#OnlyinLB: The Queen Mary

The historic RMS Queen Mary is the most iconic aspect of the Long Beach skyline. The 1930s-era Cunard ocean liner is permanently docked on the Long Beach waterfront as a floating hotel and attraction, and recently reopened after undergoing beautiful restoration work.. History buffs, Art Deco enthusiasts, fans of the paranormal, and lovers of all things nautical will have the hotel stay of their dreams on board Long Beach’s luxurious ocean liner. This summer, stay on the ship to experience the amazing history, setting, and amenities offered by the Queen.

ACCOMODATIONS

A stay on the Queen Mary (1126 Queens Hwy) allows you to follow in the footsteps of Classic Hollywood celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn, and historical figures like British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who signed the WWII D-Day Declaration on board. The suites and staterooms transport you to another time with vintage wood paneling and original artwork. Book two or more nights to receive waived valet parking, or stay five or more nights for 18 percent off and $40 nightly food and beverage credit. Plus, you can bring Fido—dogs under 25 pounds are welcome to join you on your stay.

TOURS AND EXHIBITS

Overnight stays include self-guided admission to the ship’s exhibits and discounts on day tours, like Haunted Encounters, which features the ship’s most notorious ghost stories and the chance to visit its paranormal hotspots. The Glory Days tour highlights the ship’s history, including its role as a troop transport during World War II. Before you go, download the ship’s map, which lists not only dining and shopping locations, but also must-see points of interest, like the engine room and ship model gallery.

ONBOARD DINING AND BARS

The Queen Mary offers several dining options on board, from casual to more formal settings. The Observation Bar is a time capsule of 1930s Art Deco with its original mural over the bar, period furniture, and distinct lack of television screens. Stop in for a drink at sunset, followed by a stroll on the newly restored Observation Deck outside. The Chelsea Chowder House and Bar is a tribute to the traditional British fish house. Grab a lobster roll or fish and chips with the family. For those visiting later this summer, the highly rated Royal Sunday Brunch in the Grand Salon is set to return in July.

TRANSPORTATION

During your stay, take advantage of free transit services to go ashore and visit downtown Long Beach for shopping and dining. Long Beach Transit’s free Passport buses stop at the Queen Mary every 30 minutes and make stops in downtown Long Beach and at The Pike Outlets, the Aquarium of the Pacific, and Shoreline Village.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

With the Queen Mary as your home base, you can plan day trips to visit local attractions the whole family will enjoy. Across the water, visit Southern California’s largest aquarium and its 12,000 animals at the Aquarium of the Pacific (100 Aquarium Way). Continue the nautical theme of your stay and tour the USS Iowa (250 S. Harbor Blvd), a battleship docked in nearby San Pedro that served in World War II, Korea, and the Cold War. Or grab dinner at one of the many lively restaurants on Pine Avenue downtown. After painting the town, you’ll be glad to retire to your cozy stateroom to gaze at the city lights from the porthole.

Credit: Tom Bonner
About the Author
Claire Atkinson