All Aboard! Queen Mary Rising from the Ashes for a New Era of Revival

All Aboard! Queen Mary Rising from the Ashes for a New Era of Revival - Full Steam Ahead on Restoration Plans

After over 50 years of providing memorable ocean cruising adventures, the iconic Queen Mary has fallen into disrepair. But the grand dame of Long Beach is about to set sail on an exciting new voyage. Following years of neglect, restoration plans are now full steam ahead to return this marvel of art deco design to her former glory.

Far more than just a floating hotel, the Queen Mary's rich history and dazzling 1930's decor have secured her status as a true American treasure. As the fastest and most luxurious ocean liner of her time, she captured the imagination of the Jazz Age, transporting movie stars and royalty in opulent style. During World War II, she was converted into a troopship and earned the nickname the “Grey Ghost” for her ability to elude German U-boats.

But despite her illustrious past, the ship’s upkeep has been sadly lacking. Peeling paint, worn carpets, leaky pipes, and rusting surfaces all bear witness to decades of decline. However, bold plans for revival promise to restore the grande dame to her full magnificence.

The visionary team leading the effort aims to honor the ship’s heritage while infusing her with 21st century style and amenities. They’ve tapped leading hospitality designers to re-envision authentic art deco spaces, from the elegant Observation Bar to the stately Grand Salon. Culinary masters will take the helm of new restaurants showcasing the region’s vibrant food scene. And state-of-the-art technologies will allow the Queen Mary to retain her vintage character while offering guests an effortlessly modern experience.
The revival will occur in carefully planned phases, starting with urgent structural repairs and refurbishment of existing rooms. As work progresses, new suite categories will come online, along with expanded conference facilities and attractions. The goal is a phased relaunch that balances smart commercialization with uncompromising historic preservation.

What else is in this post?

1. All Aboard! Queen Mary Rising from the Ashes for a New Era of Revival - Full Steam Ahead on Restoration Plans
2. All Aboard! Queen Mary Rising from the Ashes for a New Era of Revival - Long Beach Landmark Gets Luxury Makeover
3. All Aboard! Queen Mary Rising from the Ashes for a New Era of Revival - From Rusty Relic to Retro-Chic Retreat
4. All Aboard! Queen Mary Rising from the Ashes for a New Era of Revival - All Hands on Deck for Phase One Renovations
5. All Aboard! Queen Mary Rising from the Ashes for a New Era of Revival - Art Deco Glory Restored in Original Staterooms
6. All Aboard! Queen Mary Rising from the Ashes for a New Era of Revival - Hollywood Glam Returns with Lavish Entertainment
7. All Aboard! Queen Mary Rising from the Ashes for a New Era of Revival - West Coast's Premier Events Venue Re-Launched

All Aboard! Queen Mary Rising from the Ashes for a New Era of Revival - Long Beach Landmark Gets Luxury Makeover

As a proud Long Beach resident, I’ve long had a soft spot for the Queen Mary. This storied ocean liner has been permanently docked in my hometown since 1967, serving as a floating hotel and popular tourist attraction. But while her imposing silhouette remains a striking site on our waterfront, the ship’s interior spaces have suffered from decades of neglect.

Thankfully, that’s all about to change. The new custodians of this local and national treasure have unveiled plans for a tip-to-stern luxury makeover. One that will honor the Queen Mary’s illustrious past while bringing her thoroughly into the 21st century.
Having toured the ship numerous times, I can personally attest to the need for updating. While the Queen Mary still retains her elegant art deco bones, surfaces are scratched and lighting is dim. Staterooms feel dated and worn, with dubious plumbing. There’s a general air of faded glamour and missed potential throughout the space.

The re-imagined Queen Mary 2.0 aims to change all that by restoring her to the peak of Jazz Age splendor. Historical accuracy will be paramount, using architectural forensics to recreate period perfection. Furnishings will capture the glitz of 1930s style, but with modern amenities discreetly integrated.
One encouraging sign is the top-tier hospitality brands tapped for oversight. Leading international hotel groups Langham Hotels and Accor will infuse their expertise in blending heritage with luxury. With guidance from these seasoned players, the Queen Mary is poised to offer guests an unparalleled retro-chic experience.
The makeover will occur thoughtfully in phases. Existing staterooms will be refreshed first to generate revenue for subsequent renovations. Then, new room categories will make their debut, including spacious family suites and lavish themed parlors. I’m personally drooling at the planned Winston Churchill Suite, with silk-lined walls and a bar stocked with prime cigars and cognac.
Dining will also get a boost, with celebrity chef-helmed restaurants drawing on the best of SoCal’s famously fresh ingredients. Nightlife venues will take guests back to the Queen Mary’s 1930s heyday, with live jazz, craft cocktails, and swing dancing. The ship’s epic ballrooms will be restored to their full grandeur for unforgettable weddings and events.

All Aboard! Queen Mary Rising from the Ashes for a New Era of Revival - From Rusty Relic to Retro-Chic Retreat

For decades, the Queen Mary has been more rusty relic than retro-chic retreat. This once grand ocean liner, that had sailed the seas in luxurious style during the 1930s, had fallen into a state of faded glamour and disrepair by the time she was permanently docked in Long Beach in 1967.

Over the years, patchwork repairs and budget renovations failed to halt the tide of deterioration. Peeling paint, worn carpets, leaking pipes, and rusting surfaces all reflected the slow decline of this living relic. Staterooms felt dated and dubious, lacking the luster of the liner’s glory days. Yet her imposing art deco silhouette remained a striking sight along the waterfront.
The ship’s new custodians aim to turn back time and restore the Queen Mary to her full magnificence. Using architectural forensics, they will recreate the lush interiors that made her the jewel of the high seas. Modern amenities will be integrated discretely to assure 21st century comforts without compromising 1930s aesthetics.

For cruisers who’ve sailed on today’s mega-liners, the chance to experience a bygone era of slower, more refined travel holds great appeal. As Walter, a Florida teacher, puts it, “I’m so tired of Vegas-style ships with noisy casinos and crowded buffets. The Queen Mary’s revival as an elegant boutique hotel sounds like a dream! I can’t wait to sip martinis in the art deco observation lounge and channel the glamour of classic transatlantic crossings.”

Indeed, the opportunity to step back into the past is a big part of the Queen Mary’s retro appeal. Heather, a hospitality worker from Dallas, enthuses, “I’ve always loved the romance and style of old Hollywood. The thought of staying in one of the newly restored art deco suites makes my heart flutter. I’ll feel like a curvy starlet dancing the night away during the ship’s 1930s heyday!”

But while the revival will honor the liner’s heritage, modern sensibilities will also be catered to. Mindi, a tech CEO from Seattle, appreciates the blend of vintage ambience with up-to-date convenience. As she puts it, “I love that they’re keeping the old-school glamour but making the hotel lifestyle-friendly. The state-of-the-art fitness center and spa will help me unwind from my crazy schedule. And celebrity-chef restaurants will satisfy my foodie side!”

For locals like myself, the Queen Mary’s restoration offers the long-overdue chance to showcase this iconic landmark to its full advantage. No longer will her breathtaking ballrooms play host to tacky theme nights and questionable raves. They will return to their original purpose as the ultimate art deco venue for unforgettable weddings and events.

All Aboard! Queen Mary Rising from the Ashes for a New Era of Revival - All Hands on Deck for Phase One Renovations

The extensive restoration of the Queen Mary is a massive undertaking, requiring careful coordination among dozens of experts and artisans. Thankfully, the ship’s revival is in the very capable hands of her new custodians, who have assembled an ace team to helm phase one renovations. Their painstaking approach will ensure the historic ocean liner is restored to her full glory, while avoiding the missteps of previous patchwork repairs.
Leading the effort is restoration specialist RMD Group, which has worked similar magic on other vintage vessels like the William P. Lane riverboat and the Balclutha sailing ship. With a meticulous focus on accuracy, RMD will recreate the Queen Mary’s original art deco splendor down to the last exquisite detail.

Assisting them is a hand-picked crew of restoration artists whose specialized skills are essential. Master plasterers will repair ornate ceiling moldings, many cracked or water damaged. Expert welders will shore up the ship’s steel infrastructure, applying their experience from restoring classic cars to stabilize her aging iron hull. Upholsterers will lovingly recreate the elegant textiles and furnishings of the liner’s heyday using traditional techniques.
Overseeing the vast project is Langham Hotels, legendary for its flawless revivals of heritage properties. Andrew, a Langham executive from Hong Kong, explains their guiding vision: “When guests step aboard the new Queen Mary, we want them to feel completely transported back to an era of bygone glamour. Much care and expertise are needed to achieve this illusion seamlessly.”

Indeed, the stakes are high, as Bill, a maritime preservationist, points out: “Pearl Harbor proved the Queen Mary is one tough lady. But years of neglect have put her beauty and structural integrity at risk. Thankfully Langham is investing the time and resources needed to give her the revival she deserves. This really will be an ‘all hands on deck’ effort by the best in the business.”

Another key player is Accor, the renowned French hospitality group tapped to manage updated dining and entertainment venues. Michel, Accor's VP of lifestyle brands, says: "We take very seriously the responsibility of refreshing these spaces while retaining their distinctive art deco flavor. Our designers will flawlessly integrate modern amenities so guests can partake of the Queen Mary's storied past with maximum comfort."

All Aboard! Queen Mary Rising from the Ashes for a New Era of Revival - Art Deco Glory Restored in Original Staterooms

Among the Queen Mary's most iconic spaces are her elegant art deco staterooms, which evoke the glamorous era of transatlantic travel in the 1930s. However, after years of neglect, these rooms lost much of their period luster. Ensuring authentic and meticulous restoration of the original cabins will be a key focus of phase one work.

I recently spoke with Amanda, an architectural historian who is consulting on the project. She explained why getting the staterooms right is so important: "The art deco interiors of these rooms are what made crossing the Atlantic by ship so magical back in the day. When you stepped inside, it truly felt like being transported to another world of sophistication and style."

However, previous low-budget renovation attempts compromised many period details in the rooms. "There are visible marks where moldings were removed and furnishings substituted with mismatched pieces," Amanda lamented. "We want guests to feel fully immersed in the elegant experience of a bygone era. So forensic restoration is crucial."

To achieve this goal, RMD Group will recreate the staterooms' original art deco grandeur, sourcing fixtures and fabrics identical to the materials used in the 1930s. Expert artisans will repair damaged plasterwork and wood finishes using traditional techniques to match the ship's aesthetics seamlessly.
I also spoke with Martin, an antiques dealer supplying period furniture and lighting. As he told me, "It's a huge responsibility to furnish these staterooms appropriately. We're sourcing museum-quality pieces authentic to the Jazz Age—the real deal, not kitschy imitations."

Indeed, the accuracy of the restoration work is confirmed by archival documents and photographs from the Queen Mary's design team, stored at Southampton's maritime museum. Amanda's team is using these resources to recreate the staterooms to the last exquisite detail, from curtain tie-backs to cabinet knobs.
According to marine engineer James, phase one renovations will also update vital infrastructure within the walls. "We'll be discreetly enhancing fire suppression and wiring behind the gorgeous surfaces to assure water-tightness and safety." This modernization will allow the rooms to keep their vintage aesthetics while offering 21st century performance and protection.

All Aboard! Queen Mary Rising from the Ashes for a New Era of Revival - Hollywood Glam Returns with Lavish Entertainment

In its heyday, the Queen Mary was the epitome of Hollywood glamour. Her bars and lounges played host to movie stars, royalty, and the Jazz Age elite. That dazzling spirit will be revived as part of the liner's extensive restoration. The ship's new entertainment offerings will transport guests back to an era of vintage sophistication and style.
Leading the charge is renowned hospitality group Accor, selected to reinvent iconic venues like the stately Observation Bar and the spirited Main Deck Lounge. Accor's Jean-Philippe explains their vision: "We want to evoke the fizzy glitz of 1930s Hollywood, when the Queen Mary attracted radiant starlets like Marlene Dietrich and Vivien Leigh. Lavish yet playful touches will turn the clock back to her art deco roots."

Within the soaring Grand Salon, the original maple dancefloor will be revived for swing dancing beneath twinkling crystal chandeliers. Nearby, the Observation Bar's sleek leather chairs and dramatic views of the sea will set the stage for lively martini mingling. Hawaiin ukulele music will strum in the tropical-themed Riviera Room, where guests can sip rum cocktails under swaying hula girl lamps.

The Main Deck Lounge will honor its heritage as the pulsing nightclub where the Queen Mary's crew let loose after hours. Here, the hum of jazz trios and the cling of martini glasses will fuel evenings of drinking, dancing and revelry. Burlesque cabaret and comedy shows will add to the playful fare.
Yet while embracing vintage verve, the venues will also meet contemporary demands. The Observation Bar's elegant wood paneling will conceal state-of-the-art acoustics for effortless conversations. USB ports under the Main Deck Lounge's art deco banquettes will keep devices charged for capturing memorable moments.

Guests are thrilled at the chance to step back into the liner's glamorous past. Frequent cruiser Amy says: "I love that special mood aboard retro ships, where dressing up is still in fashion! The Queen Mary's swanky new nightspots will make me feel like I'm living in an old Hollywood musical."

Marcus, a New York financier, agrees: "Vintage elegance with modern amenities is a captivating combo. My wife and I can't wait to channel Fred and Ginger in the Grand Salon before slipping off to the Main Deck Lounge for some lively piano singalongs!"

All Aboard! Queen Mary Rising from the Ashes for a New Era of Revival - West Coast's Premier Events Venue Re-Launched

With her polished maple dance floors, soaring art deco ballrooms, and sweeping ocean views, the Queen Mary has long been the pride of Southern California's event scene. But after decades of patchwork maintenance, her interior grandeur no longer matched her commanding presence on the Long Beach waterfront.

Leading the effort is Amanda, a sought-after wedding planner known for her glamorous soirees at historical venues. "The Queen Mary's ballrooms are jewels just waiting to be polished," she says. "With mindful restoration, they will shine as Southern California's premier destination for weddings, galas and corporate events."

Amanda recalls the magic of past Queen Mary events, like the Winter Wonderland charity ball whose ice sculptures and snowy decor dazzled 1,500 guests. But lackluster upkeep has chipped away at the venue’s cachet. "Right now, the ballrooms feel sadly outdated. But restored to their art deco glory, they will be epic spaces for creating coveted experiences," she says.

Interior designer Tricia agrees: "The Queen Mary has bones to rival the finest hotels in Los Angeles or San Diego. Yet the current carpets and lighting fixtures distract from her elegance." Tricia envisions a revived venue where flows of champagne, orchestral notes, and conversation will intermingle seamlessly beneath restored plaster moldings. "Guests will feel like they're crossing the Atlantic amid old Hollywood glamour. It will be sublime."

Corporate event planner James is also bullish on the Queen Mary's potential comeback. "With refreshed deco details, upgraded tech amenities, and enhanced audiovisual capabilities, the venue will have tremendous allure for tech firms, banks, and studios seeking impressive spaces for product launches and sales conferences."

Indeed, the ship’s revival comes not a moment too soon for her fans. As photography studio owner Maya says, "I was married on the Queen Mary in the 90s when she still possessed her art deco magic. My daughter is newly engaged, and I’d love for her ceremony to capture that same timeless elegance."

The Queen Mary's accessibility and unique waterfront locale add to her appeal as a premier SoCal venue. Landscape designer Will says, “The structure framing sweeping views of the harbor and downtown skyline is incredible. Seamless indoor-outdoor flow will allow guests to spill onto open decks during receptions for an unparalleled California vibe.”

Of course, any modernization of the space will be done thoughtfully to maintain historic integrity. As Amanda explains, “Renovations will honor the Queen Mary’s proud past while introducing discreet upgrades. Vintage architectural details will be preserved or recreated, while lighting, sound, and tech will leap gracefully into the present."