New Zealand , “and just the flotilla of boats that would come and greet you and sail into the harbor with you was amazing.” Stateside, locals would stand on their balconies around Fort Lauderdale ’s port with air horns and flashlights. ”The captain would sound the QE2 horn three times, and then they would all answer with their horns. And it became a ritual sailing out of Fort Lauderdale,” he says.

The end of an era

The nostalgia for the QE2 is evident, carved out of her long history, penchant for carrying notable guests, and white glove service. "It reminded people of a bygone era which sadly none of us will ever experience again,” Montgomery, who has since sailed on 13 more cruises, says of the fanfare over the liner. “She evoked a lot of real love in passengers and crew,” says Jeffery.

With 1,800 passengers and 1,200 crew, there was much more attention paid to each guest, too. “It didn't matter what level of cabin you were in, you were treated like royalty,” Davey says. Montgomery, who sailed at age 11, recalls the wait staff “always went out of their way to ensure a fussy child, like I was, enjoyed the experience.”

That level of service is at the core of the QE2 ’s legacy. “Why do [travelers] go to The Savoy in London? Why do they go to The Ritz ? They want to have that feeling of being looked after in a way that the Romantic era of the Victorians were,” Dinsdale says.

While cruisers can no longer experience a transatlantic crossing or world cruise on the famed liner, they can still spend a night on board , docked in Dubai's Port Rashid; former crew say she’s been well looked after, too. Says Davey: “If you have that hankering to go and see the traditional old lady, you still can, and that's a great way for it to end up.”

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Timeline: a look back at the life of the QE2

This year marked the 50th anniversary of the iconic QE2 cruise liner. Now moored as a floating hotel in Dubai’s Port Rashid, we look back at her colourful history, from playing a pivotal role in the Falklands conflict to surviving 95ft rogue waves.

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By the time the QE2 left the docks of Southampton in late 2008 – for what would be her final ever voyage – she had sailed over six million nautical miles and hosted 2.5 million passengers over a 39-year career.

It brought to a close what had been a colourful history. Over the years, the iconic liner counted amongst its well-heeled patrons various members of the British royal family, as well as Nelson Mandela, Elizabeth Taylor and George Harrison.

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Across its lifetime, the QE2 also encountered bomb threats; played a role in the Falklands conflict; rescued 500 passengers from a burning naval ship; and survived a 95ft rogue wave – all before finally being decommissioned and sold to become a floating hotel in Dubai in the year of the great recession.

Then the story went cold. Years passed and many wondered whether the QE2, moored and inactive the Gulf city state, would ever see life again. Rumours persisted of those hotel conversion plans having fallen through; instead, it appeared, she was doomed for the scrapyard.

But in a case of better late than never, the QE2 did finally open its doors as a hotel on Port Rashid in 2018, and this year celebrated its 50th birthday.

Thankfully, the property doffs its cap to its heritage, its refurbishments based on the ship’s original design, from its porthole windows and artwork to carpets and even restaurant menus.

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That said, in its stationary capacity, it is doubtful the QE2 will ever lead such an evocative existence as she did on the high seas. Below is a timeline of the liner’s most memorable moments.

2 May 1969: the maiden voyage

The Cunard liner embarks on her maiden transatlantic voyage. Despite persistent rain, well-wishers descend upon the port of Southampton – amid a sea of balloons and streamers – to wave the ship off from her berth towards New York.

Carrying 1,400 passengers and a 928-strong crew, the QE2 arrives in Manhattan exactly four days, 16 hours and 35 minutes later, making her the world’s fastest passenger ship.

8 January 1971: the rescue of the Antilles

While passing through the Caribbean, the QE2 rescues passengers from Antilles, a French liner, which had run aground on fire close to Mustique.

Braving heavy seas and strong winds in the middle of the night, the liner successfully conducts the transfer aboard of 501 Antilles passengers from the beaches of the tiny island.

17 May 1972: bomb threats and a hoax

En route from Southampton to New York, the QE2 receives a bomb threat as part of a ransom demand. SAS and bomb disposal officers are scrambled to the middle of the Atlantic.

While the threat is soon proven by the FBI to be a hoax – played a by a New York shoe salesman – the episode serves as a valuable lesson in interservice cooperation and maritime security.

April 1973: panic as Gaddafi threatens attack

The liner sets sail for Haifa to mark the 25 th anniversary of the state of Israel, with Jewish passengers invited to celebrate Passover festivities onboard.

The QE2, however, soon finds itself at the centre of an international diplomatic crisis, with Libya’s leader Colonel Gaddafi threating to attack the ship in retaliation for Israel’s downing of a Libyan aircraft. The threat is taken seriously with 26 specially-trained commandos brought in to join the cruise.

The incident has been subject to much speculation since. Some historians credit Egyptian leader Anwar Sadat with talking Gaddafi down from carrying out his threat.

25 March 1975: Through the Panama canal with a foot to spare

The QE2 makes its first passage through the Panama Canal. With less than a foot to spare as it passes through the canal locks, it is the biggest ship ever to pass through the famous canal.

May 1982: QE2 turned troop carrier

As conflict escalates in the Falklands between British and Argentinian forces, the QE2 is requisitioned from cruising duties by Margaret Thatcher’s government in order to transport 3,000 troops to the South Atlantic. They are joined 650 volunteers belonging to the Cunard crew.

In anticipation of service, much of the liner is reinforced with steel plating, while two helicopter pads are installed. It arrives back in Southampton June 11, on the whole unscathed.

11 September 1995: 95ft waves strike

While in the North Atlantic, roughly 200 miles south of eastern Newfoundland, the QE2 runs into a rampaging Hurricane Luis.

While passengers are ordered to remain in their quarters, the ship’s bow is hit by a 95ft rogue wave at around 4am. From the vantage point of the bridge, the wave is akin to a large wall of water, leading Captain Ronald Warwick to comment later: “It looked as though the ship was headed for the white cliffs of Dover.”

2007-2008: time to retire

In June 2007, Carnival, the Cunard Line’s owner, announces the QE2 is to be retired from service. The move is attributed to incoming regulations, including the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, which would necessitate large and expensive levels of retrofitting to the vessel.

That same month, the vessel is bought for £50 million by Istithmar, the investment arm of Dubai World, which reveals plans for it to become a luxury floating hotel in the city state.

A farewell voyage is pencilled in for the following year, with the QE2 leaving Southampton docks for the final time on November 11, 2008, bound for the Gulf.

18 April 2018: rest in peace, luxury floating hotel

After almost a decade of being moored at Dubai’s Port Rashid, in which it has remained inactive, the QE2 finally opens its doors as a luxury floating hotel.

According to owner PCFC Hotels, the renovation has brought the ship “back to life”, while retaining several of its original features, including porthole windows and paintings.

The launch puts to bed years of rumours in which the QE2 was supposedly bound for a Chinese scrapyard. Former London Mayor Boris Johnson is also said to have given his backing, whilst in office, for the QE2 to be returned “home” to the UK capital.

2 May 2019: The QE2 celebrates its 50 th birthday

To celebrate its anniversary, the QE2 puts on a show with a selection of theatre experiences and gala dinners. Cunard also launches the Queen Elizabeth cruise ship – the youngest vessel in its fleet – on a 17-night Mediterranean voyage, starting from Southampton, UK. Guests and former QE2 captains enjoy historical talks, gatherings of past passengers, and even QE2-inspired menus and quizzes.

“When QE2 came into service in the 1960s, many critics said she wouldn’t last a decade in the age of the jet, but her unique design as a dual-purpose ship meant that she was versatile enough to operate both as a transatlantic liner and a cruise ship,” said Cunard vice-president Angus Struthers prior to the voyage.

Ian McNaught, the last captain to ever set a course on the QE2, payed a fitting tribute to the perennial cruise liner: “QE2 has been gone for nearly a decade now, however on her 50th anniversary the memory of her is still strong.”

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Timeline: a look back at the life of the QE2

This year marked the 50th anniversary of the iconic qe2 cruise liner. now moored as a floating hotel in dubai’s port rashid, ross davies looks back at her colourful history, from playing a pivotal role in the falklands conflict to surviving 95ft rogue waves.  .

shutterstock.com/Umomos

By the time the QE2 left the docks of Southampton in late 2008 – for what would be her final ever voyage – she had sailed over six million nautical miles and hosted 2.5 million passengers over a 39-year career.

It brought to a close what had been a colourful history. Over the years, the iconic liner counted amongst its well-heeled patrons various members of the British royal family, as well as Nelson Mandela, Elizabeth Taylor and George Harrison.

Across its lifetime, the QE2 also encountered bomb threats; played a role in the Falklands conflict; rescued 500 passengers from a burning naval ship; and survived a 95ft rogue wave – all before finally being decommissioned and sold to become a floating hotel in Dubai in the year of the great recession.

Then the story went cold. Years passed and many wondered whether the QE2, moored and inactive the Gulf city state, would ever see life again. Rumours persisted of those hotel conversion plans having fallen through; instead, it appeared, she was doomed for the scrapyard.

But in a case of better late than never, the QE2 did finally open its doors as a hotel on Port Rashid in 2018, and this year celebrated its 50 th birthday.

Thankfully, the property doffs its cap to its heritage, its refurbishments based on the ship’s original design, from its porthole windows and artwork to carpets and even restaurant menus.

That said, in its stationary capacity, it is doubtful the QE2 will ever lead such an evocative existence as she did on the high seas. Below is a timeline of the liner’s most memorable moments.

The maiden voyage

The Cunard liner embarks on her maiden transatlantic voyage. Despite persistent rain, well-wishers descend upon the port of Southampton – amid a sea of balloons and streamers – to wave the ship off from her berth towards New York.

Carrying 1,400 passengers and a 928-strong crew, the QE2 arrives in Manhattan exactly four days, 16 hours and 35 minutes later, making her the world’s fastest passenger ship.

Image courtesy of The University of Liverpool Library, Cunard archive

8 January 1971

The rescue of the antilles.

While passing through the Caribbean, the QE2 rescues passengers from Antilles, a French liner, which had run aground on fire close to Mustique.

Braving heavy seas and strong winds in the middle of the night, the liner successfully conducts the transfer aboard of 501 Antilles passengers from the beaches of the tiny island.

17 May 1972

Bomb threats and a hoax .

En route from Southampton to New York, the QE2 receives a bomb threat as part of a ransom demand. SAS and bomb disposal officers are scrambled to the middle of the Atlantic.

While the threat is soon proven by the FBI to be a hoax – played a by a New York shoe salesman – the episode serves as a valuable lesson in interservice cooperation and maritime security.

panic as Gaddafi threatens attack 

The liner sets sail for Haifa to mark the 25 th anniversary of the state of Israel, with Jewish passengers invited to celebrate Passover festivities onboard.

The QE2, however, soon finds itself at the centre of an international diplomatic crisis, with Libya’s leader Colonel Gaddafi threating to attack the ship in retaliation for Israel’s downing of a Libyan aircraft. The threat is taken seriously with 26 specially-trained commandos brought in to join the cruise.

The incident has been subject to much speculation since. Some historians credit Egyptian leader Anwar Sadat with talking Gaddafi down from carrying out his threat.

25 March 1975

Through the panama canal with a foot to spare .

The QE2 makes its first passage through the Panama Canal. With less than a foot to spare as it passes through the canal locks, it is the biggest ship ever to pass through the famous canal.

QE2 turned troop carrier 

As conflict escalates in the Falklands between British and Argentinian forces, the QE2 is requisitioned from cruising duties by Margaret Thatcher’s government in order to transport 3,000 troops to the South Atlantic. They are joined 650 volunteers belonging to the Cunard crew.

In anticipation of service, much of the liner is reinforced with steel plating, while two helicopter pads are installed. It arrives back in Southampton June 11, on the whole unscathed.

11 September 1995

95ft waves strike  .

While in the North Atlantic, roughly 200 miles south of eastern Newfoundland, the QE2 runs into a rampaging Hurricane Luis.

While passengers are ordered to remain in their quarters, the ship’s bow is hit by a 95ft rogue wave at around 4am. From the vantage point of the bridge, the wave is akin to a large wall of water, leading Captain Ronald Warwick to comment later: “It looked as though the ship was headed for the white cliffs of Dover."

time to retire

In June 2007, Carnival, the Cunard Line’s owner, announces the QE2 is to be retired from service. The move is attributed to incoming regulations, including the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, which would necessitate large and expensive levels of retrofitting to the vessel.

That same month, the vessel is bought for £50 million by Istithmar, the investment arm of Dubai World, which reveals plans for it to become a luxury floating hotel in the city state.

A farewell voyage is pencilled in for the following year, with the QE2 leaving Southampton docks for the final time on November 11, 2008, bound for the Gulf.

Stephan Backensfeld/shutterstock.com

18 April 2018

Rest in peace, luxury floating hotel .

After almost a decade of being moored at Dubai’s Port Rashid, in which it has remained inactive, the QE2 finally opens its doors as a luxury floating hotel.

According to owner PCFC Hotels, the renovation has brought the ship “back to life”, while retaining several of its original features, including porthole windows and paintings.

The launch puts to bed years of rumours in which the QE2 was supposedly bound for a Chinese scrapyard. Former London Mayor Boris Johnson is also said to have given his backing, whilst in office, for the QE2 to be returned “home” to the UK capital.

Editorial credit:  / Shutterstock.com

The QE2 celebrates its 50th birthday

To celebrate its anniversary, the QE2 puts on a show with a selection of theatre experiences and gala dinners. Cunard also launches the Queen Elizabeth cruise ship – the youngest vessel in its fleet – on a 17-night Mediterranean voyage, starting from Southampton, UK. Guests and former QE2 captains enjoy historical talks, gatherings of past passengers, and even QE2-inspired menus and quizzes.

“When QE2 came into service in the 1960s, many critics said she wouldn’t last a decade in the age of the jet, but her unique design as a dual-purpose ship meant that she was versatile enough to operate both as a transatlantic liner and a cruise ship,” said Cunard vice-president Angus Struthers prior to the voyage.

Ian McNaught, the last captain to ever set a course on the QE2, payed a fitting tribute to the perennial cruise liner: “QE2 has been gone for nearly a decade now, however on her 50th anniversary the memory of her is still strong.”

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QE2 Cruise Packages

Combine at the world’s most iconic floating hotel with a luxury cruise aboard the regal Queen Mary 2 with our exclusive QE2 cruise packages…

Built in 1967 and originally known as Hull 736, Queen Elizabeth 2 was synonymous with luxury cruising. The ship’s colourful history, which saw her cover 5.6 million miles and complete 806 transatlantic crossings for Cunard – as well as a stint carrying troops in the Falklands War – means the QE2 is rightfully remembered as the world’s most famous ocean liner.

Now based in Dubai, Queen Elizabeth 2 has been reborn as an elegant hotel. The period furniture and original portholes have been maintained, while modifications to the ship’s suites and restaurants mean that she sits effortlessly among the world’s most desirable hotels.

The collection of packages below give you the opportunity to enjoy a stay on Queen Elizabeth 2 either before, or after, a voyage aboard another famous Queen, the QM2 . We’ve included a variety of Cunard sailings to suit all preferences and are delighted to feature itineraries in the Mediterranean, Asia and Australia.

For further information, please call our Voyage Consultants on 0800 008 6677 . Alternatively, simply choose your preferred enquiry from the collection below and make an online enquiry.

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• Engine Room

The Queen Elizabeth 2 , or QE2 as she is commonly known was the flagship of the Cunard Line for nearly 40 years. QE2 made her maiden voyage in 1969 and was one of the last great Transatlantic liners. At 70,327 tons and 963 feet long with a top speed of 32.5 knots she is also one of the fastest and grandest passenger vessels ever built. QE2 is arguably the most famous liner in the world.

QE2 has been docked permanently in Dubai since being sold in 2008. The ship finally opened as a hotel on 18 April 2018.

For information about the Queen Mary 2 see the QM2 web site

• Shipwrecks of the Cunard Line (with Mike Roussel)
• Shipwrecks of the P&O Line (with Mike Roussel)
• The Union-Castle Line - Sailing Like Clockwork (with Mike Roussel)
• QE2: The Cunard Line Flagship, Queen Elizabeth 2 (with Commodore Ronald Warwick)

• Cast & crew
• User reviews

QE2: The World's Greatest Cruise Ship

• TV Mini Series

The 'Queen Elizabeth 2', or 'QE2' as she is commonly known was the flagship of the 'Cunard Line' for nearly 40 years. 'QE2' made her maiden voyage in 1969 and was one of the last great Trans... Read all The 'Queen Elizabeth 2', or 'QE2' as she is commonly known was the flagship of the 'Cunard Line' for nearly 40 years. 'QE2' made her maiden voyage in 1969 and was one of the last great Transatlantic liners. At over 70,000 ton, 963 feet long and later in her service, a top speed o... Read all The 'Queen Elizabeth 2', or 'QE2' as she is commonly known was the flagship of the 'Cunard Line' for nearly 40 years. 'QE2' made her maiden voyage in 1969 and was one of the last great Transatlantic liners. At over 70,000 ton, 963 feet long and later in her service, a top speed of 32 knots. With the latest technology used, the statistics shows that the 'QE2' was one o... Read all

• Tracy-Ann Oberman
• Simon Calder
• John Prescott
• 2 User reviews

Top cast 27

• Self - Narrator

• Self - Journalist
• Self - former 'Cunard' steward
• Self - Glasgow School of Art
• Self - QE2, Captain
• Self - QE2, Passenger
• Self - Naval Architect
• Self - QE2, Social Hostess
• Self - QE2, Social Director
• Self - Maritime Historian
• Self - QE2, Cruise Director
• Self - QE2, 'Cunard' PR Manager
• Self - 'Queen Elizabeth' Captain
• Self - QE2, Officer
• All cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

Did you know

• Trivia 'Queen Elizabeth 2' (QE2) is a retired British ocean liner. Originally built for the 'Cunard Line', the ship, named as the second ship named Queen Elizabeth. It was operated by 'Cunard' as both a transatlantic liner and a cruise ship from 1969 to 2008.
• Soundtracks Gloryhunter (End Credits Music) Performed by Brad Derrick Written by Brad Derrick Courtesy of Extreme Music Library Ltd

User reviews 2

• Apr 24, 2021
• February 6, 2018 (United Kingdom)
• United Kingdom
• 'QE2 Dubai' Homepage
• 'QE2' Homepage
• John Brown and Company, Upper Clyde Shipbuilders, Clydebank, Scotland, UK (John Brown and Company, Upper Clyde Shipbuilders, Clydebank, Scotland)
• Elephant House Studios
• Channel 5 Television
• See more company credits at IMDbPro

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• Runtime 2 hours

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Welcome to the QE2

Queen Elizabeth 2 is a historic gem and the only floating hotel in Dubai.

Located in Port Rashid, the QE2 is minutes away from the beach, the metro and near Dubai Downtown, home to Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall . Dubai International Airport is a short drive away.

Discover the rich history of the hotel featuring 447 distinctive rooms and suites, suitable for business travellers and couples, and designed to meet all your needs.

Indulge in international specialties at Lido restaurant, enjoy drinks and snacks at Golden Lion – the oldest pub in Dubai, or unwind with afternoon tea at the Queens Grill.

Keep up with your fitness routine in our gym and indoor pool, enjoy world-class performances in our licensed theatre, or explore Dubai’s attractions with our complimentary shuttle bus.

Rooms & Suites

Heritage tour, meetings & events, theater by qe2, a journey through time, special offers, summer sea-view stay at qe2, romantic voyage, heritage tour for schools, dine & explore, best available rate, royal afternoon tea, the qe2’s location.

• Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel is located in Port Rashid offering easy access to Dubai International Airport and Dubai’s key attractions.

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Queen Elizabeth 2 Mina Rashid P.O. Box 6769 Dubai, UAE

Explore the Logs of Every Sailing of the Revered QE2 Ocean Liner on This Interactive Website

By Zac Thompson

01/03/2022, 12:45 PM

During its 40 years in service starting in 1968, Cunard's Queen Elizabeth 2 ocean liner sailed a total of nearly 6 million miles, stopping at 312 ports around the world and crossing the Atlantic Ocean 805 times. 

Now permanently docked in Dubai , the QE2, as it's commonly known, has been transformed into a 13-deck, 215-room floating hotel in the city's Port Rashid district.

But you don't have to go to the United Arab Emirates to delve into the ship's storied past, thanks to an absorbing online project created by a former captain of the QE2 and his son. 

According to The Telegraph , Commodore Ron Warwick, who captained the vessel from 1990 to 2003, and his son, Sam, an IT consultant and author, have worked for more than two decades to log every single one of the QE2's voyages, from the sea trials in 1968—when Ron's father, William, served as the ship's first captain—to the farewell cruise around the world in 2008 (the ship's approach to Fremantle, Australia, during that trip is pictured above).

The result of the Warwicks' painstaking labor is the QE2 Abstract Log , an exhaustive record of the ship's 232,129.02 hours at sea. 

The data, compiled from more than 16,000 entries in log books as well as captains' diaries, public records, and documents from the Cunard Archive at the University of Liverpool, is estimated to be at least 99.5% accurate, according to the website.

The info is interactive, too. You can search for specific voyages —perhaps to jog your memory with the details of a past vacation—or scroll through annual reports detailing how far the ship sailed, where it went, and what happened on board for each year the QE2 was active.

The list of notable events at the end of each annual report is perhaps the site's most fascinating feature, especially given the terse, matter-of-fact way that strange incidents, A-list passengers, and even big geopolitical conflicts are notated.

Amid entries for engine trouble, birthday celebrations, and rescues of people who fell overboard, you'll suddenly find intriguing jottings such as " Jellyfish breakdown off Trinidad " (March 5, 1971), " Princess Diana visit off Cowes " (April 29, 1987), " Lost racing pigeon " (June 25, 2000), the alarming " Crew rampage - damaged tapestries " (April 13, 2005), and, when the QE2 was briefly used to transport British soldiers, " Requisitioned for Falklands War " (May 3, 1982). 

Site users can also peruse stats about the ship's 25 captains and the most-visited ports. If you have additional details to share about the QE2, you're invited to submit info via the website's contact page .  

Cunard, for its part, still offers transatlantic journeys aboard the Queen Mary 2, which travels between New York City and Southampton in the U.K.—though New York service is temporarily disrupted  due to the Omicron surge.

To experience the Queen Mary 2 virtually, you can watch Steven Soderbergh's  Let Them All Talk on HBO Max. Much of the film, which stars Meryl Streep as a famous author on a trip with lifelong friends, was shot on board the ship during a regular transatlantic voyage in 2019.

Then, of course, there's the original Queen Mary . Put out of commission in 1967, it was turned into a tourist attraction and later a hotel in Long Beach, California, but access to the moldering vessel is currently barred to the public as city officials try to figure out how to come up with the millions of dollars needed for repairs.  

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Queen Elizabeth deck plans

Deck layouts, review of facilities, activities, amenities.

Queen Elizabeth deck plan review at CruiseMapper provides newest cruise deck plans (2024-2025-2026 valid floor layouts of the vessel) extracted from the officially issued by Cunard deckplan pdf (printable version).

Each of the Queen Elizabeth cruise ship deck plans are conveniently combined with a legend (showing cabin codes) and detailed review of all the deck's venues and passenger-accessible indoor and outdoor areas. A separate link provides an extensive information on Queen Elizabeth staterooms (cabins and suites), including photos, cabin plans and amenities by room type and category.

MS Queen Elizabeth (2010-built, last refurbished in 2023) is the third of the four Cunard ships - together with MS Queen Victoria (sistership), RMS Queen Mary 2 (flagship) and the fleet's newest liner Queen Anne (2024).

Cunard Queen Elizabeth cruise ship deck plan shows a total of 1043 staterooms for 2081 passengers (max capacity is 2503) served by 900 crew-staff (max 1001). The boat has 12 passenger decks (7 with cabins), 6 restaurants, 15 lounges and bars, 9 shops-boutiques, 3 swimming pools (1 hydrotherapy), 5 outdoor Jacuzzis (whirlpool hot tubs), 12 elevators, open deck area is 930 m2 (10,000 ft2), laundrettes (passenger-use laundry rooms).

Queen Elizabeth deck plan changes 2018 refurbishment review

The ship's 12-day drydock 2018 refurbishment (November 15-27, at Damen Shiprepair Brest/ Brest France ) resulted in the following deck plan changes:

• All staterooms (cabins and suites) were upgraded.
• (deck 3) Royal Arcade was redesigned.
• (deck 1) Royal Court Theatre (ship's main show lounge) was completely overhauled (its audio and video equipment was upgraded).
• (Lido deck 9) open-deck spaces on Sun Deck were upgraded with new furniture, shaded seating areas were expanded.
• (deck 9) ship's wellness complex "Mareel Wellness & Beauty" (Spa, Beauty Salon) was extensively refurbished, and its treatments menu was upgraded via partnership with Canyon Ranch.

Maintenance works included stabilizers, ABB Azipods (azimuth thrusters), water-ballast tanks, EGCS (scrubbers/exhaust gas cleaning system), piping and ducting, safety equipment (lifeboats, liferafts), tender boats, renovations of hallways and corridors, cleaning and repainting the hull. All works were conducted at Damen Shiprepair Brest shipyard.

Queen Elizabeth deck plan changes 2014 refurbishment review

The list of deckplan changes after drydock 2014 in Hamburg Germany (at Blohm+Voss Shipyard) included:

• hull works (cleaning and repainting) and routine maintenance
• technology enhancements: filter system upgrade, scrubbers (new eco-friendly technology to lower exhaust gasses and bettering the fuel efficiency), Azipod (Azimuth thruster) propulsion modifications
• onboard enhancements: new carpeting in all public spaces, passenger cabins (new mattresses and flat TVs), restaurant renovations (plus new coffee-tea makers), new jewelry shops (on Promenade Deck 3), restyling of the Lido buffet area (Deck 9), Photo Studio upgrade (new touch screen photo processing system), new sun-awning systems (on open decks 9 and 12)
• 9 new single cabins were added on Deck 2 (8 Oceanview, 1 Standard Inside) taking some of the Casino space.

Deck layouts

Queen Elizabeth deck plans are property of Cunard . All deck layouts are for informational purposes only and CruiseMapper is not responsible for their accuracy.