Summary

The RMS Queen Mary, a historic ship turned tourist attraction in Long Beach, California, has been closed since May 2020, with its future uncertain following rumors of bankruptcy, structural issues, and a lack of official information.

Abstract

The RMS Queen Mary, once a beloved destination for the author's wedding anniversary celebrations, has ceased operations, leaving a cherished tradition in limbo. The ship, which offered a unique experience with its staterooms, dining at Winston's, and historical ambiance, has been a significant part of the author's life. However, due to COVID-19, the website's removal, and unsuccessful attempts to contact the venue, the author's hopes of continuing the annual visit have been dashed. Reports from a friend's recent attempt to visit the ship, along with rumors of financial troubles and structural integrity concerns, suggest a bleak outlook for the Queen Mary. The author reflects on the ship's grandeur, the memorable Beef Wellington dinners, and the exceptional service, lamenting the potential loss of such a historic and elegant vessel.

Opinions

The author has a deep appreciation for the historical significance of the RMS Queen Mary, considering it one of the most famous ships.
The Queen Mary is fondly remembered for its excellent service, particularly the attentive Maitre-d' and the annual tradition of dining on Beef Wellington at Winston's.
Despite the ship's issues, such as creaking sounds, inadequate air conditioning, and plumbing problems, the author and his wife were forgiving, acknowledging the ship's age and the challenges it faces.
The author is skeptical about the rumors of the ship's demise, finding it hard to believe that such a grand vessel could be facing a scrap yard future.
There is a sense of nostalgia and sadness at the potential loss of the Queen Mary, with the author expressing a willingness to endure discomfort to spend another night aboard.
The author believes the Queen Mary deserves respect for its long service, from its transatlantic voyages to its time as a moored attraction.

The RMS Queen Mary Is Closed

Has our anniversary tradition ended? Can it be true?

Promenade deck shopping RMS Queen Mary — Photo Credit Michael Rhodes

For years we would make reservations for a stateroom and dinner at Winston’s onboard the RMS Queen Mary. It had become an annual tradition to celebrate our wedding anniversary at this historic location in Long Beach, California.

The city bought the Queen Mary to serve as a tourist attraction featuring restaurants, shopping, a museum, and a hotel, while permanently moored.

I didn’t even call to book reservations for the last two anniversaries because of COVID. This past summer, I visited the website to see if we could return to our annual tradition. But the website was taken down. I called the phone number and got a message, “your call can not be completed as dialed.” With no follow-up information.

RMS Queen Mary Long Beach, CA — Photo Credit Michael Rhodes

A friend told me they were going to tour the ship recently and followed all the city-installed signs, which are still up. But arrived at an empty parking lot and a rude security guard who told them to leave NOW. It appears she has been closed since May 2020. While the initial closure was due to COVID, whispers on review websites indicated there was a bankruptcy filing from the third-party contracted management. Other rumors say she is sinking, and the cost to repair is prohibitive. It’s all bizarre, with little official public information on what happened or what the future holds for this great ship.

My Wife and I in the Grand Salon RMS Queen Mary — Photo Credit Michael Rhodes

This news saddens me to my core. It cannot be true, I think. Being a sailor, I enjoy the history of ships, and the Queen Mary is one of the most famous. Over the years, we booked several different stateroom categories, from a Delux Suite with two bathrooms to a Standard First Class room. While several restaurants were on board, our anniversary dinner was always at Winston’s.

My wife on the main deck with Long Beach city skyline — Photo Credit Michael Rhodes

While I can’t remember the Maitre-d’s name today, he never forgot ours, always seating us at the best tables. We always ordered the same thing every year — Beef Wellington. No one in a 100-mile radius of our house served this menu item, and Winston’s prepared it perfectly. I looked forward to my Beef Wellington all year long. Is it gone forever?

One year a Busboy spun around, hitting the waiter’s tray and spilling red wine on my white shirt. The shirt was collected for cleaning, but the ship’s laundry was unable to clean it, and a new shirt from a high-end store was delivered to our room in the same size with a very classy note from the Maitre-d. I’m going to miss him, and I’m going to miss the Beef Wellington.

One year our anniversary aligned with a significant Formal Ball that had a full orchestra; it was fantastic. The largest room onboard was used for this event. The Grand Salon is three stories in height and anchored by wide columns featuring a large map of the transatlantic crossing. During each crossing, a motorized model of the Queen Mary would indicate the vessel’s progress en route.

Queen Mary Formal Ball on our Anniversary — Photo Credit Michael Rhodes

Known as the ship of woods, she had 56 different highly polished veneers used in an Art Deco style. Six are now extinct, making the Queen Mary one of the few places they can be found.

The ship wasn’t without problems. Our staterooms often creaked and made strange sounds from the metal expanding and contracting with temperature changes. Airconditioning was a constant irritation, never cooling enough, and we always booked staterooms away from the afternoon sun during the summer. Showers were often scalding or cold, and water pressure was weak. Port holes leaked when it rained, and that beautiful wood paneling had seen better days in certain places. The ship is haunted, I’m sure you heard that already, but the ghosts never bothered us or made any appearances. I always looked for them, especially late at night.

Bow of the Queen Mary, the Old Guy is Me — Photo Credit Michael Rhodes

My wife and I were more tolerant than some because we knew the old lady was doing her best. Sailing the North Atlantic Ocean from 1936 to 1967 and serving as a moored attraction until 2020. She is now 86 years old and deserves all the respect we can give her.

The history of staying in this 1930s Art Deco time capsule made up for our inconveniences. I suppose she is now gasping for her last breath. Is a scrap yard in her future? I would put up with no air conditioning to stay aboard just one more night. They don’t make them like this anymore, and there will never be another ship as classy and beautiful as the RMS Queen Mary.

God save the Queen.