Queen Mary in Long Beach - Tourist Attraction, Museum, Hotel and Haunted Ship - Part 1 of 3
"The Many Faces of our Queen"
For decades now, the Queen Mary, a retired oceanliner, has graced her subjects in the harbor of Long Beach, CA becoming one of the city's most recognized and iconic symbols. During her reign, she has worn many crowns and faces. From her first maiden voyage in 1936 as a grand oceanliner to the affluent, to WWII troop carrier during her patriotic stint in the early 40's, and most recently her current status as tourist attraction, museum, hotel and rumored haunted ship.
Museum and Tourist Attraction
The Queen Mary once passengered Hollywood types such as Bob Hope* Fred Astaire, Winston Churchill,** Clark Gable,† to European royalty such as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.‡ Today the Queen Mary draws thousands of tourists each year‡‡ to experience one of her 12 daily tours offered, ranging from historic architecture and art deco appreciation, to wartime service and the very popular paranormal tours based on the mystery and intrigue that still surrounds the ship to this day.
QUEEN MARY DAY TOURS
QUEEN MARY NIGHT/EVENING TOURS
- Dining with the Spirits - Dinner and late-night guided tour of what is said to be the ship's most active paranormal areas. Saturdays at 7:00 p.m. (1 hour dining, and 2 hour shipwalk)
- Paranormal Investigation - become part scientist and ghost hunter by joining a paranormal investigator on an hunt using ghost hunting tools and tricks in the hopes of communicating with the Queen Mary's reported spirits. Fridays at Midnight (2 hours)
- Paranormal Ship Walk - After hours tour of the reported haunted locations. Thursdays, Fridays & Sundays at 8:00 pm (2 hours)
- Twilight Historical Tour - A Twilight "Behind-the-Scenes" tour as you learn of the ships history from past to present. Thursdays through Sundays at 6:45 pm (1 hour)
QUEEN MARY HOTEL:
Built in the 1930s and still retaining a vast majority of her original features, one can't help but feel themselves transported to another time and place when staying at the Hotel Queen Mary. The ship features 315 original guest quarters, 309 staterooms and 9 full suites. Although historic in nature, there have been modern touches and conveniences added that haven't compromised the integrity of this grand ship, such as flat panel televisions, ipod docking stations, telephones, high speed wireless internet, satellite television and so much more. Modern services and amenities such as a spa, business center, top rated restaurants and bars will help to round out your stay.
The Queen Mary wears many crowns: tourist attraction, museum, hotel and rumored haunted ship. The City of Long Beach is honored to have all of her split personalities berthed along our shores. For more information:
- Queen Mary Hotel Rates and Reservations and Specials:
- Queen Mary Map and Directions
- Queen Mary's Website's Visitor Tips
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BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE FULL SERIES:
Part 2 of 3: Mary Still Cries in the Night: The Haunted Queen Mary
Part 3 of 3: No Man Left Behind...Unless You're With the Queen Mary: The Highs and Woes of War
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* msnbc, **The Launch of the Queen Mary †Jestsetters Magazine ‡gocalifornia.com, ‡‡inetours.com
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