Frequently Asked Questions about QE2

Is QE2 an Ocean Liner?

Yes! QE2 was built as an ocean liner, capable of also undertaking cruises. This kind of ship is known as a Dual Purpose Liner. QE2 was arguably the ultimate Ocean Liner, as she sailed further and for longer than her predecessors.

How much did it cost to sail on QE2?

Prices varied. QE2 undertook a variety of cruises. She also offered an array of cabin categories. Cabins ranged from the ultra luxurious Queens Grill suites to smaller inside Mauretania grade cabins – so the cruise price changed depending on the number of nights and the cabin category.

What was the dress code like on QE2?

The QE2 offered a more formal experience than many of today’s cruise ships. During the day the ship had a casual atmosphere, where shorts and t-shirts, jeans and polo shirts were the norm. If you were heading up on deck for a swim, bathers and board-shorts were fine. From 6pm the ship came alive with the experience of travel from yesteryear and as such smart pants and jackets as well as elegant dresses or jumpsuits were the expectation. The most formal evenings were on the Gala Nights where tuxedoes, dark suits and evening gowns were worn. Queens Grill, Princess Grill and Britannia Grill guests were expected to dress more formally than Caronia and Mauretania grade passengers.

Is QE2 bigger than QM2?

No! In the 1960s, QE2 was purposefully designed to be smaller than the original Queens, allowing her to transit the Panama Canal. This design allowed QE2 to undertake many world cruises, something the original Queens couldn’t easily accomplish. Queen Mary 2 entered service in 2004 and is lot bigger than QE2 – around twice the tonnage – making QM2 much bigger than QE2.

How long did it take QE2 to cross the Atlantic?

QE2 was a very fast ship with a service speed of 28.5 knots, a maximum cruising speed of 32 knots and a top speed of 34 knots! The ship could complete a 5 day transatlantic crossing with time to spare. In the 1990s, the QE2’s crossings were slowed to 6 days.

Where was QE2 built?

QE2 was built at John Browns Shipyard (later Upper Clyde Shipbuilders) in Clydebank, Scotland. She was the last large passenger ship built at the yard, and the last transatlantic express liner built until Queen Mary 2 was completed in late 2003!

What was QE2 supposed to be called?

Cunard had originally intended to name QE2 “Queen Elizabeth” The company had never used a numeral suffix on its ships names. On the day of the launch, HM. Queen Elizabeth II named the ship “Queen Elizabeth the Second”. Cunard and Buckingham Palace agreed that the ship’s name would be stylised as “Queen Elizabeth 2” – QE2 for short.

Where is QE2 now?

QE2 has been in Dubai since 2008. She was laid up from 2008-2017 and opened as a floating hotel in Dubai in 2018.