Long Beach visitors find a royal Queen Mary, at a whopping cost

Long Beach, California, is home to a historic and iconic ship known as the Queen Mary. This majestic ocean liner has a rich history dating back 90 years and has played host to countless celebrities and royalty, including the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Bob Hope, and Elizabeth Taylor. However, the grandeur of the Queen Mary comes at a cost – a hefty cost that the city of Long Beach has been shouldering for the past eight years.

According to city records obtained by The Times, Long Beach has spent a staggering $45 million on repairs for the Queen Mary in the last eight years. These repairs have been necessary to keep the aging ship operational and on a path toward profitability. Costs include more than $3 million for rust and hull repairs, as well as $3.35 million for bulkhead repairs and removing lifeboats.

Despite the significant financial investment, Long Beach officials remain optimistic about the future of the Queen Mary. In 2021, the ship generated over $12.6 million in revenue, with profits exceeding $3 million between June and October. City officials project a “modest profit” of $3.6 million for the end of fiscal year 2024, marking a turnaround for the once-struggling vessel.

The city’s efforts to preserve the Queen Mary have not come without challenges. Private operators reported more than $31 million in losses between 2007 and 2019, prompting Long Beach to take control of the ship in 2021. Since then, the city has completed at least 25 major projects on the Queen Mary, funded primarily through revenue generated by the ship or related subleases.

In addition to internal funding, Long Beach has secured external support for repairs. A $12 million agreement with the Port of Long Beach, which transferred control of 14 acres of city property to the port, has helped finance repairs and renovations on the Queen Mary. The ship’s profitability in recent years has further bolstered city officials’ confidence in its future success.

Visitors to the Queen Mary can expect to see improvements and expansions in the coming years. Hotel capacity has been increased to 200 rooms, and onboard activities now include 22 guest tours, exhibits, and other attractions. Planned upgrades for 2024 include hotel room renovations, elevator upgrades, and the repair of the ship’s third smokestack.

The Queen Mary is not only a historic attraction but also a key component of Long Beach’s future development plans. City officials are eyeing a 43-acre space adjacent to the ship for a world-class entertainment and mixed-use development venue. The ship’s revitalization has been accompanied by a resurgence in live music, special events, and music festivals at the Queen Mary and Harry Bridges Memorial Park.

Despite ongoing repair needs, city officials remain hopeful about the Queen Mary’s future. Recent studies suggest that the estimated $289 million in needed repairs may be less than initially thought, providing a glimmer of hope for the ship’s continued success. Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson expressed optimism about the Queen Mary’s future, envisioning a brighter future for both the ship and the surrounding land.

In conclusion, the Queen Mary stands as a symbol of Long Beach’s rich maritime history and a testament to the city’s commitment to preserving its heritage. Despite the challenges and costs associated with maintaining the historic vessel, Long Beach officials and visitors alike see the Queen Mary as a royal gem worth preserving at all costs.