There is something timeless about life aboard a grand ocean liner. The rhythm of the waves, the glow of twilight across the deck, and the quiet conversation that fills a dining room all speak to an elegance that transcends eras. Earlier this year, our journey aboard Riverside Luxury Cruises rekindled an appreciation for this kind of travel—one that values stillness, craftsmanship, and connection over speed. It was a reminder that the most memorable voyages are those that blend culture and comfort seamlessly, where every moment feels both intimate and infinite.
That experience became the beginning of a newfound affection for luxury cruising—an indulgence that finds its perfect continuation aboard the legendary Queen Elizabeth 2.
The Only Floating Hotel In The Emirates
Today, the Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel, managed by Accor, stands as a historic icon and the only floating hotel in the Emirates. Permanently docked at Port Rashid, this extraordinary vessel is perfectly positioned near Dubai’s main attractions and luxury shopping destinations, yet feels worlds away from the city’s bustle.
The ship’s 447 renovated rooms and suites have been carefully restored and designed to offer modern comfort within a framework of maritime history. Each space serves as a peaceful retreat—quiet, elegant, and steeped in legacy. From the moment guests step aboard, the QE2 delivers a rare kind of hospitality, one that honours both its British heritage and Dubai’s reputation for world-class luxury.
A Culinary Journey Across Continents
This fall, the QE2 continues to enchant with its extraordinary Around the World in 80 Days culinary series—an ambitious voyage that transforms dining into a cultural exploration. Under the direction of Executive Chef Erwan Stadler, the ship’s historic Queens Grill has become a global stage where guest chefs from every corner of the world bring their stories, techniques, and traditions to life.
Chef Erwan Stadler, Executive Chef of the Queen Elizabeth 2
Chef Stadler’s philosophy is simple yet profound: “One Ship, Eighty Destinations, Infinite Flavours. This isn’t just a dining experience—it is a cultural conversation through food.” With more than 25 years of international experience, he curates menus that celebrate authenticity while embracing innovation, allowing each guest chef to reimagine their homeland’s flavours within the ship’s storied walls.
Autumn Flavours On The High Seas
Throughout October, guests can experience a rotating lineup of culinary collaborations. From Manila’s soulful Filipino flavours by Chef Naimas Dobo, to Cartagena’s vibrant Latin dishes by Chef Andres, and the bright, tropical interpretations of Seychelles’ Chef Daniel, every week introduces a new sensory adventure. The month concludes in the Mediterranean with Greek Chef Panagiotis Raptopoulos—known as Chef Panous—whose sunlit flavours of Piraeus transport diners through shared memory and joy.
In November and December, the journey continues with celebrated chefs from Kenya, Egypt, and France, whose dishes weave together spice, heritage, and refinement—perfectly befitting the QE2’s reputation for global excellence.
Dining, Discovery, And Distinction
Beyond the Around the World in 80 Days series, the QE2 invites guests to explore its diverse dining destinations. Lido offers relaxed, all-day dining with refined international fare, while The Golden Lion—Dubai’s oldest pub—pays tribute to the ship’s British roots. The Pavilion, an alfresco lounge overlooking Port Rashid, offers open-air indulgence beneath the Dubai skyline, and the Queens Grill remains the crown jewel, renowned for its elegant Afternoon Tea that continues a tradition once reserved for the world’s elite travellers.
For those seeking something truly special, the QE2 also offers a collection of extraordinary event spaces—both indoor and outdoor—making it one of Dubai’s most distinctive venues for celebrations, weddings, and private gatherings. Each setting carries a sense of grandeur and nostalgia, perfect for those who appreciate a touch of maritime glamour.
Where Heritage Meets Modern Grandeur
The Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel is not simply a place to stay—it is a destination that embodies the art of refined living. Every corner of the ship tells a story, from its polished decks to its reimagined interiors. It is where the glamour of the past meets the innovation of the present, offering an experience that is both authentic and transformative.
For those who fell in love with the grace and intimacy of Riverside Luxury Cruises, the QE2 offers the next chapter—a voyage not across oceans, but through culture, taste, and history.
This fall and winter, as travellers seek journeys of distinction and meaning, the QE2 stands ready to welcome those who desire more than a getaway. It offers a return to the golden age of travel—where every meal is a celebration, every suite a sanctuary, and every moment a reminder that true luxury endures.
Author Profile
- Helen Siwak is the founder of EcoLuxLuv Communications & Marketing Inc and publisher of Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine and PORTFOLIOY.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine. She is a prolific content creator, consultant, and marketing and media strategist within the ecoluxury lifestyle niche. Helen is the west coast correspondent to Canada’s top-read industry magazine Retail-Insider, holds a vast freelance portfolio, and consults with many of the world’s luxury heritage brands. Always seeking new opportunities and challenges, you can email her at [email protected].
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