*10 MUST-DO's at Queen Mary*

[@moonpupstr1]

I try to always stay on board the night before a Carnival cruise. It makes it feel like an extra cruise day.

[@dnw9181]

💯👍👏👏👏👏👏oh, so many happy 😊 memories.🚢 Thank you for keeping them so alive with your wonderful coverage and support of this Grande Dame of the seas.May she live on in our hearts ❤ and minds forever. Another job well done Alex, have a great weekend.🥂

[@user-1billlon]

she is still living on in reality

[@airtiki2374]

I remember during my stays aboard after seeing all there was to see I would just enjoy A drink or two at the outside area of the observation bar and just enjoy the views and quiet, though I knew the whistle blast times and loved to see those who didn't jump lol

[@brick6347]

Oddly, my sister's flying NYC to London today. It's only 7 hours, but really: is a flying greyhound and a bag of rancid peanuts an improvement? It's the weekend, I say enjoy it!

[@jdslyman1720]

Heck no. Plus there's always the added "benefit" of a door falling off, an engine catching fire, or the fuselage breaking apart. Queen Mary, (and 2, her modern counterpart), and even Titanic were/are all stronger than any of the garbage Boeing has been putting out lately.. Screw the airlines! I'll take a ship any day.

[@ManWhoLovesTheMary]

Yes! We need Top 10 style videos about the ship like this. I hope it catches many potential visitors’ eyes. Really helping to put this ship back on the map. In fact, an organization I’m part of plans on doing a group visit. And this is just the video to send to the leaders putting the event together. I recently saw a promo on the Queen Mary’s Instagram page where they featured a young Disney Channel(?) star “reacting” to the experience aboard. Maybe they took Alex’s advice about getting influences involved.

[@AlextheHistorian]

I've put out a couple "Top 10" style videos about Queen Mary but they've never taken off. People just don't want to watch them I guess. This video flopped miserably as well.

[@mivact]

Last there in 1984. One of those memories you don't forget. Back then it could be followed by a visit to the Spruce Goose next door.

[@LakeNipissing]

Excellent narration, Alex. Just spent nights 434 through 437 on the Queen Mary this week. First time at the Sunday brunch with the food tables in the Windsor Salon. Excellent as always. Experienced everything else in the Must-Do's except for Sir Winston's, which is still shut at this time. The escalators between the starboard shaft alley to the steering gear are shut now, so both the engine room tour and the steering gear / propeller viewing tank require backtracking to the entrance.

[@tdecker2937]

Thank you for this, Alex! I’m determined to get there…..the Queen Mary is on my bucket list.

[@jeremyncrm2012]

Just spent the night on queen mary yesterday, and spent hours exploring all over the ship, what a cool experience. Now I’m binge watching every video I can find on her. 😂

[@AlextheHistorian]

Well then I think you'll enjoy this documentary I made about the ship's legacy: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqTGgGeEhK-Lma8si=X1ut5z--vVNmuZC3

[@jeremyncrm2012]

@@AlextheHistorian awesome, thank you!! And thank you for making these videos, it’s clear how much work you have put into this, and it is appreciated.

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thank you!

[@jeanettehamilton9874]

We spent all day on the Queen Mary. We did the Churchill tour, and I went everywhere I could! We ate at bomoth the Promenade and the Chowder House.. Yes..there's still so much more to do and see.!! Loved it.

[@wildsmiley]

1. I did visit the bridge. Loved it. 2. I spent a good amount of time in the main hall. It seems impossible to go aboard Queen Mary and NOT visit the main hall. I loved the Observation Bar. In fact, I got a little too drunk hanging out in there. I must've visited the ship during the Meet Me At The Mary event, because there was a live band playing swing-era classics. I love jazz, cocktail bars and art deco so I was in heaven. 3. I only saw the Lego Queen Mary through the windows. The room was locked the entire time I was aboard. Don't know why. 4. I did not see the isolation ward. I kinda wish I had. 5. I heard the whistles a couple of times. Loved it. 6. I did visit the engine room, and it was wonderful. 7. I also visited the steering room, as well as the propeller. Wonderful stuff. 8. I was only in LA from Monday through Thursday, so no Sunday Brunch. I sadly didn't get to visit the first class restaurant room. One of my regrets. But that's okay. 9. I did take a tour, the Glory Days tour. It was great. 10. I didn't really dine aboard the ship. All in all, I was aboard Queen Mary for about seven and a half hours, and when I reluctantly left, I felt that there was still so much more to see and do. I love this ship more than I can ever adequately express, and am looking forward to when I'll have the opportunity to visit her again.

[@laurielaurie8280]

I liked walking the deck up top, seeing the funnels and the bridge. I really love all of the ship.😊

[@jetsons101]

Alex another great watch, you list is just the tip of the iceberg, like you said there is so much to see. Lots of walking so wear good shoes. Have to say again, your Winchester House video was a enjoyable watch. Thanks again for your time, hard work and posting.......

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thanks Mike, I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@BrancyCDA]

I have been on the Queen Mary many times since the first year it opened and have seen it go from it's glory days to being just a shadow of that and hardly worth the effort of driving over there from Huntington Beach, but I can gladly say it looks to be back to those glory days and beyond and I love the idea of the various tours! I have never seen the isolation area and the engine room looks to have far better lighting and "effects" than it has in the past. I also love the idea of the Sunday breakfast as I have never had the opportunity to attend a function in there. Thanks for a great video that I am sharing on Facebook to encourage my So Cal people to go visit, for some, the first time!

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thank you!

[@largol33t12]

I really need to go back there. I haven't seen the QM since I was 12 and that was when the Spruce Goose was in the dome. Am sad that the plane is longer there. My dad took advantage of a package tour: see both and you could roam the replica Engllish country town in the main square too.

[@mikequinlan9585]

Great travel log I’m looking forward to booking my stay on the QM soon!

[@mommamimaashouse]

I want to see and do everything! 😊 I want to bring my grandson…he inherited my love of ships. 💕

[@vonmenfred3995]

I've been at all of these places it was for me just as breathtaking as any national park

[@Prod.Xenophon2167]

Still watching these videos

[@katl6218]

Yes! Another Queen Mary video!

[@susanhansen1505]

Great list, Alex! I haven't done a tour for years, but loved them all. Next trip, I'll bring your list and make sure I check them all off.

[@Sarasdad91]

Back in the 70s i used to walk to the end if the bridge wings into the wing house, as it was not blocked off back then.

[@Kaidhicksii]

I'll add an 11th: walk the promenade deck. Or the boat deck: that works too. Walking around up on deck is a classic and relaxing seagoing pasttime, as well as providing good exercise. As an athlete myself, I know I would love nothing more than to go thundering around the deck at full speed for as many laps as I can. :D

[@TheJames2929]

Can’t wait to do some more exploring, I’m going back in July

[@AlextheHistorian]

Have fun!

[@ExpeditionSteve]

Great video Alex! Can't wait to go back! Was a fun trip last time! When I was a kid, I remember they had a Bell helicopter ride there that flew over the Queen Mary...was really cool.

[@pedenharley6266]

Thanks, Alex! I’ve really got to get to see the Mary at some point. Your videos underline that for me.

[@Welovevloggingandtraveling]

Pahoua and I would LOVE this! I think they should star services in the Synagogue open to everyone + reopen the pool to swim in. ❤

[@MaritimeEvents]

Queen Mary is my favorite ship. I might be visiting her next year in June, so if I do I'll make sure to check out this video again closer to the time! Thank you for making this video Alex!

[@AlextheHistorian]

My pleasure!

[@jenkooper8647]

So helpful! Thank you for this great reference piece!

[@AlextheHistorian]

My pleasure!

[@acetvr6]

I definitely want to visit this ship soon ! would be such a treat

[@ronaldmiller2740]

HI ALEX,, WHAT A GREAT AND WONDERFUL VIDEO,,.. THE OLD GIRL IS COMING BACK TO LIFE !!! WE HAVE TO GO BACK TO SEE THE OTHER TOURS THANKS,,AND THE SUNDAY BRUNCH SOUNDS GREAT~~ARE YOU AND STEVE DOING ANY MORE VIDEOS OF LOOKING IN THE LONG LOST ROOMS OR CLOSETS THAT ARE FULL OF STUFF ,,AND THE OLD KITCHEN AND ETC.. ??? CHEERS!!! ALEX .. THANKS FOR THE UPDATE ,,PEACE... VETERAN..

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thank you Ronald, we've both been too busy lately.

[@sptownsend999]

I can't wait to visit Queen Mary the next time I roadtrip down to Southern California! I would probably go on all of the tours! Excepting, for any theatrical tour, of course; ghost stories and stories of real tragedies are fine, but there's somethin' that just don't sit right with me when projectors and glass and smoke and mirrors are installed. It feels hokey -- the less hokey, the more respectful, in my humble opinion (for which no one asked lol).

[@AlextheHistorian]

I agree with your unsolicited opinion. Lol

[@brober]

Alex another great vid.! Can't wait for Sir Winston's to reopen the closest we'll ever come to dining in the Verandah Grill.

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thank you!

[@and1513]

Hello Alex, your videos have inspired a post-cruise visit to the Queen Mary in July. We're looking at taking the Glory Tour at 9:15, having lunch at Cafe Promenade and then taking the Steam & Steel Tour at 1:15. And a quick question if you happen to know the answer: Would they hold our luggage at the bell-desk while we're on the tour? Thank you for the great vids!

[@AlextheHistorian]

Unfortunately I don't know the answer to that, but I suppose it's worth a try.

[@rogerb3654]

Just spent 3 nights aboard last week. We did the "Glory Days" & "Steam & Steel" tours. We didn't catch a "Paranormal Tour" but might do it next time because of the different areas of the ship we would get to see. I actually enjoyed the Winston Churchill and the Queen Mary exhibit (Down by the engine room). I loved exploring the ship late at night. Got tons of pics & vid if you want any. 🚢

[@5capsfilms152]

Im going to be moving soon so i wont be able to visit the queen mark on my birthday as i planned😢

[@AlextheHistorian]

I'm sorry to hear that. Hopefully one day, not too far from now, you will.

[@5capsfilms152]

@@AlextheHistorian me to

[@KLlott910]

Ohhh so that old safe is a movie prop? Is it from Poseidon Adventure?

[@AlextheHistorian]

Nope, it's from "Assault On A Queen"!

[@dl11950]

Somewhere in my files I have a pair of photos - one taken from the QM2 bridge viewing area, and a matching one taken during my visit to the Queen Mary. [The QM2 bridge viewing area now has 'no photographs ' posted.] Its an interesting contrast between state of the art 1936 and 2004

[@ozziemederos]

Awesome video alex well done

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thank you Ozzie!

[@CerealGrrrl]

I thought of you that there's a possible subtle Queen Mary reference in the 1930s vintage Mickey short "Boat Builders". Mickey says "We'll call in the Queen Minnie!"

[@reenabearkitty]

I will renew my membership hopefully soon

[@AlextheHistorian]

You're still a member though!

[@mikebrice7255]

Great video, I am planning on visiting soon. Can you do all the tours in one day ?

[@AlextheHistorian]

Not all the tours, there are too many, but you can do 3 tours in one day if you begin in the morning.

[@SkipsHappyHour]

What great video

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thanks!

[@kevinchaffee9694]

I sailed on her on her as a boy and remember the beautiful Verandah Grill at the stern end. What happened to it?

[@AlextheHistorian]

Verandah Grill is still there, in fact, at the end of the video I show the inside of it!

[@kevinchaffee9694]

Is it still used as a dining place?

[@AlextheHistorian]

No its mostly only shown on tours, but it can be booked for events, and sometimes those events are catered, which is the only time you'd see people eating there.

[@brave_jedi9437]

I remember seeing a scuba diver dummy next to the ship’s propeller as if it is examining it. That was probably years ago though.

[@AlextheHistorian]

Yep, they used to have that!

[@SAOS451316]

What do I want to see? Yes. If they let me I'd see every last room lol. If I had unlimited time and the ability to get rooms to myself for a bit I'd like to do photogrammetry.

[@glenn_r_frank_author]

I saw "The Grey Ghost Tour" on the ship's website and thought it might be about The WWII troup ship years... but it was one of the paranormal theatrical events. 😛 Do any of their tours have a primary or at least secondary focus on her years in WWII ? I guess their "The Glory Days" tour might be closest one?

[@AlextheHistorian]

The Glory Days tour is the only one. They do have an exhibit -mostly about Winston Churchill, called "Their Finest Hours". But even the people at the ship don't know the full extent of what the ship went through during war. I have a documentary all about the ship during war: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqTGgGeEhK-Lma8si=dKwXHMn0V_q0OoKs

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Does the ghost tour you recommended take you to a lot of different places than the glory days tour? I did the glory days tour last year, and I was debating about if I should do another tour this year or just wander on my own. (I've been there a lot, but the friends I am bringing have basically only done the tour).

[@AlextheHistorian]

Well just to make sure I get this out correctly, there are 4 different Ghost tours, the one I recommend to everyone who wants to explore the ship is the Paranormal Ship Walk. It goes to similar places as some of the Glory Days tour, but there are added areas, not necessarily "rooms", but areas in the ship that Glory Days doesn't go. And one of those areas is on C Deck for a up close view of the First Class Swimming pool, they sometimes let visitors inside the pool room for a brief look around. I guess what I'm trying to say is there's a lot of overlap between where Glory Days and Paranormal Ship Walk go, but overall, the Ship Walk goes to more places than Glory Days, unless private events or other circumstances prevent them from doing so. But you'll definitely see more on a tour than you will if you wander on your own. Because all the big rooms are kept locked.

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

​@@AlextheHistorian Thank you, good to know! I miss the days when the ship wasn't kept so tightly locked up. On one of my visits a decade or more ago, I went around and just tried all the doors to places, and found I was able to get in a couple of "off limits" places!

[@brober]

Alex question: I was told the big bas relief sculpture over the Hall staircase of Her Majesty Queen Mary is a plaster copy of the original marble one which was returned to the royal family at their request. True?

[@AlextheHistorian]

That is true, the hotel was allowed to make a mold of it, and from that they produced two plaster medallions, one placed above the staircase, and the other placed on the wall behind the Pursers Desk (hotel check in counter), on A Deck.

[@brober]

@@AlextheHistorian I knew you would know. Grazie.

[@stephenacs]

I worked for Wrather Port Properties in the 1980’s when the Spruce Goose was under the dome. Helped kick the disasterous Time Voyager attraction that broke down during press previews and was a huge financial loss. The ship was wonderful but the leadership was authoritarian, toxic and incompetent. Some really talented colleagues, however, poorly managed and most bailed for more stable and well run positions, as did I.

[@Shifts_41]

Can you just wander around because I’m going soon and i don’t want to just do a tour because i know a lot about the ship so i want to go certain places can you?

[@AlextheHistorian]

Yes, but all the best rooms are usually behind locked doors, that's why I recommend taking a tour. However, if you watch my 2024 virtual tour of the ship, you'll see all the places you can go on the ship, with or without needing a tour, and you can decide what you want to do. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHWVfoVrgddof5Isi=3dnUXvHDp4fkYGx5

[@katl6218]

What was Sir Winston's space used for in her sailing days?

[@AlextheHistorian]

Between 1936 - 1939 it didn't exist, there was no indoor area there. But from 1939 - 1967 it was the quarters for the Engineer Officers of the Ship. In 1980 the place was transformed into Sir Winston's and the windows were expanded to look similar to the Verandah Grill windows to allow diners to have a better view of the surrounding landscape.

[@katl6218]

@@AlextheHistorian Great to know! No matter how much I read about the Mary, there're always new facts to learn

[@AlextheHistorian]

I agree, even I still learn new things all the time!

[@WojciechWachniewski-st1zm]

Simply stay with us, forever young, Your Majesty. 'May shipwreck and collision, fog and fire, rock, shoal and other evils of the sea be kept from you!' Happy birthday - 1934 - Sep. 26th - 2024!! ♍🇵🇱🇬🇧🇺🇲❤️❤️

[@mrwrecks110]

Is the ship creepy at all when it comes to spending the night? Or do you just not think about it?

[@9TDF]

If oceanic 3 had been finished which ship would be here QM or Oceanic?

[@ksmith8477]

I really hope to see the boiler rooms. They're currently closed.

[@Bigbwortha]

Not sure if you know the question to this but I been wondering why the Queen Elizabeth was deemed a fire hazard? Not sure if she was deemed a hazard after her sale or when she was in Florida or sold to become a floating university I also want to know if you know the answer to it but when she was sunk in Victoria harbor did she still hold original fittings like furniture artwork etc or was it sold ? Before while she was in Florida or were items destroyed in the fire “witch I assume some items were” (Edit) I found out why she was deemed a fire hazard”

[@AlextheHistorian]

She was deemed a fire hazard while in Florida because she did not have her power running, and without power, the fire suppression system could only run limitedly, and escape routes could not be easily identified. And even if all the systems were running, the system she had was considered not up to code. That being said, if her fire suppression system was functional while in Victoria Harbor, it's possible the ship would not have completely burned, and would still be around. She had a lot of original fittings and artworks onboard when she burned.

[@tonylarussa4046]

Why are the bridge wings blocked off?

[@AlextheHistorian]

They are in need of restoration.

[@officespace7777]

#11 Go to the bow and scream "I'm the king of the world." 😂

[@AlextheHistorian]

And hope no one pushes you over for saying it lol

[@jdslyman1720]

🤣 Eh, close enough. Let's see, Cunard and White Star merged to stay afloat in the Depression, and Titanic's older sister Olympic was sold for scrap to help fund the Queen Mary and Elizabeth, so any Titanic scenes wouldn't feel too out of place on the Mary😁

[@michaelwhite2823]

No. 11. Go out pn drck and yell over the sode, "Any Uboats or Icebergs?"

[@harryvlogs7833]

Mmm wouldn't call them whistles but horns

[@AlextheHistorian]

I would too, but maritime tradition dictates they are still called whistles. Plus Kockum Sonics (which is still around) still sells Tyfon Whistles, and calls them whistles. www.kockumation.com/Products/Marine/Tyfon-Acoustic-Signal-System

[@KelpabIe]

E

[@AlextheHistorian]

X

[@King.of.Battleships]

Y