Modern, First-Class Service on Historical Queen Mary

The Queen Mary has been a legend since her maiden voyage in 1936, providing guests with luxury accommodations while keeping up with modern times.

She has played a pivotal role in not only the tourism industry, but in world history.

Taller than both the Washington Monument and Eiffel Tower, the Queen Mary has transported the likes of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor as well as Sir Winston Churchill during World War II.

Its First-Class Dining Room, at the time, was the largest public room ever built aboard a ship and the state-of-the-art swimming pool could be filled in 25 minutes.

In other words, the Queen Mary was the epitome of luxury back in the day. Fortunately, nothing has changed.

Now owned by the City of Long Beach, the ship is permanently docked along the waterfront and has continued to be a first-class tourist attraction, hosting visitors from around the world.

Whether you’re a native Southern Californian or only have a few days in the Los Angeles area, the Queen Mary is definitely worth a visit whether overnight, for dinner, cocktails, or a spooky ghost tour.

People have died on the Queen Mary after all… [cue scary ghost music]

Accommodations

Hotel guests experience Queen Mary staterooms in their original splendor with original woodwork and floor plans. However, modern amenities such as remodeled bathrooms and flat screen TVs meet today’s demanding standards.

Choose a deluxe stateroom or live in a suite once reserved for royalty or VIPs. Either way, you’re literally living history when you stay aboard the Queen Mary.

Check the rates for your Los Angeles stay, because you might just find a better deal here than on land!

Dining

Dining aboard the ship, I would imagine, isn’t any different than back in the day. The menu is top notch and the waiters treat you like a First- Class passenger.

Sir Winston’s Restaurant offers both a decadent menu as well as nice views in an intimate setting. Just be sure to ask for the best view when you make your reservations!

The soon-to-be remodeled Chelsea Restaurant, on the other hand, offers a slightly more informal setting and will be famous for their seafood chowder soon enough. Mark my words!

If you’re short on time or only want a quick drink, the Art Deco Observation Bar is a great alternative and a Southern California landmark, not to be missed.

I’d ask the bartender for a house suggestion and let him make you the perfect cocktail to accompany with the breathtaking views and a (hopefully) gorgeous sunset.

Activities

The Queen Mary offers tours for those who either wish for a sneak peak or want to know more in-depth about the ship’s history.

Those who love a good ghost story mixed with Disney-like special effects will love the Ghosts & Legends Tour. Your guide walks you through the history of the ship before leading you through the dark, damp lower reaches of the ship… to scare you to death!

Other tours include the World War II Tour (The Queen Mary played a very important role during this time), Twilight Historical Tour, Dining with the Spirits, or a Self Guided Audio Tour.

Events

Various types of events are hosted on the QM throughout the year, so be sure to keep checking the events calendar. Their first-ever Dinner with the Winemakers featured food and wine from South Africa and a lucky person walked away with roundtrip plane tickets to South Africa!

This 4th of July, the ship is celebrating ‘BBQ, Brews and Reds, White & Blue.’ An all-day rocking good time including a live DJ, bands, and delicious food (Note: Champagne Sunday Brunch!) hopefully won’t sink this ship!

CONTEST!!!!
We picked up some swag on the recent Queen Mary Media Fam Tour and we’d like to give it to you! We have a QM mug and a few other small goodies, so here’s how to win:

• Post your favorite water picture on Facebook at Facebook.com/TravelPlusWine

And/or

• Retweet this article

Double your chances by doing both! Winner must have a United States mailing address and will be drawn at random on Thursday, June 10, 2010. Good luck!

UPDATE: The contest has been extended through the weekend. Winners will be chosen Monday, June 14, 2010. Contest closes at 9pm PST.