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Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) heritage tours

Last updated: 19 April, 2024

The so-called ‘Golden Age of Travel’, spanning from the late 1800s to the 1950s, was a time when travelling by train, ship, or air was a luxurious and glamorous experience. Passengers dressed in their finest clothes and were pampered with exquisite cuisine and personalised service. It saw the emergence of iconic brands and travel experiences such as the Orient Express and the Titanic.

The Queen Elizabeth 2 – the most famous ocean liner in the world – epitomised the era. Built in 1969 as the flagship of the Cunard Line, it was renowned for its speed, elegance and luxury – its opulent interiors, which included a grand staircase, ballrooms, a theatre, and multiple restaurants – setting a new standard in cruise and travel luxury at the time. It became a cultural icon and a symbol of British refinement.

Saved from the tip, today it’s permanently moored in Dubai where it’s been repurposed as a hotel where guests can stay and relive their Golden Age fantasies. Guests and non-guests can join entertaining and informative heritage tours led by the ship’s former Cruise Director, which will teach you all about this legend of the seas and its role in the Golden Age.

For the full experience, book in for an afternoon tea in the Queen’s Grill.

Logistics

Price from: £38
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

When to do it

Tours run three times a day, all year round. Tours that include an afternoon tea only run on Friday & Saturday.

Destination guides

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Dubai

  • United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Burj Khalifa rising above Dubai downtown cityscape high angle view view at sunset. United Arab Emirates modern architecture and travel abstract

Destination guide

A desert city playground with a unique combination of Arabian culture, mega-malls and audacious architecture in a setting of year-round sun, sand and sea. Great family hotels and a ridiculous number of family attractions too.