It may have officially been the last day of summer in the UAE on September 21st, but nothing marks the start of winter like the reopening of the QE2 Dubai for the winter cruise season.

QE2 Dubai, the former Cunard Line flagship turned floating hotel, opens today for a new season of brunches, candlelit dinners, afternoon tea, bridge tours, staycations and more, following a thorough refurbishment.

QE2 is now a floating hotel in Dubai, permanently docked in Port Rashid

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QE2 Dubai closed in March as part of global efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus, but the several months in lockdown were used to further improve the ocean-liner-turned-hotel.

She’s had the iconic Queen’s Grill restaurant refurbished, along with all her guest rooms, both of which are looking amazing in pictures QE2 Dubai shared on social media.

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The QE2 Hotel newly refurbished rooms and suites are available from 1st October! There’s never been a better time to enjoy a staycation in one of our newly-refurbished rooms and balcony suites on the Sun and Signal Decks. Each room’s special British heritage features will transport you back in time, all with an added hint of updated luxury. BOOK NOW! https://www.qe2.com/hotel/offers Email reservations@qe2.com Call 600500400 #stillmakinghistory #qe2 #qe2dubai

A post shared by Queen Elizabeth 2 (@qe2dubai) on Sep 27, 2020 at 4:49am PDT

The floating hotel has also announced that it has been certified as covid-safe and given the Dubai Assured stamp.

The stamp, which was issued by Dubai Tourism, the Department of Economic Development and Dubai Municipality is given to restaurants, stores, hotels, malls and entertainment destinations that are adhering to the government’s safety guidelines.

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Opening 1st October 2020, The Pavilion Al Fresco Dining Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. . . Located on the lower aft deck of the QE2, The Pavilion is an al fresco dining experience that infused its nautical surroundings with the vibrancy of the Mediterranean. Commanding breathtaking views of the Mina Rashid Yacht Club and Dubai’s glistening skyline beyond, it offers an international menu from breakfast through to dinner. Choose from a healthy selection of salads, stone-baked pizzas and al dente pasta as well as succulent main courses from both land and sea – not forgetting The Pavilion sharing signatures. A refreshing drinks menu offers expertly concocted beverages as well as an extensive sommeliers collection of grapes. On weekends the entire deck transforms into bustling sunset fest venue, BBQs and live cooking stations. . . BOOK NOW! www.qe2.com Call 600500400 Email reservations@qe2.com . . #stillmakinghistory #qe2 #qe2dubai #qe2dining

A post shared by Queen Elizabeth 2 (@qe2dubai) on Sep 18, 2020 at 2:15am PDT

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QE2 Dubai offers several dining options, from buffets in the Lido, to lunches and dinners in the Pavillions alfresco restaurant, to High Tea and candlelit dining in the Queen’s Grill, which was formerly only available to the highest paying passengers.

It’s been thoroughly upgraded, and now anyone can dine where British royalty, and celebrities such as Liza Minnelli and Rod Stewart, and statesmen like Nelson Mandela, have been served.

The remodelled Queen’s Grill aboard QE2 Dubai

This year, the QE2 also opened its preserved navigation bridge to the public for the first time in 52 years, allowing guests to explore the command station of the ship from where it was sailed around the world 25 times and across the Atlantic 804 times.

The helm station aboard QE2 Dubai

The bridge tour is part of the heritage tours of the ship, although it is unclear whether the tours will be restarting with the reopening.

On the same level as the navigation bridge is the Royal Promenade shopping area. Formerly a mall at sea, this space is now operated by Dubai Duty Free, with countless treats and trinkets available for purchase.

The Royal Promenade sits atop the Grand Lounge, just behind the Golden Lion Pub, the oldest pub in Dubai.