Dark Harbor at The Queen Mary Returns to Long Beach

In Long Beach, spooky season arrives with the launch of Dark Harbor at the Queen Mary. This annual, Halloween-themed festivity transforms the historic ship into a frightening temporary theme park, featuring haunted mazes where spirits lurk to scare you. There are also rides, bars, and many new experiences at Dark Harbor for 2025. Read below for all the details, if you dare! Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor: Summoned by the Seas is here from September 19 to November 2, 2025.

CREDIT: Dark Harbor

HAUNTED MAZES

Feel the fear and fright mixed in with immersive fun by exploring Dark Harbor’s haunted mazes, some of which blend in actual stories of the paranormal from the Queen Mary (1126 Queens Highway). Big Top Terror, Infirmary, and Lullaby–which tells the tale of the ship’s supposedly haunted first-class swimming pool–are returning for 2025. Two mazes, Breakout Maximum Security and Feast: The Final Cut, have been newly reimagined, and in a brand new maze, Voodoo: The Queen’s Curse, a priestess leads an army of zombie pirates to conquer the ship.

CREDIT: Dark Harbor

THEATRICAL EXPERIENCE

Ready to take the scares up a notch? Add on a special theatrical experience aboard the Queen Mary during your Dark Harbor visit. The Summoning of Samuel, is a 10-minute journey to the other side led by Lady Mabel, a psychic who whispers incantations to summon the spirit of a vengeful murderer. Available for purchase as an al la carte upgrade, this experience will shiver your timbers and chill you to the bone!

CREDIT: Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group

ENTERTAINMENT

Each night begins with the Maiden Voyage Launch Party at The Shipyard, where The Captain calls upon all the monsters to terrify guests of Dark Harbor. After that, DJs keep the dancefloor moving all night long. Live performers include sliders and fire spinners, sideshow performers, and drag queens at The Shipyard as well as other stages around Dark Harbor. The night ends with the Final Voyage, a wild Latin and hip hop dance party at The Shipyard one hour before Dark Harbor closes.

CREDIT: Dark Harbor

ATTRACTIONS & VIP EXPERIENCES

Speakeasies are hidden throughout Dark Harbor, accessible only to VIP pass holders and those who visit the psychic Lady Mabel to receive mystic tokens as clues to their secret locations. For more thrills and adventures, head to the Ringmaster’s Halloween Carnival to try your hand at axe throwing and a pirate-themed shooting game. VIPs can lounge in a Creepy Cabana, host a party for up to 50 guests in The Crypt, a private event space, or try the brand new Trick R Treat augmented reality experience.

CREDIT: Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group

CARNIVAL RIDES

A fall carnival atmosphere surrounds the Queen Mary, where you can take a break from the haunted mazes to get your thrills by defying gravity. Returning rides include the Sinister Swings and Dark Harbor’s exclusive restored carousel, Scary Mary’s Ghost Rider. New rides for 2025 include The Zipper, a classic 1960s tumbling cage ride, and Zero Gravity, a spinning chamber where centrifugal force is all that holds you against the wall as the ride lifts, spins, and tilts.

CREDIT: Dark Harbor

FOOD AND DRINK

Themed bars and lounges are located throughout Dark Harbor, serving cocktails, mocktails, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages to quench your thirst between thrills. Two full-service bars are available to VIP ticket holders, including Spirits of Dark Harbor and the Observation Deck on board the Queen Mary. Food options include street food and snacks, like fries, tacos, BBQ, kettle corn, churros, funnel cake, kebabs, pizza, hot dogs, elote, milkshakes, and other sweet treats.

CREDIT: Dark Harbor

TICKETS

Tickets are available for purchase on the Dark Harbor website. Purchase tickets early to ensure the lowest prices and availability on your desired date. General admission tickets start at $45.99, with available upgrades including reduced wait times at mazes, early entry and access to VIP-only bars and speakeasies. You can also purchase tickets that include discounts on Dark Harbor merchandise and photo packages.

Dark Harbor Sneak Peek

About the Author
Claire Atkinson
Claire Atkinson is a Southern California native who has lived in Long Beach for over 20 years. She spends her free time visiting local parks, farmers markets, and museums, and loves learning about Long Beach history and culture.
Related Content: