The Final Voyage of the RMS Queen Elizabeth 2

On November 11, 2008, the RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2), one of the most iconic ocean liners in maritime history, completed its final voyage by arriving in Dubai. This marked the end of an illustrious career spanning nearly four decades, during which the QE2 became synonymous with luxury travel and transatlantic crossings.

Background and Service

• Launch and Early Years: The QE2 was launched by the Cunard Line in 1967 and embarked on its maiden voyage in 1969. It was designed to replace the aging Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth ships, serving as a transatlantic liner and cruise ship.
• Design and Features: At the time of its launch, the QE2 was celebrated for its modern design, featuring state-of-the-art technology and luxurious amenities. It was capable of carrying over 1,700 passengers and had a crew of about 1,000.
• Role and Reputation: Over the years, the QE2 became a symbol of British maritime excellence and luxury. It served as a transatlantic liner, a cruise ship, and even a troopship during the Falklands War in 1982.

The Final Voyage

• Decision to Retire: By the early 2000s, the QE2 was showing signs of age, and Cunard decided to retire the vessel. In 2007, it was announced that the ship would be sold to Istithmar, a Dubai investment company, to be converted into a floating hotel and museum.
• Farewell Tour: Before its final voyage to Dubai, the QE2 embarked on a farewell tour, visiting ports around the world and allowing admirers to bid farewell to the storied liner.
• Arrival in Dubai: On November 11, 2008, the QE2 arrived in Dubai, greeted by a flotilla of boats and a fireworks display. The ship docked at Port Rashid, where it was to be transformed into a luxury hotel and museum.

Aftermath and Legacy

• Conversion Plans: The initial plan was to refurbish the QE2 into a floating hotel, similar to the Queen Mary in Long Beach, California. However, the global financial crisis of 2008 delayed these plans.
• Current Status: After several years of uncertainty and changes in ownership, the QE2 finally opened as a hotel in Dubai in 2018, offering guests a chance to experience the grandeur of this historic vessel.
• Cultural Impact: The QE2 remains a beloved icon of maritime history, remembered for its elegance, speed, and service. It holds a special place in the hearts of those who sailed on her and continues to attract visitors from around the world.

The QE2’s transformation into a hotel and museum ensures that its legacy endures, allowing future generations to appreciate a significant piece of 20th-century maritime history.