Alex visiting QE2 Hotel Dubai, July 2023

[Rob Lightbody]

With the Promenade shops all but shuttered up, is the Grand Lounge used for anything ?  Or have they condensed the shopping to Smugglers Cove as some of us affectionately called the place . Im assuming they do sell souvenirs ?

Maybe someone thats been there recently can tell us, but I don't think they have anything for sale in the way of souvenirs... I'm not even sure if they have a normal shop - the travelers cove is now a nice wee museum (photos to follow)

[Lynda Bradford]

When I was onboard Hotel QE2 in 2019, there was a big conference held over a few days, reception and cocktail parties were held in the space. This appeared to work as people were going out onto the deck and enjoying the view.   

But the space is in need of a revamp as it looks a bit tired.  Hopefully this will be planned.

[Clydebuilt1971]

Some photos from out on the deck.

Do we think there is a wood or wood-like covering for the deck that is low maintenance, that could cope with the Dubai climate?

What about the stuff that QE & QV have on their deck instead of wood? The only issue with plastic or similar coverings is they may get slippery when wet (I remember almost going my length a couple of times whilst on board QV when there were wet patches on the outer decks)

[Joann Scott]

It was nice to see photos as QE2 is now.However they still need to do more work. It is the same as Queen Mary in in Long Beach.
We are lucky that we have both still being available to see. It takes lots of money.
Thank you to Alex for taking the pictures.

[Rob Lightbody]

Tonight, Alex's photos take us to the Chart Room.

[Brandon Sterkel]

I don't know if this has been discussed beforehand (and if I missed it) but it appears the Britannia Figurehead has been removed from her corner in the Chart Room. I wonder where they moved her to.

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

Not bad. Good to see the calligraphies still in place.

The chart chest is not there -- and how about the piano?

The QE horse looks good in this new location.

I do not remember that the Britannia figurehead was in the Chart Room... but in any case, where is it now?

[Rob Lightbody]

Some more shots, plus one last one of the Chart Room - plus check out the original Cunard cocktail sticks!

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

The history wall looks quite attractive.

And interesting little inscriptions on the windows blocking the out-of-bounds sitting areas!

[Rob Lightbody]

Apologies for the delay posting these.

Alex visited the new museum area on board.

[June Ingram]

It does look like progress is being made. She does look well dusted and vacuumed !

Many thanks, Alex, for the photos, and thanks to Rob for posting.

[Rob Lightbody]

Some more pics from Alex's visit.

[Lynda Bradford]

Thank-you to Alex for sharing these excellent photos

The history wall looks quite attractive.

And interesting little inscriptions on the windows blocking the out-of-bounds sitting areas!

I was also intrigued seeing the inscription "Reading maketh a full man" on the glass door, which made me think were they always on the doors. 

Looking at a bookshop photo in the gallery, you can just about make out the same inscription, but the text looks much smaller.  So would love to learn more.  Is this the original door or was it decided to use the same inscription on a new door?

[Rob Lightbody]

This is the last photos from Alex's visit last month.

Purser's desk (is it actually used for anything now?)

One I missed from the Chart Room photos (why is the map so dark!?)

and the door to "Nelson Mandela's cabin" - currently unrestored/unavailable.

Thank you Alex for your photo tour of Hotel QE2 Dubai.

[Rod]

Thank you Alex for all the great pictures. I am certainly glad that you identify them because even after 20 years on board. Some of the places are unrecognizable to me !