Inside this historic hotel that’s putting down anchor in Dubai

The iconic QE2 ocean liner is set to open as a permanent hotel in Port Rashid.

It spent nearly 40 years cruising around the seas, but now it’s setting down roots right here in Dubai.

The legendary ocean liner Queen Elizabeth II (commonly referred to as QE2) will open as a permanent hotel and museum in the near future – and we’ve just had a glimpse at what the suites will look like.

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The ship, which is based at Port Rashid, first arrived in the Emirates back in 2008, and has been undergoing an extensive makeover ahead of its opening.

It’s not known exactly when it will open its doors as a hotel, but the official Instagram account revealed this week that “it’s not long until her new journey begins”.

The Queen Elizabeth 2 lobby will be home to a fascinating interactive museum portraying the amazing origins of the QE2 . . Replete with actual and replicated artifacts of those days, the museum reproduces three iconic spaces from the ship: the bridge, a first class cabin and the Queens Room. . . The self-guided exhibition will feature evocative sound effects and captivating information panels in both English and Arabic. . . #stillmakinghistory #QE2 #queenelizabethtwo #heritage #maritimeheritage #royalty #morethanahotel #minarashid #mydubai #shiphotel #experience #dubaihotel #livinghistory #historyinthemaking #dubaiexperience #oceanliner #dubaidestinations

A post shared by QE2 Dubai (@qe2dubai) on Apr 3, 2018 at 11:20pm PDT

So, what can you expect to find at the 963-foot QE2? For overnight guests, there’ll be rooms and suites which have been “thoughtfully restored” to pay tribute to the liner’s heritage.

Accommodation will feature dark wood panelling and vintage appliances, harking back to the ship’s maritime history, but you’ll find all the mod cons of your typical hotel room too.

There’ll also be 12 entertainment and dining venues on board, from casual eateries and grand restaurants to a theatre and a nightclub.

Discover a world of gastronomy, entertainment and nightlife experiences onboard the QE2. . . From casual and fine dining, to grand theaters and nightclubs – she will have a selection of 12 diverse venues to uncover at her prime location in Dubai’s Mina Rashid… . . #stillmakinghistory #livinghistory #monumentaldestination #qe2 #queenelizabethtwo #diningdestination #diningindubai #culinarydiscovery #nightlifedestination #minarashid #mydubai #shiphotel #experience #dubaihotel #historyinthemaking #dubaiexperience #oceanliner #dubaidestinations #dubaievents

A post shared by QE2 Dubai (@qe2dubai) on Mar 28, 2018 at 5:26am PDT

You’ll also be able to find an interactive museum that charts the QE2’s history on-site too, complete with artifacts and reproduced rooms.

Although not confirmed by the Port, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, who are now responsible for the liner, it has been rumoured that the 300-key hotel will open in the first half of this year, What’s On Dubai reports.

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The QE2, which first set sail in 1969, was officially launched by Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, and boasts Prince Charles among its passengers.

And hopefully we can join that regal guest list in the not-too-distant future…

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Images: Supplied