The RMS Queen Mary, built during the height of transatlantic ocean travel, sailed more than a million miles and transported over 2 million guests over a career spanning 30 years.
Built by Cunard as a the bigger and more powerful of two ships, the luxury liners and sometimes cruise ships, the Queen Mary and the Queen Elizabeth reigned as a pair providing weekly express transatlantic service.
Transformed into a troop transport during WWII, the Queen Mary helped the Allied war effort immensely. Usually steaming alone using her speed to outrun the enemy the ship transported soldiers, and in 1942, the Queen Mary sailed with 16,082 passengers, the most ever.
Highlighted in several pop culture features, the Queen Mary became a noticeable icon in famous shows and movies such as Poseidon Adventure (1972), Arrested Development (2006), The X-Files (1998), Assault on a Queen (1966), and Reno 911 (2021) among others.
A Powerful and Fast Queen
Capturing the Blue Riband several times throughout her career, the Queen Mary was a powerful and fast ship.
Designed after years of maintaining the Blue Riband with the venerable RMS Mauretania, Cunard set to build the worlds largest and fasted liner. The key to success - power. With steam turbines powering the four propellers, the Queen Mary out powered the rivals of the day. This brute strength allowed the ship to power through the seas ensuring passengers crossed the Atlantic in record time.
After trading record breaking crossings with the SS Normandie, the Queen Mary survived WWII with her speed and continued to serve as Cunard's flagship holding the prestigious Blue Riband, until the SS United States launched.
A Classic and Enduring Design
Cruising in the golden age of ocean liners, the RMS Queen Mary and RMS Queen Elizabeth, both of Cunard, competed against the SS Normandie of the French Line, shown to the right docked in New York before WWII.
Split into three separate classes, each with comparably impressive accommodations, the Queen Mary was a profitable ship throughout her career providing transport to travelers of all walks of life. This was a primary advantage over other ships of the day, such as the SS Bremen and SS Normandie.
The RMS Queen Mary, with distinctive three red funnels and aggressive prow, has become the standard of ocean liner design over the ages, maintaining popularity rivaling the RMS Titanic.
Queen Mary During WWII
One of the ways the Allied Forces won WWII was the success of the troop transport ships successfully carrying allied forces between theaters. The Queen Mary carried hundreds of thousands of soldiers safely throughout the war.
Painted grey, the ship developed a nickname of the Grey Ghost, due to the ghostly sightings in the distance that appeared and disappeared as fast as an apparition.
Although the Queen Mary survived WWII and aided in the war effort tremendously, the success came with a price. In October 1942, while transporting American troops to the Western Front, the ship collided with the Destroyer HMS Curacao sinking the vessel. The Queen was under orders to not stop due to u-boat threats, only 101 sailors survived.
In 1942, the Queen Mary sailed with 16,082 passengers, the most ever.
Visit the Queen Mary Today
Shortly after WWII, the Queen Mary and the Queen Elizabeth enjoyed more than a decade of transatlantic dominance. Between the two ships, millions of people traveled between the continents in style. A decorative map adorned the first class dining room that showed where the ship was with a miniature model showing the process of the crossing.
In the mid 1960's, Cunard began to feel the pressure from airline travel that had blossomed, and decided to decommission both Queens in order to finance the construction of the QEII and remain solvent. Bids came from everywhere, but ultimately was sold to a group in California.
Located in Long Beach, California, the Queen Mary stands as a reminder of the former grandeur of transatlantic travel. You can stay at the hotel in an old stateroom or visit the conference center or museum. to learn more about the exciting reopening in 2023!
Visit www.queenmary.com to learn more about the exciting reopening in 2022 and 2023!
RMS Queen Mary Ship Facts
Tonnage:
81,237 GRT
Length:
1,019'
Beam:
118'
Draft:
39'
Number of Decks:
12
Cruising Speed:
28.5 Knots (32.8 mph or 52.8 km/hr)
Max Speed:
33 Knots (38mph or 61km/h)
Line:
Shipyard:
Port of Registry:
Liverpool
Maiden Voyage:
May 27, 1936
Years in Service:
1936-1967
Current Status:
Permanently located in Long Beach, CA as
RMS Queen Mary Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the history of the RMS Queen Mary? Answer: The RMS Queen Mary was a British ocean liner that was in service from 1936 to 1967. It was built by John Brown & Company in Clydebank, Scotland and operated by Cunard Line. During World War II, the ship was used as a troopship and was painted grey to avoid detection by enemy submarines. After the war, it was converted back to a passenger liner and continued to serve until its retirement in 1967.
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What are the features of the RMS Queen Mary? Answer: The RMS Queen Mary was a luxury ocean liner that was known for its elegant design and state-of-the-art amenities. It had 12 decks and could accommodate up to 2,139 passengers and 1,101 crew members. The ship had numerous onboard features, including a swimming pool, a cinema, a library, and several restaurants and bars.
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Where is the RMS Queen Mary located? Answer: The RMS Queen Mary is currently located in Long Beach, California. It has been permanently docked there since 1967 and has been converted into a hotel and museum. Visitors can tour the ship, stay in one of its 346 hotel rooms, or attend one of the many events that are held onboard.
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What happened to the RMS Queen Mary after it was retired? Answer: After the RMS Queen Mary was retired from service in 1967, it was sold to the City of Long Beach for $3.45 million. The ship was then permanently docked in Long Beach and was converted into a hotel and museum. Over the years, the ship has been used for various events, including concerts, weddings, and film shoots.
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What is the current condition of the RMS Queen Mary? Answer: The RMS Queen Mary is currently undergoing extensive renovation work to restore it to its former glory. The ship has faced numerous challenges over the years, including damage from storms and neglect. However, efforts are currently underway to restore the ship and ensure that it remains a prominent landmark in Long Beach for years to come.
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What is the history of the RMS Queen Mary? Answer: The RMS Queen Mary was a British ocean liner that was in service from 1936 to 1967. It was built by John Brown & Company in Clydebank, Scotland and operated by Cunard Line. During World War II, the ship was used as a troopship and was painted grey to avoid detection by enemy submarines. After the war, it was converted back to a passenger liner and continued to serve until its retirement in 1967.
-
What are the features of the RMS Queen Mary? Answer: The RMS Queen Mary was a luxury ocean liner that was known for its elegant design and state-of-the-art amenities. It had 12 decks and could accommodate up to 2,139 passengers and 1,101 crew members. The ship had numerous onboard features, including a swimming pool, a cinema, a library, and several restaurants and bars.
-
Where is the RMS Queen Mary located? Answer: The RMS Queen Mary is currently located in Long Beach, California. It has been permanently docked there since 1967 and has been converted into a hotel and museum. Visitors can tour the ship, stay in one of its 346 hotel rooms, or attend one of the many events that are held onboard.
-
What is the current condition of the RMS Queen Mary? Answer: The RMS Queen Mary is currently undergoing extensive renovation work to restore it to its former glory. The ship has faced numerous challenges over the years, including damage from storms and neglect. However, efforts are currently underway to restore the ship and ensure that it remains a prominent landmark in Long Beach for years to come.