Visit the historic Queen Mary for free Wednesday
June 13, 2023
To celebrate the grand re-launch of the Queen Mary, there will be no admission fee to board the historic ocean liner Wednesday.
The community day, which is limited to 1,000 people on a first-come, first-served basis, will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“We welcome the public back to the Queen Mary, an iconic, international and historic landmark that belongs to our city,’’ Mayor Rex Richardson said in a statement to the Post. “This is a moment of celebration and pride for the community who have waited so long to see this treasure restored and reopened.”
Parking also will be complimentary, according to a ship spokesperson.
While large portions of the ship remain closed to the public, much of the promenade deck is open to the public, including the Observation Bar, Chelsea Chowder House (with reservation), the Ship Model Gallery and The Shipyard, which features a 26-foot-long, 600-pound, 250,000-brick LEGO model of the historic vessel.
Three tours are available during the event for $25 each, including Glory Days, Haunted Encounters and Steam & Steel. Each tour has multiple sessions throughout the day.
The Paranormal Ship Walk tour, which costs $55, is also available seven days per week at 8 p.m.
“We are excited that the Queen Mary is open again,” Steve Caloca, managing director for the ship, said in a statement. “Visitors from all around the world can once again visit our restaurants, stay overnight in our staterooms, and take the many tours that we have to offer.”
The ship, which also served as a transport for troops during World War II, closed at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic and underwent millions of dollars worth of repairs and upgrades.
“The Queen Mary has been an iconic part of the community since arriving in 1967,” Caloca added, “and we want the people of Long Beach to know how much we appreciate them.”