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The Queen Mary
Still Reigns
In Long Beach Story and photos (unless stated otherwise) by Mary McGrath
Currently CHILL is in full swing, with its popular snow-driven activities taking place adjacent to the boat. Onboard, the Diana Exhibit showcases decades of European history, coupled with rich displays to satiate any fashionista. And then there are the fine restaurants, particularly Sir Winston's, offering premium 5-Star dining overlooking the harbor. Scallops and duck were our choices that evening, and we were very impressed with the quality of the food, and the service.
Ever wanted to cruise around the world? Coming up on New Year's Eve is their re-launch of the retired ocean-liner to her voyaging days with a one-night world cruise, where "passengers" will be ushered to such places as India, Brazil, the extravagant Moulin Rouge in France and Times Square in New York before returning to the ship's beginning, a village in Scotland. The celebration will culminate with fireworks at midnight, and no passport is needed! Prices start at $99.
We were curious about the Queen, so we booked a two-night stay, not quite sure what to expect. Sure, it's not the Four Seasons, but we found our updated room comfortable, clean, and punctuated with some groovy throwbacks to her earlier days. Check out those vintage portholes, and the heating vents from the '40s. Our room even had a small writing desk from that bygone era. We were originally there to sleuth for ghosts, which are a given at the Queen Mary. There are several paranormal excursions available, taking you to the bowels of the boiler room, the famed haunted swimming pool, and hot spots inside the boat where people have met with gruesome endings. Although there are several paranormal tours, we took two of the daytime tours. The shorter Ghosts and Legends is more of a special effects romp, taking you deep into the interior of the boat. Boilers hissed while a simulated flood ensued. This was all good fun, but we preferred the Haunted Encounters, proving why the Queen Mary has been voted one of the Top 10 Most Haunted Places in America according to Time magazine. Who died in that room and how? What really happened in the first class swimming pool? How many people were caught in the rear propeller when the Queen cut another ocean liner in half? The creep factor was high on this tour, and our guide was engaging and informative. Many spirit orbs were evident in many of the photos I took.
If strapped for time, simply walk the boat, where you'll see photos of dignitaries, actors and other famous people, all whom have contributed to the illustrious reputation of the Queen Mary when she was in full swing. Art enthusiasts will enjoy the many murals, paintings and Art Deco furniture that still punctuate the ship, taking you back to a bygone era when Big Band music was king, and everyone did the Continental.
We toured the boat on our own one morning, to avoid the crush of people on the tours, and discovered some wonderful gems. Maritime history is plentiful on the boat, giving you a peek into relics from a bygone era.
One spot was the radio room near the front of the boat where two volunteers entertained us with tales of the Morse code, the war efforts, and many other factoids related to the history of the Queen Mary. Jerry Fullerton (on the right) and his pal were well informed and such a delight, showing us how to operate many of the sophisticated instruments that were in use at the time.
The Queen Mary has many facets to her, so if you've never come aboard, now's the time. Whether you're a history buff, an art or fashion enthusiast, a snow bunny, ghost-hunter, or simply looking for some fine dining or unique entertainment opportunities, come check her out. You'll be pleasantly surprised. For more information visit the Queen Mary's website. Related Articles: |
ince docking at Long Beach Harbor in 1967, the Queen Mary's been pretty
much idle, but there's still a lot of activity surrounding this famous
ocean liner, making a visit well-worth your time.
FEEDBACK FOR PATTI I enjoy your newsletters -and particularly Patti Nickell's article
about the 'Pudding Club' in the Cotswold's. An old friend of mine is taking
a holiday there this year and plans to try their Jam Roly Poly and Spotted Dick
- amongst many!
FEEDBACK FOR JULIO The way I read this article, you stayed at the "Breeze
and Waves". Do you have any pictures of the cottages, and would you recommend
to some first time visitors to Caramoan? Hi Richard, Breeze and Waves was still under construction when I stayed
there in Feb. 2010. It should be finished by now. You
can see pictures of the resort on this page. We got to stay in one of the
small cottages in the picture. I'll recommend it to budget travelers but you
might want to look at other options. We chose it because of its location right
by the beach. You can try other resorts in the Caramoan town proper (you have
to get a ride to get to the beach and the jump-off point to go island-hopping
but it's a relatively short distance). There are also two higher end resorts
located on a cove and very near the islands: Gota Village Resort (unfortunately
there is something wrong with their website right now) and its twin resort Hunongan
Cove. Caramoan is a relatively new tourism development so resorts are just now
being built. I should add that it might be good to go to Caramoan (and almost anywhere in the Philippines) during the dry season from December to May. June to November are the typhoon months and sometimes typhoons will still come during early December. Julio * * * * * Hi, I'm planning to go to Caramoan this coming May. Would you
know the number of Breeze and Waves Cottages? Thanks! Hi Ann, Breeze and Waves' phone number is 0908-2911072. Look for Freddie. Hope you have a grand time at Caramoan! Julio
FEEDBACK FOR WENDY For Nature's Playground: The South Island of New Zealand Hi Wendy, In winter, Heritage Heights Apts. now offers free shuttle service to and from Queenstown 24/7 to guests without cars. We own a 7-passenger 4-wd Toyota Highlander used specifically to taxi guests up and down the hill during winter months. We also run advance purchase winter promotions which include a 4-wd rental. If any of your readers head over this direction, I will enjoy extending Heritage Heights hospitality!! Cheers --- Ailey, Owner, Queenstown, NZ * * * * * New Zealand text and pix top drawer! Almost as good as making the trip. ( but one still wants to. . . ) Full of useful detail. Only trouble with the website: It's tough figuring out which feedback goes with which article, and the more there are, the tougher it gets! --- Ken W., Camarillo CA Thanks Ken..."álmost" is right, you really have to experience the South Island firsthand. Granted this piece is long, but still all I can think about is how much I left out! I agree abut the relevancy factor re the feedback--it can be confusing...sometimes I have a "Wait a minute...what?" moment myself. Thanks for writing, Wendy * * * * * Okay Wendy, from now on whenever you book your travel, please reserve space for me. I will carry your luggage, bring you cold drinks, massage your shoulders, and change the film in your camera (oops, I guess you don't have to do that anymore). Wonderful ideas and recommendations. Can you get to New Zealand from Boston in less than a week? --- Carl A., South Easton, MA Ha ha ha Carl, you're quite the comedian! But you'd be surprised how short that flight feels. I suspect Qantas isn't the only airline who's figured out that 3 movies, 2 full meals, lots of snacks and a complimentary travel pack (eye mask, warm socks and neck pillow) equals a quiet, well-behaved cabin. It really isn't bad. Just fly direct--pick the shortest flight w/ no lengthy layovers and you'll be fine. Re: signing on as my Super Sherpa...why not? I think you know I seldom travel in anything less than Party mode. There's just that pesky background check... Thanks for writing, Wendy For Excellence Riviera Cancun: Wendy, I truly enjoyed your info especially since we leave in a week to celebrate my 50th Birthday. Was it necessary to make reservations at the restaurants? Was there a dress code for the restaurants? What would you recommend not missing while there? Was the spa experience worth it? Did you travel away from the resort while there? Thanks, --- Kim P. Fuquay, Varina, NC Hi Kim. Sorry for the delay in responding...you had heavy competition with the holidays. Reservations at Excellence restaurants are not necessary and you will not find a wait. The dress code is basically no bathing suits and flip-flops...with a decided a mix of atmospheres. Mostly the open-air beachside spots are super casual, the rest slightly more formal. Truly, as long as you are clothed, I don't think you'd be turned away anywhere, though most people seemed to enjoy dressing up at night...I suspect more for their own pleasure than any sense of decorum. The spa experience was worth it, though my favorite part wasn't the actual massage. The precursor was a 45 min. or so rotation from sauna to a series of (kind of wild) water jets which was very different and very cool, not just for women. In its' entirety, and with the serenity of the beach/champagne/strawberries, it was memorable. We did not travel away from the hotel this trip, but the hotel is very helpful in arranging day excursions to fit your desires and you do not have to book these until you arrive. Have a great time! --- Wendy
FEEDBACK FOR NINO I enjoyed Nino's contribution, since we all read about the frightening
terrorist attack. Having travelled somewhat through India years ago, I am continually
impressed with this country and the gentle spiritual aspects of this nation.
Some day I look forward to going back. Nino has encouraged me. Thank you!
FEEDBACK FOR RUSH & CHUCK Dear Mr.s/counselors Brown and Koro, Thank you for a very informed and succinct article on motorcycle accidents and the law. It inspired me to think about getting a motorcycle, but not have an accident. But, if I do I am now well informed with the basics of what to do providing I do not perish in the accident. Any tips about that too? --- Unnamed
Dear Rush and Chuck, I wish I had read your article before our camping trip the Friday prior to President's Day. My wife and I were in a car accident on our way to a camp ground. We were "rear-ended" and the impact caused our car to crash into the car in front of us. The contents of the truck that we were riding scattered onto several lanes. It's a miracle our two dogs decided to stay inside the car. My wife and I were shaken up badly but despite the mess, I was still able to walk out of the car. I got the license plate of the driver in front of me but, to my surprise, after reviewing the little damage on his car, he then sped off. I didn't know you could do that! The driver who hit me from behind gave me his information and then he too left the scene without saying good 'bye. When the police arrived all I had to go by was the little information I had jotted down which I hope was truthful. What if it was bogus? What if I had written the plate number incorrectly? How would that affect my insurance? What if we were unconscious, who would have written down all that information? I do have one suggestion if you are injured in an accident. The police asked if my wife wanted an ambulance to bring her to the hospital but we declined the offer. I remembered when I rode an ambulance years ago that it was not a comfortable ride. I was strapped to the stretcher and there were all sorts of medical equipment dangling noisily above me. As long as you are able, it is a more relaxful ride inside a car. Besides, isn't there a fee for ambulance service? --- Dave S. of Pasadena, CA
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