The Queen Mary, Long Beach — Time Travel on a Floating Art Deco Icon
Part living museum, part hotel, part legend, the RMS Queen Mary delivers history, atmosphere, and a dash of the supernatural right on the Long Beach waterfront.
First Impressions
Stepping aboard the Queen Mary in Long Beach felt like traveling back in time. My wife and I had admired her sleek profile from the shoreline before, but nothing compared to walking her decks. The polished wood railings, Art Deco fixtures, and rich maritime history surround you the instant you come aboard.
We started with a self-guided wander, weaving through narrow corridors and peeking into preserved staterooms. The on-board exhibits brim with photographs, uniforms, and artifacts from her glamorous Cunard years and her wartime service as the “Grey Ghost.” From the bridge, with the harbor framed ahead, it’s easy to imagine captains charting the Atlantic decades ago.
Traveler Tip: General admission typically includes access to exhibits plus one guided tour—choose from Glory Days (history), Haunted Encounters (paranormal), Steam & Steel (engineering), or Hollywood (film & celebrity). Off-hours admission is also offered at a lower price for early mornings and late evenings.
One highlight was the engine room: a cathedral of riveted steel and gleaming machinery where pipes twist like arteries through the ship’s hull.
Guided Tours & Ghostly Lore
In the afternoon, we joined a haunted history tour. Tales of apparitions in the first‑class pool and eerie happenings deep in the ship made for a spine‑tingling walk through the past. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, the stories give real personality to the steel and teak around you.
Interesting Fact: The Queen Mary’s official tours include Haunted Encounters, Glory Days, and Steam & Steel, with seasonal and VIP options rotating throughout the year.
Interesting Fact: The ship’s first‑class swimming pool is one of the most talked‑about paranormal hotspots aboard, frequently mentioned in ghost‑tour lore and press features.
Eating & Evenings on Board
We stayed for dinner on the ship, savoring seafood while watching the harbor glow. The ambiance was timeless—low lighting, live jazz, and that feeling you’re part of a story bigger than a single meal.
Don’t miss the Observation Bar, an Art Deco lounge with classic cocktails and skyline views—originally a first‑class space, now the ship’s social heart.
Traveler Tip: Check the ship’s seasonal events and live‑music calendar for afternoon tea, tastings, and weekly performances in the Observation Bar.
New Year’s Eve on the Queen Mary
The Queen Mary transforms into a dazzling stage for New Year’s Eve celebrations. When we welcomed the new year aboard, it felt like stepping into a grand, floating festival. Live bands played across the ship, each ballroom dressed in its own theme, and at midnight, the sky erupted in fireworks over the harbor.
Book Queen Mary and Long Beach Attractions here.
We spent the night wandering from one venue to another, swaying to swing music in one room, dancing to modern hits in the next, and pausing for a laugh at a comedy set. Each space had its own energy, and the variety kept the evening full of surprises right up to the final countdown.
Traveler Tip: The Queen Mary’s themed New Year’s Eve party returns annually with live entertainment and waterfront fireworks. Tickets typically go on sale well in advance.
Staying Overnight
The Queen Mary doubles as a historic hotel—an unforgettable way to visit Long Beach. Many staterooms retain original woodwork and period details, balanced with modern comforts like Wi‑Fi and flatscreen TVs. If you’re lucky, your room will have a porthole with harbor views.
Lingering after day visitors leave changes the mood of the ship completely: the decks grow quiet, brass fixtures glow under soft light, and the ship’s stories feel closer than ever.
Traveler Tip: For current admission hours, tour inclusions, and combo tickets (like the Queen Mary + Aquarium of the Pacific), check the official site before you go. Tickets | Exhibits | Experiences.
Practicalities
- Location: 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach, CA 90802. Official site.
- Typical Hours & Pricing: General admission windows and tour lineups vary; pricing pages have recently listed General Admission with one guided tour included and an off‑hours option for early/late entry. Verify the latest before your visit. Source.
- Dining: Bars and restaurants operate seasonally; the Observation Bar is a perennial favorite. Details.
More Photos
Browse more images: Wikimedia Commons gallery.