Visit the Queen Mary for a Visit Back in Time

It’s impossible today to board the regal Queen Mary in Long Beach to depart on a transatlantic journey, but you can make a reservation to dine and even stay overnight as a guest on the iconic ship.

We chose to dine onboard at the elegant Sir Winston’s Restaurant and Lounge. Upon entering the staircase off of the ship’s wide wooden deck, we were taken back in time surrounded by velvet flower patterned colorful carpet, tan curtains, wood siding, crisp white linen tablecloths and wide brown suede chairs.

The menu also is a throwback to a different era featuring dishes that were popular when the ship sailed from its launch day on September 26, 1934 to its final voyage in 1967.

Downton Abbeyesque dishes such as jumbo shrimp cocktail, oyster Rockefeller, escargots, lobster bisque, beef wellington and classic chocolate and grand marnier soufflés were featured alongside more modern choices including beef tartare, farro salad, steelhead salmon and a bacon wrapped filet.

We were seated at one of the many tables with exceptional views of the Long Beach harbor and beautiful skyline. I loved the special Sir Winston’s black, gold and blue flower designed china, linen tablecloths, formally dressed waiters and comfy big chairs.

We started our sophisticated supper with a dirty martini, perfect for sipping while admiring the stunning sunset views. We also enjoyed the classic Caesar salad with red and green romaine lettuce; lobster bisque with crème fraiche; baked stuffed lobster with shrimp, scallops, veloute and vermouth; grilled asparagus; marinated artichokes and a special surf and turf of filet and lobster tail. We ended with sumptuous dark chocolate soufflé and tiramisu desserts.

After dinner, the handsome Honorary Commodore Everette Hoard met us, dressed in complete naval attire, for a guided tour of the historic vessel. Born in Alabama, the young Hoard dreamed of seeing the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth. The Elizabeth sunk before he could get a glimpse, but during a road trip to California with his father he was able to visit the Queen Mary.

His family eventually moved to Long Beach and Hoard took a job at one of the Queen Mary shops and has been employed by the ship for more than three decades.

During our tour, Hoard shared historical facts including that the Queen Mary carried thousands of American GI’s from New York to Europe during World War II; there are more than 40 types of wood used throughout the ship and celebrities including Bob Hope, Fred Astaire and Cary Grant were frequent guests. He also showed us many of the interesting ship areas including a first class state room with servant’s quarters, vintage vents and plumbing, art deco design and portholes that open; promenade shops; the Royal Salon; engine room and gym featuring modern and original equipment.

When asked about the many ghost stories associated with the Queen Mary, Hoard revealed that he had experienced a few spooky encounters of his own while spending the night onboard. The Queen Mary proved to be much more delightful than spooky for me and I left thinking that it is the perfect location for a romantic dinner, historical day trip or weekend getaway.