The Queen Mary, Long Beach California

A Ghost Ship That Never Truly Docked

Introduction: A Floating Palace with a Haunted Heart

Docked peacefully in the harbor of Long Beach, California, the Queen Mary looks like a proud relic of the past—massive, majestic, and surrounded by calm waters. But this legendary ocean liner carries more than just history. It carries ghosts, poltergeists, and stories so chilling they’ve earned the ship a reputation as one of the most haunted places in the United States.

Once known for luxury and travel, the Queen Mary now draws a different kind of crowd: thrill-seekers, ghost hunters, and skeptics hoping to leave as believers. Because while the ship may be still, the spirits on board are not.

The History: From Glamour to Ghosts

The RMS Queen Mary was built in Scotland and launched in 1936 as one of the most luxurious cruise liners ever created. Stretching over 1,000 feet long and weighing more than 80,000 tons, it was designed to carry royalty, celebrities, and wealthy travelers across the Atlantic Ocean in unmatched style.

During World War II, the ship was painted gray and transformed into a military transport vessel, nicknamed the “Grey Ghost.” It carried over 800,000 troops, narrowly avoided enemy submarines, and once accidentally collided with an escort ship, killing hundreds of men in seconds.

After the war, the Queen Mary returned to passenger service and operated until 1967, when she was permanently docked in Long Beach and turned into a floating hotel and museum. But with all that travel, trauma, and tragedy came something else—a haunting that has only grown with time.

Ghost Stories and Paranormal Activity

The Queen Mary has over 150 known deaths on board—and many say some of those spirits never left. From phantom footsteps to ghostly passengers to invisible hands brushing against your back, the activity on this ship is unlike anything else.

Room B340: The Most Haunted Room at Sea

Room B340 is considered one of the most paranormally active locations on the ship. It was closed for decades due to reports of extreme activity. Guests claimed to see faucets turning on and off by themselves, lights flickering, covers pulled from the bed, and even loud knocks on the walls with no one on the other side.

One guest awoke to see a man standing at the foot of the bed, staring silently. When they turned on the light, the figure vanished. After numerous reports like this, the room was shut down—until it reopened in 2018 for overnight bookings, complete with a Ouija board, ghost-hunting tools, and a warning: Enter at your own risk.

The First-Class Swimming Pool

Though the pool has been dry for decades, people still report the sounds of splashing, wet footprints, and even ghostly women in 1930s swimsuits appearing and disappearing near the edge. One young girl, believed to be a spirit named Jackie, is often heard laughing or calling for her mommy. EVP recordings have captured her voice responding to questions.

The Engine Room and Door #13

The engine room is filled with tight corridors, metal stairways, and shadows that don’t behave normally. It’s also where a young crewman was crushed to death by a watertight door—Door #13, now one of the ship’s most haunted spots. Visitors report seeing a man in blue overalls walking the halls, only to disappear into solid steel.

The Haunted Hallways and Phantom Passengers

Guests and staff have reported seeing figures in old-fashioned clothing wandering the halls, vanishing through closed doors, or sitting quietly in empty lounges. One tour guide said she saw a woman in a white gown glide across the ballroom and vanish into the wall.

Some visitors feel sudden chills or dizziness. Others feel pressure on their chest or hear their name whispered when no one is nearby.