If you’re visiting Long Beach and craving a dose of maritime charm mixed with intriguing tales, the Queen Mary Glory Days Historical Tour might just be your best bet. This tour offers more than a simple walk around a ship — it promises a well-rounded look at one of Long Beach’s most iconic landmarks, blending historical facts, Hollywood glamour, and ghostly legends.
What makes this experience stand out? First, we love the knowledgeable guides who bring the ship’s story to life with enthusiasm and detail. Second, the stunning views and authentic ship features leave many visitors genuinely impressed. The only caveat? The tour’s flexible duration ranges from just a couple of hours to nearly a full day, so planning around your schedule is key if you want to maximize your visit. This tour is best suited for history lovers, maritime enthusiasts, and anyone intrigued by ghost stories or vintage ships.
Key Points

- Expert-guided storytelling makes the Queen Mary’s history engaging and memorable.
- Accessible, well-organized tour suitable for most travelers, with options for flexible pacing.
- Includes admission to exhibits, so you get a comprehensive experience.
- Stunning ship views and authentic interiors provide excellent photo opportunities.
- Affordable price point considering the depth of history and stories shared.
- Perfect for all ages, especially those interested in history, Hollywood, or ghost lore.
Exploring the Queen Mary: More Than Just a Ship

The Queen Mary isn’t just a ship; she’s a floating piece of history that has seen wartime service, Hollywood fame, and paranormal activity. The Queen Mary Glory Days Historical Tour digs into all these stories, making it a well-rounded experience. For around $45 per person, you’ll receive a guided tour that lasts anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, depending on how much you want to explore. Most travelers find this price provides excellent value, especially given the included exhibits and professional guidance.
The tour’s starting point at the ship’s deck on Queens Highway makes it easy to find, and being a mobile ticket, there’s no fuss with paper tickets or long lines. The tour is capped at 30 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and engaging — no endless crowds here.
You can also read our reviews of more historical tours in Long Beach
In-Depth Look at the Itinerary
The Queen Mary Tours & Exhibits
The core of this experience is the tour of the ship’s highlights, which includes a variety of exhibits and storytelling that showcase her multifaceted past. You’ll learn about her wartime service, Hollywood glamour, and ghostly legends. The ship’s history as a luxury ocean liner turned wartime transport is fascinating and well worth exploring.
Visitors consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, who answer questions thoroughly, bringing the ship’s stories to life. One reviewer states, “The tour guide was very knowledgeable and answered all questions,” reinforcing that the guides’ expertise is a major highlight.
The Ship’s Unique Appeal
What truly makes this tour stand out are the authentic interiors and stunning views. You’ll see the elegant and sometimes eerie spaces, walk through iconic corridors, and get a feel for the grandeur of a bygone era. The ship’s charm endures, and many reviews mention her “inherent charm” and continued accessibility.
Ghostly Legends and Hollywood Glamour
Some parts of the tour focus on ghost stories and the ship’s Hollywood connections. For those intrigued by paranormal tales, the Queen Mary’s reputation for ghost sightings adds an extra layer of mystique. The ship’s glamorous past as a luxury vessel that hosted stars also adds a touch of Hollywood nostalgia.
Practical Details and Tips

- Booking & Cancellation: You can book easily online, with the reassurance of free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour. This flexibility is handy if your plans change unexpectedly.
- Duration: Ranges from about 2 hours to over 8 hours, giving you options depending on your interest level and schedule.
- Group Size: Limited to 30 travelers, making it easy to ask questions and stay engaged.
- Accessibility: The tour now offers increased accessibility, making it suitable for a broad range of visitors.
- Location & Transportation: The meeting point at the ship’s deck is near public transportation, simplifying logistics.
- Price & Value: At $45, the tour offers a comprehensive experience — including admission to exhibits and firsthand stories from guides. Many visitors feel this price is very reasonable, especially given the quality of storytelling and authentic sights.
Real Visitor Feedback
Multiple reviews emphasize the informative nature and entertaining storytelling. One guest notes, “Tour on the Queen Mary was great — informative and led by a great guide,” underscoring the importance of engaging guides. Another highlights the well-organized experience, especially with convenient booking options via Viator.
Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour suits history enthusiasts, maritime buffs, ghost story fans, and Hollywood nostalgia lovers. It’s also ideal if you’re traveling with a group or family and want a flexible, engaging experience. The intimate group size and knowledgeable guides create a comfortable environment for questions and detailed stories.
However, if you prefer a quick overview or are pressed for time, the shorter options might be more suitable. For those with mobility concerns, the increased accessibility is a plus, but it’s worth confirming specific needs beforehand.
The Queen Mary Glory Days Historical Tour delivers a well-rounded, engaging look into a legendary ship’s past. With passionate guides, authentic sights, and stories that range from wartime heroics to Hollywood glamour and ghostly legends, it offers excellent value for the price.
Travelers seeking a meaningful and fun exploration of Long Beach’s most famous maritime monument will find this tour satisfying and educational. The manageable group size, flexible timing, and included exhibits make it a smart choice for history lovers and curious travelers alike.
If you want to stand on the decks where stars once strolled, or hear ghost stories whispered in the ship’s shadowy corridors, this tour will meet and probably exceed your expectations. Be prepared for a memorable journey into the past — with plenty of great views and stories along the way.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and the tour is family-friendly. Kids who enjoy history or ghost stories will likely find it engaging.
How long does the tour last?
It varies from approximately 2 hours to 8 hours, depending on your chosen option. Check your schedule to decide how much time you want to spend exploring.
Are tickets included in the price?
Yes, admission to exhibits is included in the $45 cost, making it a good value for a comprehensive experience.
Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour. No refunds are given for cancellations within that window.
Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
The tour now offers increased accessibility, but it’s best to confirm specific needs when booking.
Where does the tour meet?
The meeting point is at the ship’s deck at 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach. It’s near public transportation, making it convenient to reach.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a ghost story lover, or simply curious about this legendary ship, the Queen Mary Glory Days Historical Tour offers a compelling and authentic glimpse into her fascinating past.
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