After dropping Ethan off at Biola University, taking a quick Royal Caribbean cruise, and returning for family orientation, we had one more night in Southern California before flying home. Instead of booking a regular hotel, we decided to do something a little different – we stayed overnight on the historic Queen Mary in Long Beach. It ended up being a memorable way to finish our trip, giving us a chance to relax and enjoy one last bit of California sunshine before heading home.
Historic Ship, Floating Hotel
The Queen Mary isn’t your typical hotel. Built in the 1930s, it’s a retired ocean liner full of history and charm. The ship is beautifully preserved with wood-paneled hallways, brass details, and a vintage feel that makes you imagine what it was like to sail across the Atlantic decades ago.
Our Stateroom
We stayed in one of the ship’s traditional staterooms. It was clean, comfortable, and had more space than we expected. The décor is older but fits the historic vibe. We had a porthole window with a nice harbor view and cozy beds – perfect after a few nights of cruise ship travel.
Exploring the Ship and WWII Exhibits
One of the best parts of staying overnight is having time to wander the ship after day visitors leave. We walked the decks, checked out the exhibits, and enjoyed the quiet atmosphere. There are tours you can book for more history or ghost stories, but we were happy to just explore on our own.
We especially enjoyed the World War II exhibits that showcased the Queen Mary’s history as a troopship. The ship played a major role during the war, transporting thousands of soldiers. There was even a replica bunker experience that showed what it might have been like for Winston Churchill during that era – it felt like stepping back in time.
Harbor Taxi
We took a water taxi from the dock near the Queen Mary. It had a few different stops, and we were able to explore many different shops and restaurants at Long Beach Harbor. We even found some great end-of-summer/back to school sales. (We *may* have ended up having to buy an additional bag to bring all of our stuff back with us). Note – the water taxi may have seasonal hours, so check with the hotel concierge for more information.
A Unique End to the Week
Staying on the Queen Mary was a great way to finish our week in Southern California. It wasn’t a modern hotel stay, but it was unique, full of history, and gave us one last night to unwind before heading home.
Looking back, our trip had a little bit of everything – moving our son into college, a first cruise adventure, and a night on a historic ship. It was emotional, fun, and full of memories we’ll always treasure.
Have you ever been to the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA? (Either just to explore, for an event, or to stay the night?) If so, what was your favorite part? Let me know in the comments below.
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