Step aboard the QE2 in Dubai and uncover the secrets of a ship that hosted royalty and rockstars

Step aboard this iconic vessel for a once-in-a-lifetime experience

By Amanda Teague Published April 28, 2025

Queen Elizabeth 2

Docked in Dubai’s Port Rashid, the Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) invites visitors to relive a bygone era of glamour, adventure, and history through its immersive QE2 Heritage Tours. Once the crown jewel of the seas, this legendary ocean liner carried royalty, rockstars, and world leaders alike.

During her illustrious career spanning over 1,400 voyages and more than 6 million nautical miles, the QE2 hosted some of history’s most iconic figures. Elizabeth Taylor, David Bowie, Buzz Aldrin, and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II once walked these very halls. In 1998, Nelson Mandela called his time aboard the QE2 an “unforgettable honour.” Now, for the first time, guests can descend into this extraordinary legacy, exploring hidden corners of the ship where Hollywood legends mingled and history unfolded.

Recommended Videos

Ferghal Purcell, General Manager of the Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel said, “The QE2 is not just a ship; she is a cultural milestone – a marvel of engineering launched in the same era as the Concorde and the Moon landing. Through the Heritage Tours, we honour her enduring legacy, inviting a new generation of travellers to explore her fascinating past and connect with the shared human stories that unfolded across her decks.”

What to expect on the tour

The QE2 Heritage Tour starts in the hotel lobby, where visitors can view original artifacts, rare memorabilia, and personal stories from those connected to the ship’s history. Highlights include a visit to The Captain’s Bridge and Portside Bridge Wing, a fully restored 1969 Tourist-Class cabin, and historically preserved corridors and venues.

The tour also features tributes to the QE2’s royal ties, including its 1967 launch by Queen Elizabeth II and special voyages with Princess Diana and The Queen Mother. Guests will also learn about the ship’s surprising connections to maritime legends like the Titanic and the White Star Line.

Booking information

Pre-booking is required for the QE2 Heritage Tour, priced at AED 85 per person (approximately $23 USD). The tour is available daily at 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Reservations can be made on the company’s website.

Contributor

Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer featured in several online publications, is a dedicated explorer of both the world…

Topics

Destinations

Travel

Yes, you’re probably overpacking — 7 travel tips for packing I swear by

Years of travel mistakes led me here. These tips actually work

An overhead view of a man packing a suitcase

There are two types of people in the world – the ones who pack two weeks in advance with a packing checklist, and the ones who shove a random pair of shoes into a bag 10 minutes before leaving for the airport. I’ve been both.

But after years of red eyes, lost luggage, and trying to survive long layovers in jeans, I’ve learned what actually works. These are the travel tips for packing I swear by – the things that save space, stress, and yes, your sanity.
1. Lay everything out. Then put a third of it back.

Travel

Move over Vegas — this U.S. city is now the top casino spot

Is Chicago the new Las Vegas?

Casino

Before you book your next trip to Las Vegas, you might want to consider a surprising alternative. A new ranking from gaming aggregator SlotMatrix reveals that Sin City isn’t even in the top three casino destinations in the U.S. In fact, Las Vegas came in fourth place, while the number one spot went to an unexpected winner: Chicago, Illinois.

The study analyzed several factors, including the number of casinos per 100,000 residents, casino amenities like hotels and restaurants, the number of slot machines, table games, poker tables, late-night bar options, and average hotel prices.

Travel

Luggage shipping gains popularity as travelers seek stress-free flying

Avoid long baggage claim waits and lost luggage stresses

Man carrying luggage in both hands

In case you are unaware, AAA says a record-setting 72.2 million Americans are estimated to travel ahead of Independence Day this week (between Saturday, June 28, and Sunday, July 4th). AAA projects that this year's domestic travel forecast will surpass 1.7 million travelers over last year, and 7 million more than in 2019. Busy summer travel also means an increased chance of encountering common airport hassles, such as long wait times at baggage claim, and even lost, damaged, or stolen luggage. Travelers are also looking for new ways to avoid rising checked bag fees and overweight baggage fees.

As a solution, more travelers are turning to luggage shipping as an alternative to make their summer journeys a bit smoother. With luggage shipping options at The UPS store, specialty luggage boxes are used to accommodate a wide variety of the most common suitcase sizes. For airlines with strict size and weight regulations, using luggage shipping may offer an easier, stress-free option to transport your belongings without the hassle. Travelers with specific mobility issues or with multiple suitcases have also turned to luggage shipping as a more straightforward solution than navigating busy airports with numerous suitcases at once.