Queen Elizabeth 2: umdasch realised retail space on historic cruiser
The cruise ship Queen Elisabeth 2 has completed 1,400 cruises in its lifetime, covered some 6 million nautical miles and entertained nearly 2.5 million passengers. Meanwhile, the 1967 built ship serves as a popular attraction in the port of Dubai. No ship symbolizes the importance and ingenuity of maritime engineering and craftsmanship as much as the QE2 - a role model for design, innovation and speed. Adhering to these maxims, the Store Makers from umdasch manufactured the equipment for the 400 square meter retail space on the cruise liner. The solid concept comes from Retail Concepts Design, Dubai.
Royal Shopfitting
For nearly 40 years, the Queen Elizabeth 2 carried passengers in style, comfort and luxury across the oceans. Although its sailing time has come to an end, the QE2 continues as one of the most popular ships of all time in the memories and was reopened in April this year as a floating luxury hotel in Dubai, the retail space has now been finished in November. At a total area of 400 square meters, umdasch The Store Makers have created a new sales landscape based on specifications from Dubai's Retail Concepts Design.
During the conception of the five stores in the duty-free area at the promenade deck, special attention was paid to the history of the cruiser. Exclusive materials are reminiscent of the glamorous times of the QE2: brass elements, sumptuous carpets and mirror mosaics take visitors back to the '60s, when over 70,000 bottles of champagne were consumed on board each year. The solid wood furniture and illuminated, high-gloss glass showcases present assortments such as perfumery, tobacco, spirits and co and meet the royal demands of the namesake and godmother Queen Elizabeth II. A quote to the new home of the ship, however, the Arab Mashrabia patterns in the wood paneling on the shopping deck, was made by umdasch."We are pleased to be part of this special project. Shopfitting on a ship is in itself an interesting topic - if it is then even the opportunity to work on the QE2, then it’s especially exciting", Michael Ripfl, Sales Director Global / Travel Retail at umdasch Premium Retail, is thrilled.
Safe harbour for high demands
Permanently docked in Dubai's Mina Rashid Harbour, the QE2 offers guests with high standards appropriate accommodation and entertainment options. The ship has been lovingly restored to its former glory and revitalised with contemporary technology. Thirteen restaurants and bars feature a variety of theme worlds, and the Queen Elizabeth 2 offers entertainment including its own spa, theatre, fitness centre and pool. Of course, the "passengers" also have the choice between 224 suites and guest rooms, the view of Dubai's skyline is included. Those specifically interested can also gain interesting insights into the history of the legendary ship on the "Heritage Tour", a guide through an exhibition with a tour of the original rooms. Even if you do not spend the night at the ship, it is always worth a visit - for amazement and shopping, stationary and yet "shipping included".
Photocredit header: giggle