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The Queen Mary: A Transatlantic Icon

Experience the grandeur of transatlantic travel aboard the Queen Mary, a historic ocean liner offering luxurious accommodations, fascinating tours, and captivating events in Long Beach.

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Step aboard the Queen Mary, a historic ocean liner permanently docked in Long Beach, California, and immerse yourself in a world of maritime elegance and rich history. This grand vessel, once the epitome of transatlantic travel, offers a unique blend of luxurious accommodations, fascinating tours, and captivating events. Explore the ship's storied past, from its glamorous beginnings as a passenger liner to its crucial role as a troop transport during World War II. Discover the art deco splendor of its staterooms and public spaces, dine in award-winning restaurants, and perhaps even encounter a ghostly resident or two. Whether you're a history buff, a maritime enthusiast, or simply seeking a unique and memorable experience, the Queen Mary promises an unforgettable journey back in time.

A brief summary to The Queen Mary

Local tips

  • Book your tickets and tours in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid long lines and ensure availability.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking while exploring the ship's many decks and passageways.
  • Consider staying overnight in one of the ship's original staterooms for a truly immersive experience.
  • Check the Queen Mary's event calendar for special events, concerts, and festivals happening during your visit.
  • Take advantage of the free Passport bus service to explore other attractions in downtown Long Beach.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Long Beach, including the Long Beach Transit Mall (a major transport hub) or the Aquarium of the Pacific, the Queen Mary is easily accessible via the free Long Beach Transit Passport bus (Route C). This bus runs frequently, with stops along Pine Avenue and at key attractions. Look for the 'Queen Mary' stop. The ride is short and offers a convenient way to reach the ship's entrance. Alternatively, the AquaBus and AquaLink water taxis provide service to the Queen Mary from various points in Long Beach Harbor, offering a scenic route. A single ride on the AquaBus costs $1, while AquaLink costs $5.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services (Uber/Lyft) are readily available throughout Long Beach. A short ride from downtown Long Beach or the Aquarium of the Pacific to the Queen Mary typically costs between $8 and $15, depending on traffic and demand. Simply provide the driver with the address (1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802) or request 'The Queen Mary' as the destination.

  • Driving

    If driving, follow the signs for the Queen Mary from the I-710 freeway. Parking is available on-site, with self-parking day rates of $27 for visitors. Discounted parking of $10 is available with restaurant validation. Overnight guests pay $32 per night. Note that parking rates may be higher during special events.

  • Walking

    From the Aquarium of the Pacific, a pleasant walk to the Queen Mary is possible. Head west along Shoreline Drive, then turn left onto Queensway Bridge. Continue following Queensway Road until you reach the Queen Mary. The walk is approximately 1 mile and takes about 20 minutes, offering scenic views of the harbor. Be mindful of pedestrian crossings and traffic.

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Discover more about The Queen Mary

The Queen Mary, an iconic ocean liner permanently moored in Long Beach, California, offers a captivating glimpse into the golden age of transatlantic travel. Launched in 1936, this majestic vessel quickly became renowned for its elegance, speed, and luxurious amenities, transporting royalty, celebrities, and everyday passengers between Europe and America. Construction of the Queen Mary began in 1930 in Clydebank, Scotland, but was halted for approximately two years because of the Great Depression. The ship was named after Mary of Teck, the wife of King George V and Queen of the United Kingdom and Empress of India from 1910-1936. During her years of service, the Queen Mary boasted five dining areas, two swimming pools, beauty salons, a gymnasium, a library, a grand ballroom, and a hospital. During World War II, the Queen Mary was transformed into a troopship, earning the nickname "the Grey Ghost" due to her wartime paint. She played a vital role in transporting Allied soldiers across the Atlantic, carrying over 800,000 military personnel. In 1943, she carried over 16,600 people, still the record for the most people on one vessel at the same time. After the war, the Queen Mary was refitted and returned to passenger service, resuming her transatlantic voyages. However, with the rise of air travel, the demand for ocean liners declined, and the Queen Mary was retired in 1967. She completed her 1,001st and last crossing of the North Atlantic on September 27, 1967, having carried 2,112,000 passengers over 3,792,227 miles. Purchased by the City of Long Beach, the Queen Mary was transformed into a hotel, museum, and event space. Today, visitors can explore the ship's decks, staterooms, and public areas, experiencing the grandeur and history of this legendary vessel. Several dining options are available on board, from casual to more formal settings. The Observation Bar is a time capsule of 1930s Art Deco with its original mural over the bar, period furniture, and distinct lack of television screens. The Chelsea Chowder House and Bar is a tribute to the traditional British fish house. The Queen Mary offers a variety of tours and exhibits, including the Glory Days Historical Tour, which delves into the ship's construction and her time in military service during World War II. The Steam and Steel Tour takes guests on a fascinating journey through the systems of communication and engineering. For those seeking a thrill, the Haunted Encounters tour explores the ship's paranormal hotspots and notorious ghost stories. The Queen Mary has a history of reported paranormal activity, enough in fact to earn it a spot on TIME's “Top 10 Haunted Places” list in 2008. Throughout the year, the Queen Mary hosts a variety of events, from live music and comedy nights to wine-tasting dinners and holiday celebrations. The ship also offers overnight accommodations in its original staterooms and suites, allowing guests to experience a uniquely nautical stay. Many staterooms have art deco–style built-in cabinets, original wood paneling. Located in the heart of Long Beach, the Queen Mary is easily accessible to other local attractions. The Aquarium of the Pacific, Shoreline Village, and downtown Long Beach are just a short distance away. The Long Beach Transit's free Passport buses stop at the Queen Mary every 30 minutes and make stops in downtown Long Beach and at The Pike Outlets, the Aquarium of the Pacific, and Shoreline Village. The Queen Mary stands as a testament to a bygone era of luxury and adventure. Its rich history, stunning architecture, and captivating stories continue to draw visitors from around the world, making it a must-see destination for anyone visiting Southern California.

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