Thursday With the Queen

The exterior of the RMS Queen Mary. Shot was taken while waiting in line to board the ship.

“Today we come to the happy task of sending on her way the stateliest ship now in being. It has been the nation’s will that she should be completed, and today we can send her forth no longer a number on the books, but a ship with a name in the world, alive with beauty, energy and strength! May her life among great waters spread friendship among the nations!”
— King George V

The Queen Mary. It’s a favorite among LA’s major news stations. Every week, I’d see the Grey Ghost make an appearance during the weather segments on at least two different channels I watch regularly.

Until recently, it had been at least two years since the first and last time I stepped foot on the 80-something-year-old ocean liner. After that, almost every time I saw the Queen Mary during KTLA5 or ABC7's news, I would have the urge to return with my Sony Cybershot.

And I eventually did.

I was browsing through my Facebook feed in late March when I stumbled upon an event post for the Queen Mary’s upcoming Salon Series, which provides curated entertainment in one of its historic salons. For April 6th, there was going to be a 4D viewing of Disney’s live-action film “The Jungle Book” at the Britannia Salon, as well as free access to the ship.

Did someone say free? Free is my kind of price, and when you also throw discounted parking into the mix, I’m there!

A side view of the RMS Queen Mary, looking towards the bridges that provide guests access to the engine room.

After about an hour-and-a-half of sitting on the 405 Freeway, I was finally parked in front of the Queen shortly after 3:00pm.

A side view of the RMS Queen Mary, featuring bridges that provide access to the ocean liner’s main decks.

The historical vessel’s Promenade Deck is quite pleasant. From its wooden floors — many of which are now uneven due to age — to its steel superstructure and dated clocks and windowsills, it’s like I’ve been transported to 1940s or 50s. The deck is so vast, this area of the Queen Mary must have held a great number of passengers during its lavish ocean liner days, or when it served as a troopship for 10 years during World War II.

The afternoon sunlight flooding the Promenade Deck.

An old clock hanging in the Promenade Deck, in addition to a sign for the ship’s tour center.

The many nooks along the side of the Promenade Deck — which were once likely occupied by benches and lounge chairs — now feature enlarged photos of actors and politicians who were guests on the Queen Mary during her heyday, including Clark Gable, Bob Hope, Winston Churchill and Robert Kennedy. There are also windows belonging to a few dining spots, like Sir Winston’s Restaurant & Lounge and Chelsea Chowder House & Bar.

The Queen Mary’s windows, photographs and nooks.

The other side of the Promenade Deck, which looks out to the Downtown Long Beach skyline (not shown in photo).

One of the many pigeons that pay the ship a visit all day.

LEFT: One of the few red telephone boxes on the Queen Mary. RIGHT: A view of the Carnival Imagination cruise, which was docked right next to the Queen Mary. The cruise liner eventually took off for Baja Mexico.

Throughout my self-guided tour, I came across many other interesting amenities and features, including souvenir shops, a wedding chapel, a wine tasting room, additional bars and lounges, and a small (semi-creepy) gym.

LEFT: The Queen Mary’s fitness room that is exclusively open to guests staying on the ship. RIGHT: Antique fitness equipment in a separate room within the gym.

And speaking of creepy spots, there’s plenty of those on this very ship. In fact, the Queen Mary is considered one of America’s most haunted places and there have been countless reports of paranormal experiences on all floors of the liner. While I didn’t see anything out of the ordinary, there were several areas I went to that were downright creepy, particularly the hallways lined with 300+ suites and staterooms…

Hallways containing the ship’s 300+ suites and staterooms for guests that dare to stay overnight.

…and this random wide hall that has a stairway for hotel guests, a public restroom, some staff offices, and a supposedly haunted elevator (check out the Ghost Sighting sign about an “elevator scream”).

LEFT: Hall that includes a stairway for hotel guests only, public restrooms, administrative offices, haunted elevators. RIGHT: A sign posted by the elevators about a visitor’s paranormal experience.

Lastly, another incredibly freaky thing about this place is a replica of the children’s playroom, which is housed in the original location of the First-Class playroom. The room contains original artwork from the Tourist-Class and Third-Class playrooms, as well as puzzles, vintage picture books and extremely creepy-looking dolls sitting in little old chairs or standing in tiny cribs.

I’m pretty sure this is what nightmares are made of…

Dolls on display in a replica of one of the ship’s children’s playrooms.

Since I only did a self-guided tour, I did not have access to the now-defunct indoor swimming pool, which is said to be another major paranormal hot spot. However, I did get to go inside there during my previous visit when my boyfriend and I took part in a group tour. Unfortunately, I didn’t take any pictures at the time (not sure why and I now regret it), but I will say… whether or not you believe in “the other side,” you can’t deny how dreadful the atmosphere is in that pool area.

The entrance/exit for the ship’s now-defunct swimming pool.

I ended my adventure with the Queen by joining her in watching the sun go down over the city skyline and ports of Long Beach. I enjoy seeing the sunset no matter where I am (I’m glancing at one right now as I type from home), but it’s just as marvelous when many miles of water and land are in the picture as well.

LEFT: A view of the city of Long Beach from the Queen Mary. RIGHT: Atop the Queen Mary, overlooking the harbor and the Port of Los Angeles.

I’m normally not this spontaneous after work, as I typically just go to the gym, do grocery shopping or walk around a nice mall not far from my apartment. I would occasionally stop by a local park or nature preserve to unwind as well, but this was the first time I went out of my way for such a trip after work and I loved every bit of it!

And… considering I’m off between 1:30–2pm everyday, I may just have more extended weekday adventures now. It’s nice switching things up a bit rather than going through the same ol’ routine day in and day out during the week. To keep myself sane, fun times shouldn’t be reserved for just weekends or vacation days.