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The QE2 cruise ship is now bookable in its new life as a Dubai hotel

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Whilst not strictly miles and points related, I thought this was an interesting story which would appeal to a lot of readers.

Those of you with long memories may remember that the Queen Elizabeth 2 cruise ship was sold to Dubai, via the Dubai World holding company, back in 2008.  Her final voyage ended in Dubai and the liner was handed over.

QE2 floating hotel Accor Mgallery Dubai

The timing, of course, was terrible.  The financial crisis hit Dubai very hard and plans to turn her into a floating hotel hit the buffers.  For many years the ship sat in the port, still requiring a full-time crew of 40 to keep it operational.

The market finally turned and conversion work began.  On 18th April, the QE2 will reopen as a hotel via a ‘soft launch’ ahead of a formal reopening in the Autumn.

You can find out more, and book, on the QE2 website here.

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Comments (42)

This article is closed to new comments. Feel free to ask your question in the HfP forums.

  • Anna says:
    17 Apr17 April 05:16

    I’ve just booked a CE flight & hotel package to Rome so it’ll be nice to check out the new lounge.

    Rob, I’ve booked the Hilton Garden Inn for this trip, so does that mean I’ve forfeited all my HH gold perks by booking via BA?

  • Mike says:
    17 Apr17 April 05:19

    QE2 location is not great. Too far from anything and the timings are best-case scenario…which means add more time. Gallery of pictures doesn’t look inviting. Did a dummy booking for June and got something like AED600 with taxes per night. Way too high given other options. Would pass on this -even for nostalgic purposes.

  • Simon says:
    17 Apr17 April 06:50

    I was in the Plaza Premium (via LoungeKey) next door yesterday and it was the best lounge experience I’ve had for a good while…..

  • Stuart says:
    17 Apr17 April 07:40

    Off to Rome in June so will be checking this out!

  • Boi says:
    17 Apr17 April 07:46

    OT: what is the most (points) effective way to top up Revolut?

  • Richard says:
    17 Apr17 April 07:57

    OT: Does anyone have any experience of purchasing travel cash through one of the new Curve debit cards? Will it come up as a cash withdrawal, or an ordinary transaction? (I’m planning to purchase my travel cash from WeSwap, who take debit card — wondering if I can generate a few points along the way.)

    • Keith says:
      17 Apr17 April 08:44

      The twice I’ve tried it have both been rejected; mine is a new Curve card however.

      • Richard says:
        17 Apr17 April 10:21

        Well mine is also a new Curve, so I guess I’ll just put it on my usual debit card then.

    • Rebecca says:
      17 Apr17 April 09:08

      I realise this isn’t what you’re asking, but I did a withdrawal in Germany on my curve card after linking it to my Lloyds Avios m/c and switching currency to Euros and came up as a purchase in Euros at the airport. No charges and earnt some avios!

    • Doug says:
      17 Apr17 April 10:25

      Since you mentioned, I need to report that HSBC Premier card is now considering curve cash withdrawn as cash withdrawn and charging interest on top. I wasn’t sure if the interest charged on my card was due to curve or revolut, but the CS confirmed it is curve. I have now upgraded to the debit card version and i will report back next month.

    • Anna says:
      17 Apr17 April 11:07

      I’ve topped up my Cash Passport using Curve linked to my Lloyds Mastercard. So far no interest or other charges showing on my statement.

  • Chris says:
    17 Apr17 April 08:01

    The mixologist idea sounds like a 15 minute wait just for a glass of wine whilst a couple of watery yet colourful cocktails are ‘mixed’ by a Tom Cruise wannabe.

  • Tim M says:
    17 Apr17 April 09:52

    My last trip on the QE2 was Southampton to New York in January 2006. It was the first leg of the World Cruise, complete with Salvation Army band sending us off from in the fog from the quay. Obviously under-sold, we paid a little under £300 including the flight back to Heathrow. I can’t see any such bargains on the horizon for the stationary QE2.

    • Louie says:
      17 Apr17 April 12:10

      Wow. Bargain of the century. We did our first cruise on the QE2 to the fjords, splashed out for Princess Grill as she was running up to retirement at the time. Loved her, pure class. Will always regret not doing QE2 out and Concorde back (or vv) from New York. It was planned for a big birthday but fate intervened.

This article is closed to new comments. Feel free to ask your question in the HfP forums.

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