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THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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The Queen
Mary in
Long Beach is part of The Pike at Rainbow Harbor which
also includes the Aquarium of the Pacific. The Queen Mary
was moored in Long Beach 1967 and opened as a tourist
attraction in 1971. The ship has struggled financially
over the years and was even closed down for a while in
1992.
The Queen Mary is now open again under the guidance of
the Save the Queen group. The Queen has seen better days
and is looking a little weather when you see here close
up.
Queen Mary tours are quite interesting and the grand old
ship is defiantly worth checking out at least one time.
Kids will probably get bored visiting the QM and will
have much more fun at Aquarium
of the Pacific across the bay. History buffs will
enjoy this attraction the most plus there is also a Russian
sub anchored next to the Queen they can check out.
During the year various events are held on and around
the Queen Mary including the Queen Mary's Annual Halloween
Terror Fest and the Scottish Heritage Festival. The Queen
Mary's future remains uncertain so if you get a chance
take a trip to Long Beach and tour this historic ocean
liner.
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Queen Mary Long Beach |
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Queen Mary sailed on her
maiden voyage on 27 May 1936 and was the fastes passenger
ship to cross the Alantic Ocean. She lost the title to the
SS Normandie in 1937 and recaptured it in 1938.
With the outbreak of World War II, she was converted into
a troopship and ferried Allied soldiers for the duration
of the war. Following the war, Queen Mary was refitted for
passenger service and along with Queen Elizabeth commenced
the two-ship transatlantic passenger service that the two
ships were initially built for.
The two ships dominated the transatlantic passenger transportation
market until the dawn of the jet age in the late 1950s.
By the mid-1960s the ship was aging and though still among
the most popular transatlantic liners, was operating at
a loss.
After several years of decreased profits for Cunard Line,
Queen Mary was officially retired from service in 1967.
The ship left Southampton for the last time on 31 October
1967 and sailed to the port of Long Beach, California, United
States, where it remains permanently moored. |
HMS Queen Mary |
View of Long Beach from Queen Mary |
The Queen Mary has a hotel
and restaurants. The hotel's 314 original staterooms span
three decks and include eight full suites. Each cabin is
uniquely appointed, and embellishments vary to include rich
wood paneling; Art Deco built-ins; original artwork; and,
portholes for outside cabins.
The hotel offers a business center, and for those who wish
to enjoy some fresh ocean air and exercise, four times around
the Sun Deck equals one mile.
Restaurants include Sir Winston's Restaurant, Chelsea Restaurant,
The Promenade Café, Tibbies Cabaret and the Observation
Bar.
Queen Mary is Open Daily
from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Parking fee is charged and
is for up to 12 hours. The Queen Mary is located at the
south end of the 710 Freeway, on the water in Long Beach
at 1126 Queen's Hwy, Long Beach, Ca. Seasonal: Dark
Harbor Halloween. |
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San
Pedro offers an experience like no
other. It’s a fantastic seaside destination. |
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USS
Iowa new attraction San Pedro. Guided
tours through thid historicUS Navy battleship. |
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Rainbow
Harbor Long Beach multitude of activities
that are all within a short walk. |
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