The Queen Mary

The Queen Mary, one of the world's finest luxury ocean liners, has been permanently docked in Long Beach, CA since retiring on September 19, 1967 after 1,001 crossings of the Atlantic. Constructed by Scottish John Brown and Co., the Queen Mary saw her maiden voyage on May 27, 1936. During her early years, she played host to some of the world's elite celebrities and traveling on her was considered the only civilized means of transport. However, when the United States entered WWII, the Queen Mary enlisted and saw active duty from March, 1940 until September, 1946. Painted camouflage gray during war-time, the Queen Mary was affectionately dubbed the "Gray Ghost" for its ability to evade enemies in open waters. Because of its role in combat, the Queen Mary stands now as a monument to the brave men and women of the armed forces and the Red Cross, allowing veterans and their families a chance to pay homage to their service. After resuming peacetime passenger service on July 31, 1947, the ship was officially turned over to the city of Long Beach on December 11, 1967.

The vessel has experienced ongoing and meticulous restoration since 1995, when work began on the ship's original teak deck, which has retained much of its original wood. Work was also done to return the smoke stacks to their original "Cunard Red" color—named for the man who commissioned the ship's construction, Samuel Cunard. Today, the Queen Mary is much more than a dormant ocean liner that saw war duty. The ship's original 314 staterooms have been converted into hotel accommodations spanning three decks and including eight full luxury suites. The ship also hosts a five-star, reservations-only restaurant, Sir Winston's, as well as the Observation Bar, the swankiest lounge ever. Along with dining and drinking options, the ship hosts weekly and annual events such as the Scottish Festival, celebrating the ship's Scot heritage, and the Ink and Iron Tattoo Festival each June. Guided tours and shows are available aboard the Queen Mary; there is also a combo deal that includes admission to the Queen Mary and the Aquarium of the Pacific. As a special treat, take a walk through a Russian Foxtrot submarine docked alongside.

- Trevor J. Smith