Queen Mary 40th Anniversary Celebration

QUEEN MARY LAUNCHES 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Throughout the month of April, all of Long Beach is invited to come aboard the Queen Mary free of charge to kick off the 40th Anniversary celebration of the ship's 1967 arrival in the International City.

"We know that many people who live and work in Long Beach haven't been aboard the Queen Mary in a long time," said Howard Bell, president and CEO of RMS Foundation, Inc., the non-profit corporation that operates the city-owned ship. "This 40th Anniversary seems the perfect time for the community to rediscover not only the historic aspects of this city icon, but also the many exciting and diverse entertainment options the Queen Mary now has to offer. 'A Place to Celebrate' is our theme for the 40th Anniversary," Bell continued, "and we want the community to know they're included in the party."

Free admission will include the Self-guided Shipwalk Tour, highlighted by a new chronological look at the ship's 70-year history titled "Queen Mary Historic Exhibit: Her Story is History." Besides furnishings, objects and documents from the ship's archive, the new interpretation is made more personal with revealing quotes and stories from former passengers and crew.
"The Queen Mary has grown over the past couple of years to be a solid Southern California entertainment destination." Bell added. "Besides our first-class daytime tours, limited-run shows and fine art exhibitions, award-winning fine dining, catered events and weddings, the Queen Mary offers a whole other world of concerts, festivals, paranormal tours of the haunted ship and lively nighttime entertainment designed to appeal to a wide range of audiences. We look forward to showcasing the 'new' Queen Mary during the 40th Anniversary celebration," he concluded. "This is an exciting time for the Queen Mary - and the community."

To enjoy free admission, residents are asked to present their driver's license or a Long Beach business card or utility bill accompanied by a photo ID. This invitation is for individuals (not groups) and is available only at the Queen Mary ticket booth during normal attraction operating hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The tickets must be used the same day as purchased. The offer does not include parking, but free Passport Shuttle service is available from various downtown locations. A nominal fee will be charged for those wishing to book guided tours, the Ghosts & Legends Show, the Russian Submarine Scorpion or other ticketed attractions.

For more information about Queen Mary activities, please go to www.queenmary.com or call (562) 435-3511.