The Queen Mary: A Hauntingly Elegant Experience

Long Beach, California – The iconic Queen Mary, a historic ocean liner permanently docked in Long Beach, California, offers a unique blend of maritime history, Art Deco splendor, and spooky tales. More than just a ship, the Queen Mary is an award-winning hotel, home to a variety of dining experiences, and a gateway to thrilling historical and paranormal tours. From its construction in Scotland to its service as a troopship during World War II and its current incarnation as a hotel and tourist attraction, the Queen Mary promises an unforgettable experience.

A Voyage Through Time: Unveiling the Queen Mary's Storied Past

The story of the Queen Mary began in 1930 in Clydebank, Scotland, where construction commenced by John Brown & Company for the Cunard-White Star Line. The build was halted for roughly two years because of the Great Depression. Launched in 1934 and embarking on her maiden voyage on May 27, 1936, the Queen Mary sailed between Southampton, England, and New York City. In August of that year, she won the Blue Riband, an award for transatlantic passenger liners with the highest average speeds. Named for Mary of Teck, wife of King George V, the Queen Mary boasted a grand Art Deco design with over 50 types of wood from around the globe.

With the outbreak of World War II, the Queen Mary was converted into a troopship, ferrying Allied soldiers across the Atlantic. During this time, she earned the nickname 'The Grey Ghost' due to her battleship gray wartime paint job. The Queen Mary was reportedly the fastest and largest vessel utilized during WWII. She reached a top speed of 32.5 knots, which was faster than many German U-boat torpedoes. The vessel was capable of transporting more than 15,000 soldiers. By the end of the war, the Queen Mary had transported approximately 810,000 troops.

Following the war, the Queen Mary was returned to passenger service in 1947 after an extensive refurbishment. She completed her 1,001st and last crossing of the North Atlantic on September 27, 1967, carrying 2,112,000 passengers over 3,792,227 miles. The late 1950s saw the arrival of the jet age, decreasing the demand for sea travel and inevitably leading to the Queen Mary's retirement in the late 1960s. On October 31, 1967, the Queen Mary sailed from Southampton for the last time. During her last voyage, the Queen Mary was too big to travel through the Panama Canal, so she had to sail around Cape Horn, southern Chile. The Queen Mary was purchased by the City of Long Beach in 1967 and transformed into a hotel, museum, and event space. The Queen Mary is open for public tours.

Art Deco Majesty: Immersing Yourself in the Ship's Golden Age

The Queen Mary's Art Deco design, finalized during Art Deco's evolution into Streamline Moderne, is a highlight for many visitors. The ship featured a grand Art Deco design that swept throughout the ship, with decor fashioned from over 50 different types of wood from around the globe. The style didn't quite have a name because at the time it was considered just modern design. The Queen Mary received a more subtle version of Art Deco. Art Deco is known for its frequent use of geometric shapes like rectangles, triangles, pyramids, and sharp edges and overlapping variations of any of those shapes. Streamline Moderne is known for its use of circles, curves, rounded edges, and overlapping variations of those shapes.

Woods from different regions of the British Empire were used in her public rooms and staterooms. The ship also contains rare woods, etched glass, and decorative metalwork. A cherished feature of Art Deco is the use of a sunburst, a stylized interpretation of the sun and its expansive rays across the sky, which was frequently seen in Art Deco design or architecture. The Queen Mary offers 347 spacious staterooms and authentic Art Deco decor throughout the ship.

The 'Unicorns in Battle' mural in the Queen's Salon has been restored. The Observation Bar, originally the first-class lounge, is a stylish, Art Deco venue that offers stunning views of the Long Beach skyline and harbor. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, live music, and expertly crafted cocktails, it's the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a taste of history in a setting that's both elegant and timeless. The Queen Mary also features the Queen Mary Art Gallery.

Haunted Hallways: Exploring the Queen Mary's Paranormal Side

The Queen Mary has a reputation as one of the most haunted places in America. The ship was featured on Ghost Adventures and has been voted one of Time magazine's Top 10 Most Haunted Places in America. The Queen Mary offers daily public tours and welcomes visitors onboard to learn more about the ship's nearly 100-year history via exhibits and scheduled tours.

The 'Haunted Encounters Tour' is a popular option for those seeking a glimpse into the paranormal. The Haunted Encounters tour is wonderful for anyone interested in learning about the ship's spooky history. Stops include room B340, believed to be the most haunted room on the boat. The ghost would pull covers off of people sleeping there and walk around in the room. It was said to have started after a man passed away in the room half a century ago. Door number 13 is another popular stop. The ghost is a maintenance worker looking for his wrench.

Visitors have reported various paranormal activities, such as seeing ghosts wandering around on a staircase. The ship also offers a Graveyard Tour for a more intense experience. The Paranormal Walk visits areas that are not open to the general public and you hear all kinds of ghost stories and historical events.

Gastronomic Ghosts: Dining with Elegance and History

The Queen Mary offers several dining options, from casual to more formal settings. Dining aboard the Queen Mary is an experience to savor, offering everything from quick grab-and-go bites to casual dining and exquisite fine dining. With stunning water views as your backdrop, each meal becomes a delightful journey, perfect for those seeking a taste of history alongside culinary excellence.

The Chelsea Chowder House & Bar provides a fine dining experience, specializing in chowder and fresh seafood. This fine dining destination provides an intimate atmosphere with breathtaking ocean views. The Promenade Café offers a relaxed atmosphere and American cuisine. Guests can enjoy their meals while taking in stunning ocean views, making it a perfect spot for any time of day. The Observation Bar offers cocktails and small plates with stunning views of the Long Beach skyline and harbor. The Midship Marketplace offers freshly prepared sandwiches, salads, pastries, and beverages for those on the move.

A Night to Remember: Unique Accommodations in Historic Staterooms

Staying in one of the Queen Mary's original first-class staterooms offers a unique experience. The ship offers 347 spacious staterooms, authentic art deco decor throughout the ship, and rich wood paneling. The ship's interior has been carefully preserved, offering guests a rare glimpse at what first class accommodations were like aboard an ocean liner in the mid-20th century. The suites and staterooms transport you to another time with vintage wood paneling and original artwork.

Complete with functioning portholes and original artwork, room options on the Queen Mary range from full suites, the most spacious and luxurious of accommodations, with a private room and breakfast nook, to the popular deluxe stateroom, which blends stately Art Deco elements with modern amenities. Travelers can choose to stay in one of the more than 300 original first class staterooms found throughout the now full-service hotel.

Beyond the Decks: Exploring Exhibits and Hidden Gems

The Queen Mary Heritage Room showcases video interviews of former crew members, war brides, and soldiers, all of whom share fond memories of this historic vessel. This rich history is the very foundation of the ship's enduring legacy. The 'Sisters of the Sea' exhibit features models of the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth. These two eight-foot beauties are 3/32” + 1-foot representations of the original liners, each made of balsa wood.

The Radio Room exhibit houses some of the original equipment used by The Queen Mary during her incredible career. The current radio room features an array of amateur radio equipment used to broadcast communications around the world. The VIP tour offers access to the Archives Museum. The Queen Mary offers daily public tours and welcomes visitors onboard to learn more about the ship's nearly 100-year history via exhibits and scheduled tours.