Forum members at QE2 Hotel Dubai - Nov / Dec 2023

[Cunarder Man]

The corridors: I was very impressed by the quality of the finishes on board. Given the damage there was from years of suit cases being bashed about, there was virtually no evidence of any. The workmanship appears to be of a very high standard. Much of the panelling around the ship has been replaced and that which hasn’t has had excellent restorative work done. I did comment on the high standard of paint finishes.

[Cunarder Man]

Fantastic photos so far John.

Would the teak on 1-deck aft have stood up better if it had been oiled regularly?  Or would that have made it cook worse?

Technically I cannot answer this but, I agree the heat & oil combination might not be ideal. From what I saw on deck one aft, some areas were beginning to break up. The wood had really turned black.

[Cunarder Man]

Seating which was on the boat deck is now situated ashore. I found two which has been restored and are positioned at a forward Deck Five entrance. They look great. Perhaps more will be stored and get back up on deck?

[Cunarder Man]

Shell doors - the quality of the finish here is excellent. Sorry, I don’t know if they are functional; I suspect they are?

[Peter Mugridge]

Technically I cannot answer this but, I agree the heat & oil combination might not be ideal. From what I saw on deck one aft, some areas were beginning to break up. The wood had really turned black.

I wonder if a few coats of yacht varnish might be better - unless that would make the surfaces too slippery, of course?

[Cunarder Man]

Many a time we stayed in a cabin like this!
This one is on display on deck 5 forward on QE2 today (5061) representative of 70s & 80s.
As far as I am aware the cabins used by guests today have been totally refurbished.

[Cunarder Man]

I was fortunate to see inside accessible cabin on Deck 3. It was very spacious and beautifully finished. Again, with subtle QE2 design touches.

[Chris Thompson]

Many a time we stayed in a cabin like this!

Looks just like one of several Casino staff cabins we had on 5 deck - 5242, 5244.
Great to see the original TV in place.

[Peter Mugridge]

Many a time we stayed in a cabin like this!
This one is on display on deck 5 forward on QE2 today (5061) representative of 70s & 80s.
As far as I am aware the cabins used by guests today have been totally refurbished.

Very, very, close in appearance - apart from the earlier decor style - of our 5050 from honeymoon... it's even the same way round... 

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

Interestingly, the QR code works! You can have a look at all kinds of events and offers on board and in the vicinity. It is up to date!

[Cunarder Man]

The Lido - slight modernisation since I saw it last in 2008. The overall ambience is the same, staff were extremely helpful! There is one Chef who actually worked on the ship when she was in service. The food was very good with a wide international variation on the menu. The Pavilion on Deck One was open only as an extension to the Lido.

[Rob Lightbody]

Great pics John, thanks for that and the updates on what its really like to be back on board!

[Rob Lightbody]

Many a time we stayed in a cabin like this!
This one is on display on deck 5 forward on QE2 today (5061) representative of 70s & 80s.
As far as I am aware the cabins used by guests today have been totally refurbished.

Thats my favourite photo you took in Dubai.  That makes me so happy to see.  A relatively easy thing to do, to save a typical cabin like that, but i wasn't sure they'd managed it.  My bigger ask would have been to have saved one of each type, but that might be unrealistic!

[June Ingram]

Wonderful photos and QE2 is looking good !

[Bob C.]

Very, very different from 1969 and the 70’s.  While it looks good and modern and she’s is being well taken care of, I guess I’m too attached to the original look of the ship.

Regardless, I’m hoping to experience her again in her new look in 2024.