In the annals of maritime history, the Queen Mary stands as an enduring testament to the golden age of ocean liners. Launched in 1936 from the storied shipyards of Clydebank, Scotland, she was destined to become a jewel in the crown of the Cunard Line, a British response to the grand express superliners crafted by continental European rivals.
Her maiden voyage on May 27, 1936, marked the commencement of a legendary career. The Queen Mary swiftly claimed the prestigious Blue Riband that August, a title she would briefly relinquish to the SS Normandie in 1937 before reclaiming it in 1938—a symbolic contest among the great liners for the fastest transatlantic crossing.
The outbreak of World War II ushered in a new chapter for the Queen Mary. Converted into a troopship, she gallantly ferried Allied soldiers across tumultuous seas during the conflict. Post-war, she underwent a transformation, reverting to her original purpose—passenger service. Alongside her sister ship, the Queen Elizabeth, she reclaimed her reign over the transatlantic route, a duopoly that persisted until the advent of the jet age.
By the mid-1960s, the Queen Mary, once the epitome of luxury and sophistication, faced the inexorable march of time and technology. Operating at a loss, she gracefully bowed out of active service in 1967. Her farewell from Southampton on October 31, 1967, marked the end of an era.
However, her journey was far from over. The Queen Mary embarked on a transoceanic odyssey to Long Beach, California, where she found a new purpose. Acquired by the City of Long Beach, she became a floating tourist attraction—a captivating blend of history, elegance, and nostalgia. Her regal interiors housed restaurants, museums, and a hotel, offering visitors a glimpse into the opulence of a bygone era.
Yet, the Queen Mary’s saga is not without its challenges. Passed between different management firms, she faced financial storms and operational uncertainties. The city regained control in 2021, grappling with the revelation of extensive repairs required to prevent her from sinking.
The Queen Mary, a maritime grande dame, remains moored in Long Beach, a living chronicle of a glamorous past. As visitors stroll her polished decks, they step back in time, hearing whispers of an era when the ocean was crossed in style, and the Queen Mary ruled the waves with unparalleled majesty.
The Queen Mary stands as an unparalleled historic and distinctive lodging option in Southern California. Guests have the opportunity to reside in one of over 300 original first-class staterooms that have been meticulously maintained, providing a rare and authentic experience of mid-20th-century ocean liner luxury within this fully serviced hotel.
Featuring operational portholes and authentic artwork, the Queen Mary offers a diverse range of room choices. Options include full suites, the epitome of spacious luxury with private quarters and a breakfast nook, as well as the sought-after deluxe stateroom, seamlessly blending elegant Art Deco features with contemporary comforts.
The accommodation choices extend to family staterooms, standard staterooms, and mini-suites. Additionally, guests can experience the intriguing “Stateroom B340,” famed for its extensive history of purported paranormal occurrences.
Photo Credit: queenmary.com
Contact Info
Address:
126 Queens Highway
Long Beach,
CA 90802
Phone: (562) 435-3511
Website: queenmary.com