Mystical haunted hotel in America. Stop at the ship "Queen Mary," California state

Interest in the ocean liner Queen Mary as a hotel on the water is not only due to its unique location in California amidst the art deco style but also because of the mystical stories surrounding the ship.

The ocean liner Queen Mary, permanently moored in Long Beach, was converted into a floating hotel in 1972 and continues to welcome guests from around the world to this day. Adventurous visitors stay in luxurious vintage cabins and explore the decks in hopes of experiencing paranormal phenomena. The cabins onboard the cruise ship are considered to be among the most haunted in America.

The ship underwent remodeling in 2023, enhancing its interiors to be even more luxurious. Before planning a stay at this mystical hotel ship, it's advisable to learn about its history and the legends that have contributed to its status as America's most famous haunted stop.

The Queen Mary's Spooky Origins

On September 26, 1934, the cruise ship Queen Mary underwent a christening ceremony at the Cunard-White Star Line. The ceremony was conducted by Queen Mary herself, symbolizing the ship's grandeur and sparking interest in traveling aboard. For thirty years, it hosted elite cruises, but during World War II, it transported soldiers and high-ranking military personnel. Its decommissioning in 1967 marked a new chapter, as it was transformed into a hotel where guests could experience its vintage interiors and iconic portholes.

But where did the mysterious ghosts originate? Since the reported death of the first passenger in a third-class cabin in 1948 (under uncertain circumstances), around 50 individuals have reportedly died in its cabins and lounges, their deaths shrouded in mystery.

Today, while attitudes toward the paranormal may be skeptical, guests stay on the Queen Mary not only to encounter ghosts but also to debunk the hotel's alleged "tricks." However, perhaps your skepticism will wane once you find yourself aboard this frequently haunted floating hotel. Below, you'll discover the eerie tales of the deceased passengers and guests of the ship.

What Awaits You on the Queen Mary Ship Today

Capitalizing on the liner's history and the mystical events recounted by eyewitnesses aboard the ship, Queen Mary curators have developed entire tours and captivating detective quests that attract travelers from around the world.

You can participate in tours to delve deeper into the liner's history and learn about the fates of some of its guests. Adventurous souls can opt to stay overnight, choosing any cabin with a mysterious history, such as B340 (considered the creepiest cabin on the ship).

While the rooms boast modern comforts, the style and details have been preserved. Additional modern amenities include a fitness room, boutiques and shops, internet facilities, restaurants and bars, and lounges for various celebrations and events.

Dedicated spaces within the Queen Mary Museum showcase surviving interiors, tableware, attire, and records of some of the ship's incidents.

Every Sunday, the haunted ship hosts the Queen Mary's Royal Sunday Brunch, offering over 50 items on the menu. Carefully curated dishes from around the world create a unique gastronomic experience. Guests can visit a salad station for starters and a carving station where lamb leg is served with mint sauce. Live music sets the atmosphere for a leisurely brunch, while attentive waitstaff adds to the ambiance by "dancing" around the tables, enhancing the culinary experience. The most haunted hotel promises an unforgettable vacation, day or night.

The Mysterious Histories of the Queen Mary's Cabins and Rooms

Each stateroom on the Queen Mary will surprise you with its sophisticated and luxurious Art Deco design. Polished wood, sumptuous textiles, round portholes offering ever-changing views, and plush seating create a serene and harmonious atmosphere with nothing out of the ordinary. A welcome bottle of champagne and fresh fruit await you in your room, along with premium toiletries and fluffy white towels in the bathroom. The ship offers various accommodations including state rooms, family cabins, and multi-bed cabins. Choose your favorite, but learn its history beforehand, as your story begins the moment you step aboard.

The Most Haunted Cabin: B340

Today, this well-appointed cabin appears comfortable and inviting at first glance. However, it holds a ghostly history that has earned it notoriety.

Let's rewind to 1948. British passenger Walter J. Adamson was assigned to third-class cabin B340. His body was discovered under mysterious circumstances by a member of the ship's crew, and the details surrounding his death remain unknown.

Twenty-six years later, a woman staying in the cabin awakened the ship's stewards in the middle of the night with a frantic scream. She claimed to have woken up to find her blanket being pulled off by an unseen force. Upon opening her eyes, she saw a man standing at the foot of her bed, staring at her. When she screamed, the figure vanished into thin air.

In subsequent years, guests of the cabin reported mysterious knocking on the door and lights in the bathroom turning on by themselves. Hotel maids complained of water leaking from the bathtub, despite the cabin being unoccupied. Additionally, when they made the bed, the bedspread would mysteriously fall to the floor.

After numerous reports of paranormal activity, the room was closed to guests for many years. However, it has since been reopened and has become a particularly popular destination for thrill-seekers and those intrigued by the supernatural.

The Haunting of the Moorland Room Dance Floor

This grand hall was always bustling with lively parties and esteemed guests. Luxurious soirées, nightly dances— the music seemed to linger in the air long after the festivities ended. However, in 1989, something unbelievable occurred. Three female members of the maintenance staff were witnesses to the eerie events that unfolded. The hall needed to be cleaned and prepared for a VIP reception, so two maids proceeded directly to the room. Upon entering, they spotted a young girl seated on a chair in the center of the dance floor. When the third maid joined them and requested the girl to leave, she simply stared back at her, unresponsive.

Without hesitation, the staff began to summon the guards. However, before their arrival, the girl inexplicably vanished into thin air before the eyes of the three maids. This incident, corroborated by multiple witnesses, left no doubt about their terror.

The Enigmatic Beauty of the Mayfair Room

Once a haven for feminine allure, the Mayfair Room was previously a beauty parlor where the ship's female guests would primp and prepare for evening concerts and receptions. Imagine the laughter and chatter that filled the room, creating an atmosphere of relaxation and camaraderie. Today, the Mayfair Room serves as a staff area, but a chilling encounter occurred within its walls in 2001.

At 5:30 am, a diligent accountant arrived at her workplace earlier than usual. As she crossed the threshold of the room, she felt a sense of unease, sensing the presence of another being. Dismissing the feeling, she settled at her desk to attend to her urgent tasks. Suddenly, she felt a jolt in her chair, as if someone had bumped into it. Startled, she glanced around but saw nothing out of the ordinary. Moments later, she felt a shiver run down her spine and witnessed a faint, translucent figure glide across the room and through the door. Overcome with fear, she hastily gathered her belongings and fled the room, waiting outside until her colleagues arrived, unwilling to be alone. You can explore this room as part of the guided tours aboard the ship.

A Deck with an Abandoned Pool

During its time as a premier floating hotel, the Queen Mary boasted a luxurious pool deck. A pearlescent ceiling cast a soft glow over the azure water, while mosaic tiles adorned the edges of the pool. An illuminated fountain stood as a symbol of opulence, setting the stage for leisure and enjoyment among the ship's elite guests.

Since its closure due to California state regulations, the pool deck's activity hasn't ceased, at least according to eyewitnesses. Some claim to have glimpsed a young woman in a tennis skirt descending one of the staircases, only to vanish behind a column. Others insist they've encountered a woman in a vintage wedding dress and a young boy seated by the pool, who suddenly dissipates into thin air. Still, others are adamant about seeing a girl dressed in blue and white attire accompanying the boy, both fading into vapor.

Explore this area to witness the luxurious environment in which the ship's travelers once relaxed, and may the spirits not disturb your visit.

Steam Guests of Boiler Room #4

Descending approximately 25 feet below the water level, you'll find yourself surrounded by the imposing and steam-filled machinery of Boiler Room #4. Here, steam is a constant presence. The maze of ladders, massive pipes, and dim lighting seems intentionally designed to create an eerie atmosphere, where one's imagination can run wild. However, convincing those who've seen something is another matter altogether.

There have been multiple eyewitness accounts. Some claim to have spotted a child—a girl—sucking her thumb. Others argue that the child was accompanied by a doll. If encountering a spectral infant emerging from the steam is your worst nightmare, it's best to steer clear of the depths of the ship.

Death Hatch #13

The tale of Death Hatch #13 is far from mere legend—it is a chilling reality. In 1966, tragedy struck when a young crew member lost his life. The victim, an 18-year-old sailor from Yorkshire, met his untimely demise while carrying out orders to seal the watertight hatches of the engine and boiler rooms. The exact circumstances leading to the tragedy remain shrouded in mystery. What is known is that a mere five minutes after the order was given, the young man was discovered trapped in Hatch #13, his arms pinned tightly to his torso. Despite valiant efforts to save him, even as he fought for his life with grievous injuries, it became evident in the hospital room that his wounds were fatal. Morphine was administered to ease his passing in his final moments.

Employees of this section of the ship claim that the spirit of the young man frequently revisits the site of his tragic end. Some witnesses have reported hearing faint whistling behind them, while others allege to have felt a phantom touch upon their faces, leaving oily prints behind. Several individuals have even claimed to have encountered a mysterious bearded figure clad in a blue jumpsuit, bearing a striking resemblance to the deceased. Others have recounted conversations with an unknown engineer who lamented the disappearance of his wrench, which would inexplicably vanish without a trace.

Queen Mary Cruise Ship Tours and Exhibitions

Embarking on the Queen Mary is akin to embarking on a one-of-a-kind and exhilarating cruise without ever leaving the harbor. The ship's history is replete with twists and turns that extend far beyond tales of ghosts. During any excursion aboard the vessel, you will find yourself immersed in a captivating atmosphere. Accompanied by seasoned guides, you need not venture alone—unless, of course, you are the adventurous type daring to spend a night aboard the ship, eager to test your mettle and, perhaps, debunk the ship's spectral mysteries.

The "Steam and Steel" tour offers a journey into the depths of the boiler rooms and turbine generator room, providing firsthand insight into the operation of such a colossal liner.

The "Glory Days" tour delves into the ship's service during its tenure in the Navy throughout World War II.

The "Ghost Encounter" tour unveils the mysterious tales that have unfolded aboard the ship. This hour-long tour serves as a prelude to deeper exploration into the vessel's ethereal inhabitants.

The "Paranormal Ship Walk" tour immerses visitors in the enigmatic ambiance of the deserted ship. Here, you can peer into the ship's most secluded corners—doors seldom opened to visitors and places the staff hesitates to venture alone.

Project "Gray Ghost" lends credence to skepticism by offering a three-hour tour focused on scientific methods of paranormal investigation, showcasing the equipment used for such research.

The "57 Ghosts" session, led by apparitionist Michael Rangelou, offers an energetic perspective on the haunted ship, providing insights into cutting-edge scientific advancements in the field. This captivating tour promises to broaden your understanding of the mysteries that abound aboard the Queen Mary.

Model Ship Gallery - Within the museum halls you will be able to see stunning ship models and a 26-foot model of the Queen Mary cruise ship made from LEGO parts.

During the exhibitions and tours, you will have access to the cruise ship's restaurants and stores. Enjoy your walk in the company of ghosts.