'This Ship Is A Life Changer': Hotel Stays Begin On The Queen Mary

LONG BEACH, CA — Hotel stays aboard the historic RMS Queen Mary officially started Friday after three years of being closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and extensive repairs to the ship.

After being empty for so many years, staff and ship officials said it's refreshing to see people return to the vessel's halls. Commodore Everette Hoard said it feels like the ship is alive again and he is happy to see people taking tours and exploring after so long.

"You can have the finest ship in the world, but it's only a piece of hardware without the people," Hoard said. "With people back onboard the ship, enjoying the ship, taking these tours, their interest is upon the ship. When we opened up my heart began to beat again."

People started exploring the ship again on April first when a limited number of tours relaunched to the public, including the popular Haunted Encounters Tour. As more repairs begin to wrap up aboard the ship, the City of Long Beach predicted a full reopening this summer.

Along with the hotel's reopening, The Observation Bar, Promenade Cafe and Chelsea's Chowder House will reopen doors for guests. The grand opening is set for June 8 and brunch service is set to launch on July 2 according to the city.

Beginning this month, the Long Beach City Council will consider a partnership with the Port of Long Beach that officials said has the potential to bring in a considerable amount of money for both entities, the city and Long Beach residents. As part of the agreement, the port will advance $12 million to the city for the ship's restoration and reopening efforts.

The funds will be applied to many uses including addressing infrastructure needs at the Queen Mary to support future restoration and development of the surrounding 43 acres.

Prospective guests can book overnight stays aboard the ship starting at $169 for select rooms and nights. To book a night in one of the Queen Mary's staterooms, visit the ship's website.

"For those of you who love the Queen Mary, as I and many other around the world do, please take your time, take your weekends, come from all the nations of the world to see this beautiful ship," Hoard said. "This ship is a life changer, once you see her and experience her, she will become a part of you."