The Queen Mary: A Christmas Tradition and Ghostly Reunion
This holiday season, our Oceanside Surf School crew took a detour from the waves to embrace a festive tradition aboard the historic Queen Mary in Long Beach. Once a grand ocean liner and now a stationary icon, the ship may no longer sail the seas, but it continues to charm visitors with its unique blend of nostalgia, mystery, and holiday cheer.
For me, this visit was more than just a holiday outing—it was a reunion with four close friends. Two decades ago, we explored the Queen Mary together, and returning after all these years felt like stepping into a time capsule. The memories flooded back as we walked the familiar decks, now adorned with twinkling lights and holiday décor.
Ghost Tours and Holiday Haunts
The highlight of our visit was the ghost tour, a must for anyone curious about the ship’s haunted history. Our guide was a lively storyteller, weaving tales of phantom passengers and eerie encounters. While the ghosts themselves stayed hidden (perhaps preferring to haunt our imaginations), the tour brought the ship’s rich history to life.
But not all the chills came from ghost stories. Santa Claus made an appearance, and while the kids seemed thrilled, we found his slightly unsettling demeanor more fit for Halloween than Christmas.
A Toast to the Past
No reunion is complete without a toast, so we found ourselves at one of the ship’s old-school bars. The atmosphere was classic and charming, but there was a minor hiccup: our Johnny Walker Blue was served with ice cubes instead of a proper ice brick. It wasn’t quite what we hoped for, but with good friends and good conversation, we quickly shrugged it off.
Holiday Cheer and Portside Realities
From the cheerful carolers spreading holiday vibes to the ambient hum of the port outside, the Queen Mary offered a mix of festive spirit and maritime ambiance. That said, the surrounding noises and the ship’s old bones didn’t make for the best night’s sleep—but who needs sleep when the experience is this memorable?
A Tradition Worth Keeping
Despite its quirks, the Queen Mary delivered a magical holiday experience. It’s a place where history meets festivity, and for us, it was the perfect setting to relive old memories and create new ones. If you’re looking for a unique Christmas tradition, we wholeheartedly recommend a visit to this legendary ship.
Here’s to traditions, reunions, and finding ghosts—if only in our conversations.