On a dark catwalk in the belly of the Queen, I finally realized her sheer size. Several decks below, I could make out glowing specters as the thin bridge shifted under my feet, as if it might give way. I gripped the rail and hurried across to safety, uncertain what to expect next.
That was only a glimpse into the terror of Dark Harbor, aboard a ship that is a ghost in her own right.
Gain audience with the Grey Ghost and all the paranormal she has to offer. During World War II, the Queen Mary served as a troop transport and earned the nickname “Grey Ghost” for her gray camouflage and speed. Today, the ship hosts Dark Harbor, a seasonal Halloween celebration that fuses traditional Halloween fare with the Queen’s own ghost stories. It builds on the Queen Mary’s infamous reputation for being haunted.
The Queen’s speed and gray paint made her difficult for German U-boats to track. But her wartime history also includes a tragic collision. In 1942, the Queen Mary struck her escort, HMS Curacoa, which sank. That event inspired this year’s “Shipwrecked: Brace for Impact” maze, where the ship’s history becomes part of the haunting. darkharborhalloween.com
There is so much to see and navigate in the various mazes. I recommend starting with them, since the lines only grow longer into the night. They move quickly, but we were there during a rather warm and humid fall season. Smoke from the attractions hung thick in the air, producing spooky lighting effects like an ominous fog rolling in.
The other mazes include “Lullaby: Teddy’s Revenge,” an onboard haunted maze; “Infirmary: The Siren Song,” another maze aboard the Queen Mary; and “Voodoo: The Queen’s Curse,” a featured maze involving a voodoo priestess and a curse. There are also theatrical experiences aboard the ship, including “Lady Mabel Presents: Scary Mary’s Dark Séance” and “Gale’s Requiem.” Visit Long Beach
After you’ve put in your steps for the day, there are otherworldly rides to explore, including Alien Abduction, Blacklight Bumper Cars, and the returning Sinister Swings. The event also has themed bars, lounges, and live entertainment, giving you plenty of reasons to linger between mazes.
Keep in mind that not every experience is included with general admission. Some of the speakeasies require a Lady Mabel’s Mystic Token or a valid VIP pass. darkharborhalloween.com