Seasonal & Holidays
Visiting the Queen Mary in Long Beach
A memorable place for good food, great fun and ghosts!
What’s not to like about cruising without the hassle of the crowds? This is why we opted for the big ship experience in Long Beach, on the heralded Queen Mary.
Nestled in the Long Beach harbor since 1967, this iconic relic exemplifies the elegance of days gone by, when stars studded the hallways, and the pace of life was sure and simple elegance. Many dignitaries have also made this ship their home, evidenced by the many vintage photographs onboard.
Although many of the rooms have been updated with some modern amenities, the throwback flavor of the deco-studded décor still prevails. Many nooks sported fixtures from the past, some operational, others ornamental. It’s all historical fun.
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Since it was over three years since we last visited, it was nice to know there are some new attractions on hand.
There are a few 4-D attractions, designed to baffle the senses. Buckle up and feel the rock and bump of every action scene, sniff the scent of blossoming romance and get tickled by antics from your favorite animated characters…literally.
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We always go for the ghosts, and there are several tours to accommodate paranormal enthusiasts. Many tours we've enjoyed take place in daylight, but if I were more of a night owl, I’d opt for an evening adventure to further delve into the history of the many ghosts that haunt the ship.
Since we’re both foodies, we again splurged at the renowned Sir Winston’s Restaurant, an elegant 5-star dining experience. The mood was accentuated with vintage jazz tunes, recreating a Miles Davis/John Coltrane vibe of days gone by. Again, I fell in love with the scallops, while my dining companion reveled in the stuffed grilled shrimp. Save room for the soufflé, a divine ending to an impeccable meal.
Those who are strapped for time can always come aboard and walk the ship, take some tours, grab a harbor-view lunch or dinner, and simply pretend you’re someplace else for a while. No passport is required.
If you’re looking for something different to do, for either the day, or an overnight adventure, check out the Queen Mary, only a half hour away from Los Angeles.
