The Queen Mary has been permanently docked in Long Beach Harbor since 1967, and it is one of the world’s most stunning remaining ocean liners—a 1,019-foot Art Deco marvel that currently serves as a floating hotel, museum, and entertainment complex. This 81,237-ton vessel, launched in 1934 during the golden age of transatlantic travel, carried everyone from Winston Churchill to Elizabeth Taylor during her sailing years and now provides tourists with an extraordinary trip into nautical history spanning 14 decks and 365 original staterooms.
Historical Significance & Specifications
Construction & Early Years (1934-1939)
- Built: John Brown & Company, Clydebank, Scotland.
- Maiden voyage: May 27, 1936 (from Southampton to New York).
- Notable features:
- Four huge steam turbines (160,000 HP)
- Three first-class swimming pools.
- The grand ballroom features a maple dance floor.
Wartime Service (1939-1946)
- Converted into troopship “Grey Ghost”
- Over 800,000 troops were transported, setting a record for any warship.
- Outpaced German U-boats (maximum speed 32 knots).
Postwar Glory & Retirement
- 1950s: The luxury liner battle with jets began.
- 1967: The final cruise to Long Beach
- 1971: opened as a hotel and museum.
Main Attractions & Experiences at The Queen Mary
Historic Ship Tours
Self-Guided Exploration
- Engine Room: Massive Steam Turbines.
- Bridge: Original wheel and navigation apparatus.
- First-class Suites: Art Deco magnificence.
Specialty Guided Tours
| Tour | Duration | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Haunted Encounters | 90 mins | Paranormal hotspots |
| Glory Days | 60 mins | Golden Age of Ocean Travel |
| Propeller Walk | 45 mins | Underwater viewing of screws |
Hotel Accommodations
- 347 original staterooms were preserved.
- Suite Classes:
- First Class: Wood paneling and period furniture.
- Cabin Class: Moderately sized rooms
- Tourist Class: Compact Historic Quarters.
Dining & Bars
| Venue | Specialty | Historic Note |
|---|---|---|
| Chelsea Chowder House | Seafood | Former first-class dining |
| Sir Winston’s | Fine dining | Churchill’s favorite lounge |
| Observation Bar | Cocktails | 1930s streamline decor |
Special Exhibits
- “Diana: Legacy of a Princess” features royal relics.
- WWII Experience (an immersive troop transport display)
- Ship Model Gallery (100+ boats)
Engineering & Design Marvels
Innovative Features
- Designed with a double hull for safety, similar to the Titanic.
- Anti-roll stabilizers (first commercial application)
- Art Deco interiors created by 200 craftsmen.
By the Numbers
| Measurement | Stat |
|---|---|
| Length | 3.5 football fields |
| Steel used | Equivalent to 35 Eiffel Towers |
| Portholes | 2,000+ |
| Wooden decks | 3 acres of teak |
Paranormal Activity & Ghost Tours
Notable “Hotspots”
- First-class swimming pool (reported drowning victims)
- Engine Room (apparition of “John Henry”).
- Stateroom B340 (the most haunted room)
Scientific Investigations
- Featured on Ghost Hunters: Most Haunted.
- EMF readings routinely surge in specific places.
- Voice phenomena were documented throughout the ship.
Visitor Information
Hours & Admission
- Ship access is available daily from 10 a.m. until 6 p
- Hotel: 24/7 with keycard access.
- Ticket Options:
- Day Pass ($32 for adults).
- Twilight Tour ($45.)
- Paranormal Investigations ($85)
Best Times to Visit
- Weekday mornings (lower crowds).
- October – Haunted Harbor events.
- Anniversary dates (special programming)
Why The Queen Mary Matters
- The last remaining 1930s ocean liner.
- A floating museum featuring Art Deco design.
- A living memorial honoring wartime service.
- Engineering time capsule
- Cultural touchstones: films, music, and literature.
The Queen Mary provides an immersive journey through 20th century history, with dazzling chrome bridge equipment and whispering passageways in first-class suites. This museum is a living legend, with each rivet revealing stories of opulence, battle, invention, and mystery. Whether you hire a stateroom for the night, go on a ghost hunt, or simply wander her weathered decks at nightfall, you are entering a living testament to human ambition on the high seas.
Cost: From $31
Phone: (562) 435-3511
Website: www.queenmary.com
Address: 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802
Location Map:
Phone: (562) 435-3511
Website: www.queenmary.com
Address: 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802
Location Map:
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