Only the advent of affordable transatlantic flights put an end to the dominance of the great ocean liners. The Queen Mary, larger and more powerful than the Titanic, crossed the Atlantic Ocean 1,001 times. During one of these crossings during World War II, she carried American Troops establishing a record of the most people ever carried on a vessel that still stands today.
Impressive size, stateliness, and scenery still characterize this impressive ship, even after its conversion into a Long Beach hotel. You can tour the ship and discover the magic of the great ocean liners, of an area where the wealthy traveled in style.
Allegedly haunted, the ship also offers a variety of ghostly encounters and tours that will let your blood freeze in your veins should you believe in such mumbo jumbo. For the rest of us, the ghostly tours are still first rate entertainment and bugbears.
Ship Ahoy skippers! Step aboard one of the last grandiose ocean liners and preserve the memory in your photographs.
How to get there
Simply take the Long Beach Freeway (710) south from Los Angeles, Highway 5, Highway 405, or Highway 10. Take exit 1A toward Queen Mary and follow the signs to Queen Mary, on Queens Highway.
GPS position
How to photograph the RMS Queen Mary
Queen Mary
You can see the Queen Mary from the pier, but the number of possible compositions is very limited, with no good view of the ship. The Foxtrot class submarine and the hotel additions take away from the grand appearance (see image). A better place to photograph the ship is from the long walking pier of the Marina Green Park on the opposite side of bay.
Using a wide-angle lens, I was able to incorporate the moorage of the ship to draw the viewer into the distance, toward the ship. At first glance the submarine is not visible and does not interfere much with the composition. The space between the stones and the line frames the reflection of the ship, with the image opening up toward the top, which also draws our gaze to the ship.
Swimming Pool
You can pick one of several tours. I opted for the self-guided tour, since that gave me the freedom I needed to explore the areas that interested me. This way, I could outwait any potential disturbances. The general admission includes the guided “Ghosts and Legends” tour. The tour is funny, but kept mostly in the dark. It takes you to the indoor pool (above), boiler room and forward section of the ship where you get to witness a simulated crash with water entering the ship (image below).
Simulated Accident
The lighting is very bad in those places. The pool and the water have some light, allowing you to take a couple of shots, but if photography is your main goal and your time is limited, I recommend skipping this part of the tour. In the boiler room, a simulated steam blowout surprised me, bathing my camera in a wet fog.
Engine Room Steering Wheel
Walking toward the rear of the boat, you can pick up the audio tour. However you have to surrender your ID as collateral. I usually just skip the audio tour in favor of more freedom to explore. The rear lower decks include the propeller box, anchor and engine room. In the rear part, above the engine room, we found this steering wheel hidden behind a panel of instruments. The lighting in this area of the ship requires a very high ISO setting. Avoid flash whenever you can. It produces unsightly reflections off the brass and it produces flat unnatural looks.
Ship Propellor
The propeller box is an attachment to the ship, just above the waterline, to view one of the ships massive propellers. The lights and the blue/green tint of the water produce a surreal look, causing people who enter the room to gasp. I chose to include the waterline and some of the ship above the water, to give a better perspective.
Queen Mary Bridge
The bridge of this powerful vessel is yet another fun area to explore. Countless dials and levers in brass housing, two brass wheels, and the brass audio tubes give this bridge an antique elegance. The beautiful instruments are fun to photograph.
From the starboard (right) docking wing, next to the bridge, you can see downtown Long Beach. Use the small window at the end to frame the distant Villa Riviera or photograph the long row of lifeboats.
Behind the bridge you will be able to catch a glimpse of the officers and captains quarters as well as the wireless room.
Lifeboats
The large ship has many more fascinating areas that you can explore. The Queen’s Saloon on the Promenade Deck offers a glimpse into an unimaginable world of splendor, while the Main Hall (below) could easily be located on a modern cruise liner. Each section of the ship has its own appeal, so make sure you take your time and explore each area. Don’t forget to venture into the hotel area on Deck A. The long corridors are mind boggling and provide another good and often missed photo opportunity.
Main Hall
Best Time of the Day and Best Season
Since many attractions of the Queen are indoors, you can come here during any weather. Check the schedule for special events, which may limit access to some areas.
Time required
Two hours are more than enough to photograph most interesting parts of the ship. Add about 45 minutes if you take the Ghosts and Legends tour.
Equipment
- Image stabilized lens
- Wide-angle lens
Fees
Parking fees are $12. If you just came for a quick peek and can manage to leave in less than 30 minutes, you don’t have to pay. Parking for up to 1 hour is $3.
General Admission tickets are $24.95 for adults, $21.95 for seniors and $12.95 for children. This is the most economical way to see the ship. More complete packages and special haunted tours are also available.
Close Locations
- Russian Foxtrot Submarine
- Shoreline Village
- San Pedro
- Palos Verdes
- Point Vicente
- Naples Island and Belmont Shore
- Crystal Cove State Park
- Huntington Beach
- Newport Beach
- Santa Catalina Island
- Crystal Cathedral
- Disneyland
- Downtown Los Angles
- Huntington Library
Useful Resources
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5 Comments
ahh, well done! Though we should have touched base, one of the best places to photograph the Queen Mary is actually from across the harbor from the marina. I haven’t been there in the morning, but in the afternoon and early evening you can catch some interesting shots of the boat lit up.
thanks for the feedback Sean.
I went to the to the side you mentioned, but I thought that there are many other things to see, like the lighthouse and the Village that this could easily be part of a separate article.
That the true classic glory! I love the art-deco styled swimming pool. I’d love to travel with this ship but unfortunately this type of ships aren’t in service today. I like the old style ships more then the modern ones.
The photo of the propeller is eerie alone. I’ve hard about the hauntings on the ship for a long time. I’d love to tour it.
Wonderful images and great post. You really captured the feel of the place!