Queen Mary History & Facts | California

The famous Queen Mary in Long Beach is a must-see attraction in Southern California. This historic ocean liner was a British passenger ship from 1936 to 1967 before being converted into a popular hotel and tourist spot. The Queen Mary's rich history and iconic status make it a top destination for visitors seeking a unique and memorable experience.

History of the Queen Mary

Iconic Queen Mary: A luxury liner turned premier tourist destination — A luxury liner turned premier tourist destination

1936 Construction and Maiden Voyage: The Queen Mary was built by John Brown & Company in Clydebank, Scotland, for the Cunard-White Star Line. It was launched in 1934 and embarked on her maiden voyage in 1936, sailing between Southampton, England and New York City.

1939-1945 WWII Service: During World War II, the Queen Mary was commandeered as a troop transport ship. It was painted gray and nicknamed the "Grey Ghost" due to its speed and stealth. The ship was crucial in transporting troops across the Atlantic, carrying thousands of soldiers to various war zones.

1947-1967 Luxury Ocean Liner: The Queen Mary was refitted after WWII and returned to passenger service. It resumed its transatlantic voyages between Europe and North America, offering luxurious accommodations and amenities to its passengers.

1950s-1960s Competition & Decline: As time went on and technology advanced, air travel gained popularity. The Queen Mary faced competition from faster and more efficient passenger jets and eventually was retired by the Cunard Line in 1967.

1967 Final Cruise: On October 31, 1967, the Queen Mary departed on her final cruise, arriving in Long Beach, California on December 9, 1967 where she was permanently moored and transformed into a hotel, museum, and tourist attraction. The ship opened to the public in 1971.

Queen Mary: A preserved historic landmark in Long Beach — A preserved historic landmark in Long Beach

Today: Over the years, various restoration and preservation efforts have been undertaken to maintain the Queen Mary's historic integrity and longevity as a cultural icon. These efforts included refurbishing the ship's interior, preserving its Art Deco design, and addressing structural issues caused by aging and corrosion.

Today, the Queen Mary stands as a symbol of the grandeur of ocean travel. It combines history, luxury, and mystery that visitors can experience firsthand.

Fun Facts About the Queen Mary

Construction on the Queen Mary began in 1930, but it was halted for approximately 2 years because of the Great Depression.
At 1,1019 feet, the Queen Mary was Britain's first entry in the 1,000-foot category of ships.

Discover Queen Mary's intriguing facts: from construction to hauntings

The Queen Mary had a gross tonnage of 81,237 and was built to carry 2,038 passengers.
The ship was named after Mary of Teck, the wife of King George V and Queen of the United Kingdom and Empress of India from 1910-1936.
The Queen Mary's amenities included 5 dining areas, 2 swimming pools, beauty salons, a gymnasium, a library, a grand ballroom, and a hospital.
In 1936-1937 and again in 1938-1952, the Queen Mary held the Blue Riband for fastest average speed while crossing the Atlantic.
The Queen Mary was reportedly the fastest and largest vessel utilized during WWII. It reached a top speed of 32.5 knots, which was faster than many German U-boat torpedoes. The vessel was capable of transporting more than 15,000 soldiers.
By the end of the war, the Queen Mary had transported approximately 810,000 troops.
During her last voyage, the Queen Mary was too big to travel through the Panama Canal, so she had to sail around Cape Horn, southern Chile.
Also nicknamed the "Ship of Woods", the Queen Mary featured a spectacular art deco design and contained over 50 types of wood from around the world.
Her sister ship, the Queen Elizabeth, was in service from 1940 to 1968. While being converted into a seagoing university, it caught fire and sank in 1972.
The Queen Mary's first-class accommodations attracted wealthy passengers and celebrities, including Frank Sinatra, Audrey Hepburn, Clark Gable, Bob Hope, Winston Churchill, and Queen Elizabeth II.
The Queen Mary was featured on Ghost Adventures and has been voted one of Time magazine's Top 10 Most Haunted Places in America.
The Queen Mary currently boasts over 340 first-class rooms and suites, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges, a 24-hour fitness center, 15 meeting rooms, and more.
The Queen Mary hosts many events throughout the year, from weddings to large music festivals.

On your next trip to Southern California, be sure to experience the grandeur of the Queen Mary from the ultimate perspective on one of our California sightseeing helicopter tours.