“USA 🇺🇸 California ~Visiting The Queen Mary in Long Beach, and Going to Dana Point and San Clemente”

• May 20, 2017
• By Pen
• 0 Comment

The Queen Mary

My first visit to this ship, was when I was in grade school, while in a family vacation. (about 52 years ago).

It was very fun to revisit her, as an adult. I also never dreamed I would one day live in California, either; and under 50 miles from this beach. Daryl and I would put our boat in at the harbor and see the Queen Mary from the Pacific Ocean side, as well. Cruising along from beach to beach was always fun. 

Great Memories!

My folks flew down from Oregon for a visit. We spent a fun few day, together, being at our home in Laguna Niguel, and spending time driving around to various beaches, and ending our time together at the Queen Mary.
We had a great time with my Mom (DeEtte) and Ed. We left them safely aboard the Queen Mary with their tour group, where they will spend the night. Then, they would be off to Catalina Island 🌴 for the rest of the week!

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If you missed my earlier blog on Catalina Island, when Daryl and I went (it was another family visit with my sis and her hubs). Here is the link:

https://2gypsiesinthewind.com/northamerica/united-states-of-america/usa-californias-catalina-island/

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History of The Queen Mary
On May 27, 1936, the Queen Mary departed from Southampton, England embarking on her maiden voyage. She boasted five dining areas and lounges, two cocktail bars and swimming pools, a grand ballroom, a squash court and even a small hospital. The Queen Mary had set a new benchmark in transatlantic travel, which the rich and famous considered as the only civilized way to travel. She quickly seized the hearts and imaginations of the public on both sides of the Atlantic, representing the spirit of an era known for its elegance, class and style.

From the Height of Luxury to World War 2
For three years after her maiden voyage, the Queen Mary was the grandest ocean liner in the world carrying Hollywood celebrities like Bob Hope and Clark Gable, royalty like the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and dignitaries like Winston Churchill.

Photo of a photo: Winston Churchill on board 

The Grand Ballroom

The original artwork; “Unicorns Fighting”

Original Ballroom Floor

Exercise Room

Day Care 

During her time st sea, she even set a new speed record, which she held for 14 years. But when the Queen Mary docked in New York in September 1939 that would be the last time she would carry civilian passengers for many years.
As World War II started, the Queen Mary’s transformation into a troopship had begun. She was painted a camouflaged grey color and stripped of her luxurious amenities. Dubbed the “Grey Ghost” because of her stealth and stark color, the Queen Mary was the largest and fastest troopship to sail, capable of transporting as many as 16,000 troops at 30 knots. After the end of WWII, the Queen Mary began a 10-month retrofitting process, which would return the ship to her original glory. On July 21, 1947, the Queen Mary resumed regular passenger service across the Atlantic Ocean, and continued to do so for nearly two more decades.

The Last Great Cruise

The increasing popularity of air travel helped signal the end of an era for the Queen Mary. By 1965 the entire Cunard fleet was operating at a loss and they decided to retire and sell the legendary Queen Mary. On October 31, 1967, the Queen Mary departed on her final cruise, arriving in Long Beach, California, on December 9, 1967. She has called Southern California her home ever since. The Queen Mary is now a floating Hotel, Attraction Event and Wedding Venue;  home to three world-class restaurants and an icon in Southern California.

Below are photos taken from our personal boat, on an outing in Long Beach 

Earlier on that Day 

In Long Beach, grabbing some lunch before going to the “Queen Mary,” with my mom, DeEtte, Ed and my honey!

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Even Earlier on that Day 

At Dana Point. It got a little windy!

My handsome husband is bouncing back, after the second knee replacement; six weeks after the first one, kicked his butt! He is such a trooper!

Coming in to San Clemente