Queen Elizabeth 2 Terminal Building at Port Rashid

[Rob Lightbody]

There were Two Benches - one on either side of QE2

Very happy memories of them!

Betty and my Mother on QE2's Boat Deck by Rob Lightbody, on Flickr

[Thomas Hypher]

I remember them also being life jacket storage and being repainted/tended to by the loving and hard working crew, in her latter years.

[Rob Lightbody]

I'm hearing a rather interesting tit-bit that there might be something rather interesting in the terminal building, involving an area that's either a 1969 Queens Room recreation, or elements of it.  Curious to find out more.

[Thomas Hypher]

I'm hearing a rather interesting tit-bit that there might be something rather interesting in the terminal building, involving an area that's either a 1969 Queens Room recreation, or elements of it.  Curious to find out more.

Would be fitting for the museum side of her new static life!

[June Ingram]

I wonder if it will be a Queen's Room for view only, or if it is being set up to use for tea and other functions.

[Rob Lightbody]

I'm hearing a rather interesting tit-bit that there might be something rather interesting in the terminal building, involving an area that's either a 1969 Queens Room recreation, or elements of it.  Curious to find out more.

As mentioned above :

https://instagram.com/p/BhI2R8PlHJh

I very much look forward to seeing this.

I hope they haven't removed anything from the actual bridge, to create the recreation, that would be a mistake.

[Thomas Hypher]

Likewise, I was under the understanding the bridge had merely been cleaned and cleared of loose items (pens, paper etc) having seen a photo from 2015 where the port side of the bridge was stacked high with folders and the like. We will know either way soon though...

Excellent overhead photo though!

[Scott Ebersold]

Exactly! What gives me pause is ... what need would you have to tour a replica of any of these things if the real thing is just a few feet away?!

[Conor]

Getting very excited with this now, the area and ship look stunning. Compared to the initial Dubai offering in 2008, and the looming November 2018 deadline, what’s been done to QE2 this and last year appears to be spectacular. Even if we disagree with some design decisions, the ship keeps her heritage intact for future generations. Including someone like me who has never sailed on her, being only 12 when she retired.

Exactly! What gives me pause is ... what need would you have to tour a replica of any of these things if the real thing is just a few feet away?!

May be for multiple reasons, ie the bridge (or the rooms around it) still being an active HQ, the terminal building being open to conference guests/members of the public who might not otherwise experience it, or the replica may be interactive - like at the London Nautical Museum!

[Thomas Hypher]

Getting very excited with this now, the area and ship look stunning. Compared to the initial Dubai offering in 2008, and the looming November 2018 deadline, what’s been done to QE2 this and last year appears to be spectacular. Even if we disagree with some design decisions, the ship keeps her heritage intact for future generations. Including someone like me who has never sailed on her, being only 12 when she retired.

May be for multiple reasons, ie the bridge (or the rooms around it) still being an active HQ, the terminal building being open to conference guests/members of the public who might not otherwise experience it, or the replica may be interactive - like at the London Nautical Museum!

One could also add the protection of the original space onboard (particularly if there are large numbers of visitors like with Queen Mary in Long Beach) - the bridge is not likely to be used in any official capacity these days though as the security of the ship can be handled elsewhere much like a part of the security was when in service (safety control room for example) among other reasons it's no longer needed in a static operation. Also the bridge and other similar areas changed significantly over the 39 years with Cunard whilst still remaining recognisable - whereas Dubai seem to be going for original appearances for these areas for as little extra work for them (and expense) and maybe through being sympathetic to the ship as they have been otherwise (as much as possible). Building the replicas being the easiest option here and also preserving the ship for the hotel guests, in a way that's also commercially viable and contemporary in terms of style particularly with the cabins/staterooms, in the process. The shore side replicas give Dubai more flexibility overall.

On a side note, I was also 12 when she retired to Dubai in November 2008 - just very grateful to my parents who worked very hard over the years.

[andyh]

It’s good to see things moving forward at last, and it looks to be being done with her heritage displayed and preserved

[Rob Lightbody]

I'm hearing a rather interesting tit-bit that there might be something rather interesting in the terminal building, involving an area that's either a 1969 Queens Room recreation, or elements of it.  Curious to find out more.

Having now seen photos, I can confirm there is a rather wonderful partial recreation of the original Queens Room.  Also a mock-up of an original cabin, and a virtual bridge - which fortunately doesn't look like they've used any of the actual bridge to create!

[Twynkle]

Having now seen photos, .... a virtual bridge - which fortunately doesn't look like they've used any of the actual bridge to create!

That is such a relief!
Maybe the bust of The Queen and the Royal Standard can join up with their old Room-Mates!

About the Captain's Quarters - keeping fingers well crossed here, that they are like The Bridge and actual  Chartroom, still in place and untouched.

[Thomas Hypher]

Having now seen photos, I can confirm there is a rather wonderful partial recreation of the original Queens Room.  Also a mock-up of an original cabin, and a virtual bridge - which fortunately doesn't look like they've used any of the actual bridge to create!

Excellent overall!!! Wonder if one will be able to sail her in virtual form using the replica/virtual bridge? Dubai have been very sympathetic considering the commercial side of things and her previous Dubai owners awful hotel plans in 2009! Also matches with what Louis has said in the recent past regarding the bridge and nearby "crew country" areas, being retained but given a good clean (as needed I suspect).

[Rob Lightbody]

Having now seen photos, I can confirm there is a rather wonderful partial recreation of the original Queens Room.  Also a mock-up of an original cabin, and a virtual bridge - which fortunately doesn't look like they've used any of the actual bridge to create!

I'm now allowed to attach these images.  Of everything I've seen, I think this is my favourite thing they've done.  I'd have done exactly that.  I love her original design, I love the way these planters under-lit the chair/table to make them look like they hover - and they've captured that.