Inside the 1930s ocean liner that transported 810,000 troops during World War II — this year celebrating 90 years with candlelit concerts and summer events

The Queen Mary is a world-renowned 1930s ocean liner, famous for its lavish Art Deco design, groundbreaking engineering, and record-breaking speed. During WWII, she gained the nickname “Grey Ghost” for transporting more than 810,000 troops while outrunning enemy submarines. After decades of hosting royalty, celebrities, and political figures, she retired to Long Beach in 1967, where she now serves as a hotel, museum, and historic attraction. Her Queen’s Salon, once the first-class main lounge, offers a rare glimpse into the golden age of travel and now hosts intimate, candlelit performances.

Built in Scotland and launched in 1934, the Queen Mary became an icon of transatlantic travel, famed for her craftsmanship and interiors made from more than 50 types of wood. She earned the Blue Riband multiple times for the fastest crossing and set new standards for maritime luxury. Her wartime transformation into a troopship marked one of the most dramatic shifts in nautical history, including carrying over 16,000 people on a single voyage. After returning to passenger service, she completed her final journey to Long Beach, where she continues to preserve her extraordinary legacy.

She set world records for speed and capacity, carried dignitaries across the Atlantic, and once featured a moving crystal model that tracked her progress at sea. Now, Candlelight concerts are held onboard The Queen Mary, where thousands of flickering candles illuminate live classical tributes to artists, from Vivaldi to Adele.

Visitors can stay overnight in restored Art Deco staterooms, explore historical and paranormal tours, and enjoy dining options and bars scattered throughout the ship. Large event spaces, exhibitions, and waterfront views make the Queen Mary an immersive destination whether you’re there for a concert, a romantic evening, or a journey into maritime history.

In 2026, there’s even more reason to visit beyond tours and hotel stays. The ship’s current calendar includes weekly Observation Bar events, from Meet Me at the Mary on Tuesdays and Karaoke Wednesdays to Live Jazz & Blues Thursdays and Friday Night Live. Summer programming also includes Margaritas on the Mary, Movies on Deck, Murder on the High Seas dinner theater, and seasonal waterfront celebrations.

The Queen Mary is permanently docked at 1126 Queens Highway in Long Beach, overlooking Queensway Bay. Guests can reach the ship via the Metro Blue Line and connecting Long Beach Transit buses, or by car with convenient on-site parking. Approaching the vessel feels like stepping back into a bygone era of ocean travel.