The Queen Mary

The Queen Mary has an interesting history and is known as one of the grandest ships ever to be built since her first voyage back in 1936. Situated in Long Beach, in Southern California, I can remember the first time I ever saw and boarded that ship.

During this time in history, ships like the beautiful Queen Mary were on of the main ways to travel for the elite of our society. It drew much attention from many people including (but not limited to) the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Fred Astaire, and Winston Churchill.

Today, it can still be toured in Long Beach California, and is located not far from other neat attractions to see. You can take a lovely tour back in time that includes some transatlantic history, 314 rooms and a host of other interesting tidbits including a ghost story or two!

We see the Queen Mary as part of a bygone era to some degree. It does allow for people of all walks of life to take a view of what it must have been like to be an elite back in the 1930's, 40's and beyond. It has undergone some great restoration and I would recommend seeing it if you can.

My Visits to the Queen Mary

As a child growing up, I had the benefit of touring the Queen Mary a couple of times through a field trip with my school. Unfortunately, I have never actually stayed overnight on board, but what I did get to experience was great to see. I recall being amazed at the sheer size of the ship, and viewing all parts of it from top to the bottom and everything in between.

Other than visiting the ship and being on board, I have seen it from land while in Long Beach. I was born and raised not far from this area, and feel lucky to know more about this ship because of that. Its a neat site to see from Long Beach even if you don't go on board.

Some Basic Facts and History

The Queen Mary was built in the 1930's, in the UK. It has had an interesting history as you can imagine, with so much happening in the coming years after that time. Her maiden voyage was May 27, 1936.

Just a few years later, the Queen Mary was involved in WWII, and was known for her great speed. This enabled her to evade enemy ships and submarines. At the time Nazi's invaded Poland, the captain received orders on how to proceed with the voyage. The very next day after the invasion, he was told to go into blackout mode, and move in a zig zag pattern to avoid or elude German submarines.

The Queen Mary turned into a troop ship, and ferried allied soldiers for the duration of the war. During this conversion, she was painted a navy grey. Between this color, and her speed, she was dubbed the "Grey Ghost."

Later, she was refitted for passenger service, and enjoyed some of the heydey of transatlantic travel. By the 1960's, and the decline of ocean liners, she eventually retired to the place she is now in the Long Beach Harbor.

Guests can still stay on board this ship and dine at one of the seven award winning restaurants or lounges. They have a special Sunday Champagne Brunch which might be a neat option. I love the ocean views, the history, and period decor. It is a wonderful way to step back into time, and enjoy this historic landmark.

If you have questions or want to reserve a room or dinner, call 800-678-8946.

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