russian submarine long beach tour

Scorpion Submarine

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travelers

Scorpion Submarine, Long Beach

After years as a San Diego tourist draw, rusty Soviet sub is headed to the scrap yard

• Show more sharing options
• Copy Link URL Copied!

For 15 years, visitors to the Maritime Museum on San Diego’s downtown waterfront could climb aboard a retired Soviet attack submarine known as B-39 and learn about the hidden world of undersea warfare.

Now the sub is destined for a place where it will disappear for all time — the scrap yard.

The outer skin of the 1970s-era Foxtrot-class vessel has been deteriorating for some time, its once sleek black profile disfigured by holes, rust and orange protective netting. Saltwater and the occasional severe storm have not been kind.

Museum officials said the sub is not as bad as it looks — the pressure hull remains stable, making B-39 as seaworthy as it was when it debuted at the Embarcadero in 2005.

“But that doesn’t make its condition cosmetically acceptable in so prominent a location,” said Raymond Ashley, president and chief executive of the museum.

It detracts, he added, from the beauty of the other ships in the museum’s collection . They include the iron-hulled sailing ship Star of India, the steam ferry Berkeley, the replica frigate HMS Surprise and another submarine, the USS Dolphin.

So B-39, closed to the public since the pandemic started more than a year ago, is headed to Ensenada, where it will be scrapped and recycled, Ashley said. The museum is awaiting approval from the U.S. Coast Guard for a towing permit.

Although it was never the most celebrated of the museum’s holdings, the 300-foot-long sub proved popular with tourists — so popular that what had been planned initially as a two-year stay in San Diego got extended indefinitely.

Visitors immersed themselves in “To the Brink of War,” a dramatic exhibit based on events during the October 1962 Cuban missile crisis, when other Foxtrot submarines armed with nuclear-tipped torpedoes got into a nervy cat-and-mouse game with U.S. Navy ships lobbing practice depth charges.

B-39 also had its moment in the Hollywood sun. In 2013, it was used to film large chunks of “Phantom,” a box-office dud starring Ed Harris and David Duchovny.

This was believed to be the first movie about a submarine actually filmed on one. Some of the cast and crew could attest to the realism — they suffered from claustrophobia during the three weeks they spent working in the cramped quarters.

“Phantom” was based loosely on another bit of history, this one involving the Soviet submarine K-129. It sank in deep waters off Hawaii in March 1968, setting off a search that the Soviets eventually abandoned but the U.S. pursued with the clandestine help of reclusive billionaire Howard Hughes and a ship called Glomar Explorer. In 1974, it retrieved part of the sub.

To Maritime Museum visitors, the B-39 got some of its goose-bump appeal from the likelihood that the sub, when it was active, spent a fair amount of time stealthily stalking U.S. Navy ships based in San Diego.

Launched in 1967, the diesel-electric powered sub spent about 20 years in the Silent Service while assigned to the Soviet Pacific fleet and based in Vladivostok, Russia. It carried 78 crew members and 24 torpedoes, and it could dive to 985 feet. The museum’s website describes it as “low-tech but lethal.”

After the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, various pieces of military hardware wound up in private hands. B-39 was sold in the mid-1990s to a Canadian consortium, which brought it to Vancouver with plans to put it on display. It went from there to Seattle and then to San Diego, towed there on a 7-knot journey that took eight days.

Museum officials never expected it to be a permanent part of the collection. In 2010, plans were announced to add it to San Diego’s Wreck Alley , a group of vessels sunk off Mission Beach to form artificial reefs and attract recreational divers. But the popularity of B-39 among museum-goers scuttled the scuttling.

Now it awaits a tow date to Ensenada.

“We have determined not to shift scarce resources away from the historic vessels in the [museum’s] fleet that we intend to keep in perpetuity, in order to extend the life of the Foxtrot,” the museum says on its website.

Coast Guard officials did not respond to requests for information about the removal permit.

Other Soviet submarines were given post-military reprieves as tourist attractions and have met a similar fate. The B-143 , which spent 20 years at a maritime museum and theme park in Brussels, was scrapped in 2019.

In Long Beach, city officials are trying to dispose of the B-427 , which was a dockside attraction next to the Queen Mary for almost two decades, drawing about 8,000 visitors a month. It closed to the public in 2015 after a hull ruptured and a ballast tank was flooded, causing the sub to list to the port side. Before long, raccoons moved in.

City officials say the vessel is now an environmental hazard, taking on water and threatening to roll over and damage the Queen Mary.

They’d like the owner to remove the submarine, according to recent media accounts, but years of lawsuits and bankruptcy proceedings have left them with a problem: It’s unclear who the owner is.

More to Read

A San Diego museum is selling its buildings. What will happen to the extraordinary art built into it?

March 21, 2024

It’s not just toxic chemicals. Radioactive waste was also dumped off Los Angeles coast

Feb. 21, 2024

Massive dumping ground of WWII-era munitions discovered off Los Angeles coast

Jan. 5, 2024

Start your day right

Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.

You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.

John Wilkens joined The San Diego Union-Tribune as a staff writer in February 1988. He writes news features and human interest stories. He’s won numerous local, state and regional awards. A graduate of UC Santa Barbara, he worked for the Santa Barbara News-Press for almost nine years before coming to San Diego.

More From the Los Angeles Times

Photos: Southland celebrates Eid al-Fitr

April 10, 2024

‘Please leave!’ A Jewish UC Berkeley dean confronts pro-Palestinian activist at his home

Why would anyone steal $300,000 in Lego sets? Believe it or not, there’s a booming black market

William Howell wrote Arizona’s 1864 abortion ban. He modeled it on California’s

RoadsideAmerica.com Your Online Guide to Offbeat Tourist Attractions

Attraction:

Long Beach, California : Russian Submarine - Scorpion Tours (Closed)

RoadsideAmerica.com Team Field Report

Results 1 to 3 of 3...

300-ft. Cold War era Russian sub, sort of dumbly juxtaposed next to the giant Queen Mary ocean liner. Hull ruptured on June 23, 2015; closed since then.

Visitor Tips and News About Russian Submarine - Scorpion Tours

Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters . Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip .

The Scorpion submarine was taken from the Russian fleet during the Vietnam War and Cold War. It was a part of the counter-espionage program that was underway. Ironically, ten years earlier the USS Scorpion was a model for the USA nuclear SLBM program and served as a prototype to house the first ocean-tested ocean-launched missiles.

The rusting Russian sub next to the Queen Mary looks out of place, but its history and tour are quite interesting. Before taking the tour, take time to look at the exterior, with moss growing on it at the water line and the rust. But they say it's safe!

The Soviet Union has a strategic scheme to soak vacationing capitalists.

Latest Tips Across Roadside America

Catch up on the latest discoveries from the road .

Explore Thousands of Oddball Tourist Attractions!

Unique destinations in the U.S. and Canada are our special obsession. Use our attraction recommendation and maps to plan your next road trip.

Create and Save Your Own Crazy Road Trip! ... Try My Sights

Mobile Apps

California Latest Tips and Stories

• Giant Snow Beanie , Big Pine, California
• R. Lee Ermey Musical Road , Palmdale, California
• Nongshim Noodle Plant Tour , Rancho Cucamonga, California
• Feature: Hollywood Walk of Fame , Hollywood, California
• Toilet Neptune , Guerneville, California

Latest Visitor Tips

Sight of the Week

Bloodstained Tomb of Nina Craigmiles , Cleveland, Tennessee (Apr 8-14, 2024)

SotW Archive

USA and Canada Tips and Stories

• Riverboat Motel , Branson, Missouri
• Feature: Bloodstained Tomb of Nina Craigmiles , Cleveland, Tennessee
• Giant Lady's Leg Sundial , Roselawn, Indiana
• Gravesite Rocket Memorial , Stryker, Ohio
• Feature: Roadside Sideshow Expo , Lucas, Kansas

More Sightings

Favorite Quirky City Sights

• Bakersfield Attractions
• Eureka Attractions
• Hollywood Attractions
• Los Angeles Attractions
• Sacramento Attractions
• San Bernardino Attractions
• San Diego Attractions
• San Francisco Attractions
• Santa Cruz Attractions

Miscellaneous

• Submit a Tip
• Privacy Policy
• Terms and Conditions

Trip Planning Caution : RoadsideAmerica.com offers maps, directions and attraction details as a convenience, providing all information as is. Attraction status, hours and prices change without notice; call ahead!

Credits, Media/Business Inquiries © Copyright 1996-2024 Doug Kirby, Ken Smith, Mike Wilkins. All rights reserved. No portion of this document may be reproduced, copied or revised without written permission of the authors.

Queen Mary in Long Beach: The Complete Guide

TripSavvy / Christian Hundley 

Things to Do

Hotel queen mary, tips for your visit, the queen mary.

On your next trip to Long Beach, California, you should stop by the cruise ship that never moves—the Queen Mary.

Originally built in 1937, the ship had a long and fascinating 30-year career before making its 516th and final voyage to Long Beach, California, on Dec. 9, 1967.

Since then, the Queen Mary has been docked in the Long Beach harbor and converted into a hotel and tourist attraction, which some even believe to be haunted. Guides' voices echo in the now-empty engine room, where 27 boilers once generated 160,000 horsepower. In fact, the ship has been in Long Beach longer than it sailed the oceans and is now known as an icon for its home city.

Bigger, faster, and more powerful than its predecessor, the Titanic, the RMS Queen Mary had a long career with 1,001 successful Atlantic crossings. Built at the John Brown shipyard on the Clyde, Scotland, in 1937, the Queen Mary held the record for the fastest-ever North Atlantic crossing.

It carried the rich and famous across the Atlantic for three years in great luxury. During World War II, it carried troops. Afterward, the ship ferried war brides and children to the United States and Canada before returning to service as a transatlantic cruise ship.

In 1967, the ship's owner, Cunard, sold the Queen Mary for $3.45 million. After the boat's final voyage, it became permanently docked in Long Beach and has been there ever since.

It may not be as enormous as today's mega-cruise liners, but the Queen Mary is an elegant reminder of a bygone era. 

The least expensive way to see the ship is the self-guided tour which takes visitors over the 1,020-foot-long Queen Mary, from the engine room to the wheelhouse. Unfortunately, the tour route is poorly marked, and the big ship can be pretty intimidating when toured on your own. You may get more out of your experience if you take one of their guided tours. 

They offer several themed tours, which change from time to time. One of the most popular is Ghosts and Legends of the Queen Mary, which dramatizes paranormal and historical events aboard the ship. You can also take tours in the evening, including haunted explorations and midnight ghost tours led by paranormal experts. You can see a list of current tours on the Queen Mary website .

The Scorpion, a Foxtrot-class Russian submarine, is moored just below the Queen Mary's bow. A tour of the cramped quarters and military conditions (78 crew shared two showers and three toilets) provides an interesting contrast to the Queen Mary in size and luxury.

Events at the Queen Mary

Every Halloween, the Queen Mary is home to Dark Harbor , an intense Halloween experience that features haunted mazes, a 4D theater experience, and live monsters and entertainment.

The ship also hosts seasonal and holiday celebrations, mystery murder dinner shows, a Scottish festival, and other events. You can find their upcoming events on their website .

The ship isn't just a tourist attraction, it doubles as a hotel as well. With authentic wood-paneling, original artwork from the 1930s, and time-appropriate styled decor, you can easily imagine yourself on a transatlantic journey along with Charlie Chaplin, Clark Gable, and others. The ship includes 347 staterooms and suites, all of which come with standard amenities.

The smaller rooms are reasonably priced but can be a bit dark. For a taste of the luxury of a bygone era, splurge on a Deluxe Stateroom or a Royalty Suite.

• The Queen Mary is open daily, and a reservation is not required for a regular tour.
• There is an admission fee, as well as a parking fee.
• Allow a few hours for a leisurely tour, as there's a lot to see.
• Take a guided tour for a more efficient and educational experience.
• Grab a map on your way in. Certain things, including elevator stops, are labeled in ship jargon, but the map makes things easy to understand.

The Best Alaska Cruises

Top 10 Haunted US Destinations for the Halloween Lover

19 Fun Things to Do in Los Angeles, California at Night

Gilded Trains and Transatlantic Cruises: The Resurgence of Golden Age Travel

Why Cruising Solo Is Worth it

The Best Cruise Lines for Couples

Where to Take the Kids in October

Halloween in the USA

The Real Haunted Places of St. Louis

13 New Ocean Cruise Ships in 2018

The Spookiest Road Trips in the United States

Disney's New Cruise Ship Is Setting Sail In June 2022—See Inside

Inside the Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2

Guide to Lahaina, Maui

Best Ghost Tours of the Southeast U.S.

10 Spooky Ghost Tours in Los Angeles

‘Scorpion’ submarine near Queen…

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Things to Do

Things To Do

‘scorpion’ submarine near queen mary in long beach snarled in lawsuit, disrepair.

Randall Wilson was visiting from Alaska with family. And Mayra Trejo, 34, of Bellflower took her cousins to a Long Beach landmark, the Queen Mary.

When they arrived, Wilson noticed a rusty, football-field-long craft floating low in the water next to the towering ship. He walked over for a look.

“We were like, ‘What is that?’ ” said Wilson, who is 21. “It’s pretty cool. This is the first time I’ve ever seen a submarine — anywhere.”

And not just any submarine.

What’s on display, though not open for tours these days because of its condition, is the Scorpion, a Soviet-built vessel and an aging reminder of the Cold War. For 22 years, it tracked U.S. vessels across the Pacific Ocean.

“It was one of the first subs that could have launched Russian nuclear warheads,” said Robert Lisnow, a Los Angeles attorney who represents the owner.

After it was decommissioned in the mid-1990s, the submarine crossed the ocean to Australia as its new, nonmilitary owners sought to create a tourist attraction. In 1998, Ed Skowron of Palm Springs bought the vessel and brought it to Long Beach, after spending $970,000 to transport it on a giant flat-bed ship.

Here, the Scorpion joined the Queen Mary in the Long Beach Harbor. It welcomed visitors daily for 17 years.

“People enjoyed it,” Skowron said.

Now the sub’s fate is uncertain. A rupture in the hull flooded a ballast tank and caused the vessel to tilt dangerously in summer 2015. It’s been closed ever since.

Weighed down by an estimated $10 million in needed repairs, according to court documents, a reopening is nowhere in sight. And the Scorpion appears no longer to be wanted by some.

‘It doesn’t fit’

A Queen Mary Land Development Task Force commissioned by the city recommended — in a 15-page “Guiding Principles” report delivered to the Long Beach City Council in September — the sub be relocated “to allow more space for water activities in the water adjacent to the Queen Mary.”

Mayor Robert Garcia, who pushed for creation of the task force two years ago, deferred a question about the submarine’s future to city staff. John Keisler, Long Beach’s economic and property development director, said in an email the task force’s recommendations aren’t binding.

“At this time, the city is unaware of any preparations to remove the submarine,” Keisler wrote.

However, the submarine is absent from a grand plan for the Queen Mary’s future unveiled last week, which followed the disclosure days earlier of a report that said the Queen Mary needs at least $235 million in repairs. The plan appears to echo the task force report.

Keisler said an image of the Foxtrot-class submarine was included in the Seaport Master Plan prepared by Queen Mary Seaport Development — the then-holder of the Queen Mary master lease — in February 1998.

But that’s not the case in the latest plan.

Last week, Urban Commons, current holder of the 45-acre lease for the Queen Mary and surrounding waterfront, unveiled a $250 million blueprint for a half-mile boardwalk, amphitheater, indoor adventure park, hotel rooms and beach area. The submarine is noticeably absent from the slick artist renderings and conceptual layout of the re-imagined attraction.

“I see that we’re being replaced by a bunch of sand,” Skowron said Thursday.

Dan Zaharoni, chief development officer for Urban Commons, addressed the absence in an email.

“Our plans for Queen Mary Island currently do not include The Scorpion because the lease is controlled by another party,” Zaharoni said. “In its current state, the vessel is inoperable and until it becomes operable again, we are unable to make plans for its future.”

That’s fine with local preservationist Mary Rohrer, founder of QMI Foundation, a Queen Mary nonprofit. She said she doesn’t understand why the submarine came to Long Beach in the first place.

She never thought it belonged.

“It doesn’t fit with the Queen Mary,” Rohrer said. “It’s not the same era.”

Not to mention that, at one point, it was a very unfriendly vessel.

Following the Soviet Union’s collapse, much military equipment was auctioned off to the highest bidder.

“The Soviet Union had an estate auction,” said Andrew Jenks, a professor at Cal State Long Beach who specializes in Russian history. “It was kind of like a fire sale for the Cold War.”

And Jenks said the Scorpion is a byproduct of that.

According to an illustrated “Russian Scorpion” booklet sold to tourists who visited the submarine’s former gift shop, the vessel was obtained by a group of Australian business people from the Russian Federation. For a few years, it was on display in Sydney.

Then Skowron, who had served in the Coast Guard, received a call from someone asking if he’d like to own a Soviet sub. Skowron leaped at the opportunity.

Skowron declined to name the price he paid.

But, Jenks said, “I imagine it was fairly cheap.”

Doubtless the bulk of his costs involved hauling it across the Pacific and cleaning it up, he said.

In any event, the submarine’s allure in the late 1990s owed to the depth of fear there once was about the ominous world nuclear power, Jenks said.

“This is a Cold War trophy. That’s what this is,” he said. “It basically says to people, ‘We won.’ ”

At the same time, he said, submarines are intriguing because few have traveled in one or journeyed well beneath the ocean’s surface.

“It gives them this window into this secret, hidden world,” Jenks said.

Historic submarine

Then, of course, there is the rich history.

“This was a very historic submarine,” said Eric Wertheim, defense consultant and author of “The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World.”

“This was the submarine that NATO forces were operating against for a good part of the Cold War,” Wertheim said by phone from the East Coast.

Remember hearing about those submarines that surfaced during the Cuban missile crisis of October 1962, when the U.S. and former U.S.S.R. were brought to the brink of nuclear war? Those were Foxtrots.

Wertheim said the submarine class “played a very big role in hunting for U.S. carriers and playing a cat-and-mouse game with U.S. ships.”

“It was a long-range vessel for scouting far from Soviet waters,” he said.

According to the booklet, the diesel-and-electric-powered vessels could travel 20,000 nautical miles without refueling.

Wertheim said 62 Foxtrots were built between the late 1950s and early 1970s for the Soviet navy, and 17 others for its allies.

The Soviets referred to the class as Project 641.

By the late 1990s, those Soviet subs had become giant artifacts. And Skowron thought the B-427 submarine he bought — and renamed Scorpion — would create a tourist magnet on the West Coast.

So he made arrangements to pair the submarine with the Queen Mary in a maritime attraction.

Keisler said Queen Mary Seaport Development Inc., holder of the master lease for the Queen Mary property at the time, brought the Scorpion to Long Beach in July 1998.

‘Long, tight ride’

Skowron said “virtually every television station in town was there” to cover its arrival. In a couple weeks, it opened for public tours.

Judging by comments left behind by visitors, some were struck by its design and close quarters.

“Was really awesome!” wrote one in 2005, according to a log provided by Skowron. “Props to the men that had to endure that long tight ride!”

Skowron said 7,900 people per month peered inside the submarine’s long belly during the peak summer tourist season.

“As a tourist attraction, the Scorpion and its on-site gift shop proved successful and highly profitable, clearing in excess of $500,000 yearly, unlike the perennial money-losing Queen Mary tourist attraction,” a lawsuit filed by the submarine’s owner, Newco Pty Ltd., in June 2016 stated.

Tours continued until late June 2015, when the ballast tank flooded and the operator, Save the Queen, shut the attraction down, court documents show. Save the Queen terminated the Scorpion’s lease in November 2015, saying that was authorized by the terms of its 10-year lease with Newco, signed in early 2011.

In court filings, Newco and the now-former operator blame each other for the submarine’s condition. Also named in the 2016 lawsuit were Urban Commons and Garrison Investment Group.

Newco seeks $10 million in damages to cover repairs. It also aims to block removal from Long Beach Harbor.

Newco maintains that, in 2011, the submarine was in good condition.

“I’m angry that they let it go to such disrepair that it is beyond belief,” Skowron said.

Raccoons and rust

Save the Queen claims, in an October filing, that a rupture on June 23, 2015, that closed the exhibit resulted from an earlier problem Newco failed to fix.

“In reality, a pre-existing outer hull fracture further ruptured that day, causing massive flooding of a ballast tank,” the claim stated. “Of necessity, Save the Queen closed the Scorpion to tourists and requested that plaintiff make necessary capital improvements to the submarine in order to restore operations.”

Save the Queen stated that Newco “fails to mention the large dent to the Scorpion’s outer hull and other damage the submarine suffered upon its delivery in 1998.”

In any event, all sides agree the submarine is not exactly in mint condition.

A casual visit to the harbor reveals numerous rust spots and streaks, broken instruments, missing paint and cracks.

And an embarrassing raccoon infestation is common knowledge.

“That’s what it’s pretty much known as,” said Rohrer, the preservationist. “I’ve actually seen raccoons on it myself. It’s typically at night, and it’s just an ongoing problem.”

That’s not to say the vessel, fixed up, couldn’t still attract visitors, Jenks, the history professor, said.

By now, the Cold War has begun to fade into history and the shine is off the trophy allure, Jenks said. But he suggested the chill in U.S.-Russia relations could again make it a hot stop on the Southern California tourist circuit.

“Now we’re entering a new phase,” Jenks said. “Russia has emerged as the enemy, as a new threat.”

Poor condition or not, Wilson, the visitor from Anchorage, Alaska, said the former Russian vessel was particularly interesting.

“I think it’s cool,” he said. “I think they should leave it here.”

“And,” said Trejo, his cousin, “they should let us get on it.”

• Newsroom Guidelines
• Report an Error

More in Things To Do

Books | Orange County author Yoon Choi one of 10 winners of the 2024 Whiting Awards

Disneyland | Disneyland steakhouse makes a comeback — this time in Downtown Disney

SUBSCRIBER ONLY

Restaurants food and drink | italian food in long beach goes deliciously old school at this restaurant.

Travel | Longest zip line in the US will send riders hurtling a mile down a mountain

• The Inventory

This Just Keeps Getting Better: A Soviet Sub Is Now The Latest Threat To The Queen Mary

The sub is in disrepair and could damage the ocean liner.

The saga of the Queen Mary drama continues. The newest issue isn’t with the ship itself, but with the submarine berthed next to it. The Long Beach Post reports that Soviet sub B-247, also known as Scorpion, is in such disrepair that it runs the risk of sinking or rolling into the Queen Mary.

The 1970s Soviet sub (no relation to America’s USS Scorpion that sank in 1968 ) was decommissioned in ‘94. After changing owners a few times, it was bought by a Palm Springs socialite for $970,000 and relocated to Long Beach where it was surrounded by a concrete wall in the harbor. It opened as a museum in July 1998, as the LA Times reported :

Commissioned in 1972 by the Soviet government during the height of the Cold War, Scorpion was used to search and track enemy forces in the Pacific. Its nuclear-tipped torpedoes could destroy a port or battle group. The 300-foot-long sub, weighing 2,000 tons, had a 22-year career before it was decommissioned by the Russian Navy in 1994 and purchased by an Australian company that displayed it in Sydney. From there, it was towed by a semi-submersible tugboat to Long Beach.

The LA Times found particular interest in a group of Russian tourists seeing the sub:

Scorpion has been popular among kids and adults alike, and it has caught the eye of Russian tourists. Those who visit Scorpion say they had never before seen a real submarine. As odd as it may seem, they say they are learning more about the Soviet fleet in the U.S. than they did in their homeland. “It’s strange because I came to America to see things like Disneyland, but now I see something from Russia,” said Andrew Zaginov, 16, who visited the exhibit with a group of 50 Russian exchange students. “It’s funny to see Russian words in America and to see a film with our language in America.”

No one has been taking care of it, and it’s been closed to visitors since 2015. Over the years, the Queen Mary and the Scorpion’s fates have been intertwined, both with operators neglecting maintenance on them. It’s a confusing history.

In 2016 the sub’s owners at the time, Newco Pty Ltd. filed a lawsuit against the operator of the Queen Mary, Save The Queen LLC, and the now bankrupt leaseholder Urban Commons of neglecting maintenance on the sub. $10 million in damages was sought with an inspection finding rust damage and even a raccoon infestation. This was all on top of outcry against Urban Commons plans at the time of removing the sub completely for a redevelopment project .

Now the City of Long Beach doesn’t want to deal with it and no one knows who’s responsible for the sub. A recent inspection by the city found that it’s taking on water due to not having a bilge pump. If nothing is done, it could possibly sink into the harbor or roll into and damage the Queen Mary next to it. This is all in addition to the potential environmental hazard the sub poses for the harbor. The city is asking a court to block Urban Commons from denying its responsibility to the sub.

Advertisement

• Hotel Rooms Choose from 200 original first class staterooms and suites Specials & Packages Packages & Special Offers Services & Amenities Modern amenities and world-class service Fitness Room Rejuvenate with our fitness options
• Attractions Tours & Exhibits Get an up close and personal look at the Queen Mary with our exciting tours & exhibits Fourth of July Celebration Celebrate an all-American 4th of July aboard The Queen Mary! Queen Mary Heritage Foundation Membership Experience everything the Queen Mary has to offer with a tour package
• Dining Casual Dining Enjoy inspired meals and quick bites at our restaurants Bars Enjoy the 1930's classic sophistication of the Queen Mary bars Royal Sunday Brunch A local favorite, voted “Best Brunch” by OpenTable Group Dining The Queen Mary offers several dining options for large groups or those seeking a unique dining experience
• Meetings & Weddings Meetings Explore one of the most unique meeting and conference venues in Southern California Weddings The Queen Mary has been host to unforgettable weddings for over 70 years Socials The Queen Mary is the ideal location for any social occasion Event Spaces Over 80,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space across 14 Art Deco salons
• History Timeline Re-live the Queen Mary’s rich history, from her ground-breaking construction to today Stats & Fun Facts Everything you ever wanted to know about the Queen Mary Design & Preservation Learn about the era of elegant Art Deco design and how the Queen Mary is maintained with preservation projects Press Releases Press Releases about the Queen Mary Amateur Radio Discover the on-board radio stations starting in the 1960s
• Visit Hours & Parking Find open times for the Queen Mary and its dining and parking. On-Board Shopping An array of unique shops featuring souvenirs, one-of-a-kind treasures, clothing, memorabilia, historic documents, artwork and more Nearby Attractions The Queen Mary is a great central hub to all of Southern California’s most popular attractions Directions Your guide to getting to the Queen Mary
• What's On Deck
• Book Now Room Tour

Tours & Exhibits

• Tours & Exhibits

Fourth of July Celebration

Queen mary heritage foundation membership, queen mary tours & exhibits.

Get an up close and personal look at the Queen Mary with one of our exciting and informative guided tours. From the ship's groundbreaking construction and royal launch as the most luxurious and technologically advanced ocean liner at the time, to her duty as a troopship during WWII, to her golden days of the 1950s, to her earning the nickname, the "haunted ship," the Queen Mary's history is full of action, adventure, romance and paranormal activity. Explore the ship bow to stern, inside and out, and hear unique stories, facts and insights about the Queen Mary with our tour expert guides.

The Glory Days

Delve into the ship's expansive past, including her groundbreaking construction, her time as a troopship during WWII and of course, her glory days as the world's most luxurious and technologically advanced ocean liner.

Haunted Encounters

Ever wanted to know some of the stories and legends regarding the famous hauntings of the Queen Mary? Then the Haunted Encounters Tour is the best place to start. This approximate one hour tour will share many of the more well-known or infamous stories of the paranormal residents that now occupy the legendary ship in a non-scary introduction to the ghostly tales of the Queen Mary.

The Steam and Steel Tour

The Steam and Steel Tour will take guests approximately 25 ' below the water line where they will have a chance to walk through Boiler Rooms 1- 4, as well as the Water Softening Plant and the Turbo-Generator Room 1.

Glory Days Tour - Presented in Spanish

El recorrido histórico de Glory Days explora el extenso pasado del barco, incluidas sus innovadoras construcciones, su época como barco militar durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial y, por supuesto, sus días de gloria como el barco oceánico más lujoso del mundo.

Hollywood Tour

Step into the glitz and glamour of the golden era of cinema as you explore the legendary ocean liner that once hosted Hollywood's elite. Walk the same decks where iconic movie scenes were filmed and soak in the nostalgia of an era filled with red carpets and celebrity soirées. This immersive experience takes you on a journey through time, offering glimpses into the ship's rich history and its role as a floating playground for the stars.

VIP Art Deco Tour

Embark on a dazzling Art Deco tour aboard the Queen Mary in Long Beach and journey into the opulent world of this iconic ocean liner. Immerse yourself in the extravagant elegance of the Art Deco era as you explore the intricate details and stylish designs that adorn the ship.

Royal VIP Tour & Afternoon Tea

Indulge in the epitome of luxury with an exclusive Royal VIP tour and Afternoon Tea aboard the Queen Mary Delve into hidden quarters and listen to untold stories of this maritime marvel. After your personalized exploration, luxuriate in the refined tradition of Afternoon Tea amidst the ship's historic charm.

Paranormal Ship Walk

Experience a more haunting side of the Queen Mary after hours. Explore various rooms or compartments seldom seen by the general public while famous stories and legends are shared about some of the past passengers aboard the legendary ocean liner.

While the tour is not meant to scare you, some locations may be too dark for younger guests.

The Grey Ghost Project

The Grey Ghost Project takes a skeptical and evidence based approach to investigating the supernatural. Join us on a 3 hour exploration using the latest tools of the trade and a combination of scientific methods.

57 Ghosts Séance

Join Apparitionist Michael Rangel in an intimate and immersive experience that will bring you face to face with the spirited passed of this historic and haunting ship.

Ship Model Gallery

Combining precision and craftsmanship in an exacting work of art, ship models evoke the fascination that we have for the sea and sea travel.

Few public figures have had more influence on modern political and social life than former British Prime Minister, Winston Spencer-Churchill. Fewer still had an ongoing relationship with the Queen Mary. To commemorate their affinity a new Churchill-themed exhibition has been brought to the Queen Mary.

Shipyard – LEGO® Ship Model

Measuring 26 feet, weighing over 600lbs. And made from 250,000 LEGO bricks, the LEGO Queen Mary brick model ship is a masterpiece to be seen. The model was designed by England’s certified LEGO Builder, Bright Bricks, Inc., to commemorate Britain’s most famous ocean liner.

The Cunard Story

The Cunard Story An exhibition on the Queen Mary, one of the most celebrated Cunard® ocean liners—explores the rich history of the extraordinary company that designed and built more than 150 ships over the past 175 years. Today, Cunard offers the most luxurious and unique cruise experiences available—adventures curated for travelers who savor the world.

Sun Deck/Bridge/Sports Deck

Sports Deck FWD | Daily 10am – 6pm

The nerve center for the entire ship. The BRIDGE includes the WHEELHOUSE, CHART ROOM, SIGNAL BRIDGE, and the DOCKING WINGS. The bridge is about 90 feet above the ship’s waterline.

Sports Deck | Daily 10am – 6pm

The Radio Room houses some of the original equipment used by the Queen Mary during her incredible career. The current radio room features an array of amateur radio equipment which has been used to broadcast communications around the world. Guests walking past the exhibit are likely to have a front-row seat of a real broadcast, as this space has been actively used since 1979.

Promenade Deck

Commodore’s office.

Promenade Deck Main Hall | Daily 2pm – 4pm

Formerly the Austin Reed of Regent Street clothing store (a famous, luxury brand clothier) the Commodore’s Office is now the day room of our ship’s Commodore, Everette Hoard. Much of this space is still very much original and intact. The Commodore’s Office features a number of the ship’s lavish furnishings; as well as some pieces from Commodore’s private collection. Guests are encouraged to stop in for a visit, or even just a photo with Commodore, our Staff Captain, or Chief Officer.

QM Heritage Room

Daily 10am – 6pm

See the ship through the eyes of those who served and sailed aboard her. The Queen Mary Heritage Room features video interviews of former crew members, war brides, and soldiers; all of whom share fond memories of this historic vessel. This rich history is the very foundation of the ship’s enduring legacy.

Promenade Deck Main Hall – Starboard Side  | Daily 10am – 6pm

This incredible exhibit features numerous models which showcase The Cunard® Line’s fleet; all the way from the historic  RMS Britannia  to ships from the current fleet, like the  Queen Elizabeth . Undoubtedly, the real showstoppers are the giant, cutaway models of:  RMS Lusitania ,  SS Normandie , and  RMS Titanic . These highly detailed, 1/48th models were all lovingly handmade by Father Roberto Pirrone, of Gardena, CA.

Features the World’s Largest LEGO ® Model of the Queen Mary. When you’re finished counting all 250,000 LEGO® blocks, see if you can spot the white, LEGO® cat.

Bow FWD  | Daily 10am – 6pm

During WWII the ship was outfitted with anti-aircraft weaponry to defend herself. This 40 mm gun is the same type of defensive weapon used onboard; to safely carry nearly a million troops throughout the war.

Promenade Deck Main Hall – Port Side  | Daily 10am – 6pm

The Music Room was a place where musicians, entertainers, lecturers, radio personalities and the like could rehearse. This upright piano is original to the ship, however, when the ship was in service a baby grand piano nearly filled this space.

Children’s Playroom

The original location of the Cabin or First Class Playroom. There were three playrooms available for the younger set on the Queen Mary. Each had a specific look, but all contained numerous toys that would appeal to both boys and girls. A Stewardess was assigned to oversee the youngsters. She would often gather the little ones and read to them. Play continued until the parents came to collect their children. The original artwork in this display came from the Tourist and Third Class Children’s Playrooms. The furniture is from all three classes.

Travel Bureau

This is the original Cabin or First-Class travel bureau as it was remodeled after WWII. The desks and chairs are those that were aboard when the ship sailed to Long Beach. Original desk top accessories and copies of brochures have been placed to show what would have been found when a passenger wished to make further travel arrangements. Here one could book another cruise on the Queen Mary or other liners and make train or plane reservations.

A-Deck FWD | Daily 10am – 6pm

The Cunard Story An exhibition on the Queen Mary, one of the most celebrated Cunard® ocean liners—explores the rich history of the extraordinary company that designed and built more than 150 ships over the past 175 years. Today, Cunard offers the most luxurious and unique cruise experiences available—adventures curated for travelers who savor the world.

Fire was a constant concern for “The Ship of Beautiful Woods.” The Fire Station was, not only, the first line of defense to protect the ship, it was also top-of-the-line technology that’s still impressive, even by modern day standards.

B-Deck FWD Portside | Daily 10am – 6pm

A mysteriously vague entry in the ship’s log, dated September 1949, states that a passenger was found dead in his cabin; which is now the hotel room referred to as B340. While no name was given, legends have claimed the victim as “Walter.” There is much lore surrounding Walter and the events that occurred in B340; and many believe that Walter is a vengeful spirit who loves to make his presence known. Reports of strange activity in B340 span from the ship’s days as an ocean liner, to the present day. Perhaps all of the activity is just Walter trying to get someone to listen to his side of the story. If you’re feeling brave enough, ask him yourself. He might just tell you.

First-Class Pool Viewing Area

Ask just about any paranormal investigator or medium about haunted locations aboard the Queen Mary , and you’ll probably hear many stories about the first-class pool. Why? Many believe this to be the most-haunted room aboard. Whether you hear about the ghost of a little girl named “Jackie” who loves to sing and play hide-and-seek with guests, or legends about this space becoming a “vortex” (whirlpool of energy) which allows spirits to pass between realms, seems like there’s one thing everyone can agree on: this famous Art Deco pool has become one of the most-visited locations on the entire ship.

Engine Room

Visitor’s Center D-Deck Stern | Daily 10am – 6pm

Venture down to the Engine Room and see the very heartbeat of this massive ship! Each of the 2 Engine Rooms contained 2 of the ship’s 4 powerful engines. These steam-powered turbine engines produced 40,000 horsepower a piece! When Queen Mary was speeding across the Atlantic at 28.5 knots, these engines would be turning the ship’s massive propellers 3 times every second! Fans of the paranormal will want to brave the Engine Room's lower level to check out the infamous watertight door 13, where guests often hear a wrench banging against the door.

Printing Press

Often described as a virtual floating city, the Queen Mary carried her own fully equipped print shop. Functioning under the direction of the ship’s purser, the print shop provided daily newspapers, programs of activities, and menus for the passengers.

Propellor Box

The Queen Mary had 4 massive propellers (or screws) to propel her through the waters at incredible speed. Each propeller was driven independently by its own turbine engine and was made of manganese bronze. The first set of propellers each measured 20 feet across and weighed 35 tons; however, these proved to produce too much vibration. The second set, and every set thereafter would consist of propellers that each measured 18.5 feet across, coming in at 32 tons each. The slightly smaller propellers proved much more effective to combat the vibration issue. In all, the Queen Mary would have 22 sets of propellers throughout her 31 years of sailing. Each time a new set would be installed, each of the propellers were so perfectly balanced that you could spin the massive propeller by hand! Visitors of the Propeller Box will be able to see the last remaining propeller on the ship.

Aft Steering

The Queen Mary had a number of backup systems to keep her functional. Aft Steering shows two redundant systems (one power steering system and one manual) by which the ship could still be steered, if her primary systems became inoperable. Additionally, visitors can also view the 3 massive electric generators, which powered the 2 hydraulic cylinders that pumped back and forth, turning the linkage which drove the rudder from side to side; thus, guiding the ship. The ship’s rudder was 3 stories tall and weighed 140 tons. At the time of its installation, this was the largest rudder ever installed on any ship!

Their Finest Hours: Winston Churchill and The Queen Mary

Learn about Winston Churchill’s relationship with the Queen which served as his sea borne war room during WWII. It is thought that Churchill traveled aboard the Queen Mary at least 10 times in both war and peace time. This exhibit includes original set pieces from the award-wining film, “Darkest Hours.” It is an in depth look into the person many consider to be the greatest statesman of the 20th century.

Sisters of the Sea

Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth, created by a ship enthusiast Tom Varney over the past 20 years. These two 8-foot beauties are 3/32” + 1-foot representations of the original liners each made of balsa wood. Walk around these works of art and marvel at these two sisters of the sea.

Tag your photos and share with the world

Socialize with us

Celebrate an all-American 4th of July aboard The Queen Mary and enjoy a fun-filled day of good food, great entertainment, family games, activities, a World War II aircraft flyover, and a spectacular fireworks show.

Date: Thursday, July 4, 2024 Time: 3pm - 10pm

Entertainment

Verandah deck.

DJ music, commodore welcome, WWII aircraft flyover, patriotic performances, deck games, watermelon eating, best July 4th attire, and dance off contests, plus giveaways.

Fireworks viewing area.

VIP Verandah Grill

Exclusive bar and lounge, fireworks viewing area.

VIP Britannia Salon

Alternative rock band, strolling stops, premium fireworks viewing area.

VIP Capstan Deck

Private cabanas available for purchase VIP Ticket required to purchase cabanas and access VIP areas

Grand Salon

Country Band, Line Dancing and Lessons

Observation Bar

Queens salon.

Swing Lil Big Band ft. USO Girls Trio, Strolling Stops, Swing Dance Lessons and Demos

Royal Salon

Music Videos and Karaoke

Various food and beverage options will be available throughout the ship and can be purchased separately.

Self Parking

$30 per vehicle, per day.

Stay The Night

Immerse yourself in all of the July 4th festivities and spend the night in a historical stateroom. Enjoy the celebration without the worry of securing a ride home, with special room rates available for the holiday.

The Queen Mary Heritage Foundation (QMHF) is an officially recognized 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization dedicated to the historic preservation, advocacy, and education of this historic landmark.

Annual memberships include a host of benefits for year-round enjoyment while contributing to the ship's restoration.

Purchase A Membership

Tourist Class Membership

Annual Cost | $150

Membership Benefits:

- Unlimited admission for cardholder - Two (2) Day Passes (General admission tickets) per year - Hotel guest pricing for Tour/Exhibit/Attractions tickets - 24-hour presale on Queen Mary Signature Events - Discounted ticket pricing during presale for Signature Events

Membership Holders:

- All member benefits for one cardholder - All member card holders are to be designated upon membership purchase. - If cardholders are to lose their card, they will have to pay a fee to replace the lost card, with the account being associated with phone or email. - Blackout dates apply

Opportunities to donate as a non-member are also available.

Make A Donation

For Existing Members

Starting July 31, 2023 funds and existing memberships will transition to the Queen Mary Heritage Foundation (QMHF). New cards will be sent out to current members automatically, and membership status for current members will be active upon receiving their new card without needing to renew.

With the official recognition as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, The Queen Mary Heritage Foundation is now eligible to receive tax-deductible donations. This new status provides an invaluable opportunity for supporters to contribute to the organization's mission. As the transition to the new foundation finalizes, the newly established non-profit will work with existing members to also receive this benefit.

With the foundation receiving 501(c)(3) status, the new QMHF organization aims to broaden its outreach, expand existing programs, and explore innovative projects that align with its core mission to continue to restore, preserve and present the Queen Mary, its archival collection and educational areas that focus on the sciences.

For additional information on the Queen Mary Heritage Foundation, contact  [email protected] .

NATO on Edge: Vanishing of Russian Submarine with “Poseidon” Nuclear Payload

I n October 2022， a development that has sent ripples of concern across the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Russia’s Belgorod nuclear submarine has reportedly vanished from its Arctic base. The Belgorod, which is reputed to carry the formidable “Poseidon” nuclear doomsday weapon, has been a key focal point for NATO due to its potential to generate catastrophic tsunamis and bypass traditional missile defenses.

According to Italian media reports, NATO has alerted its members to the absence of the Belgorod from its White Sea base, where it has been stationed since July. The alarm comes amid speculations that Russia may intend to conduct covert testing of the “Poseidon” weapons system—a nuclear-armed drone alleged to be capable of triggering radioactive tsunamis. The concerns are not unfounded, as the Russian state media has claimed that the device can unleash a 1,600-foot wave that could devastate coastal cities and spread radiation.

Understanding the strategic significance of submarine capabilities, the Russian Navy has long developed its fleet to project power far beyond its shores, particularly in the strategically critical Arctic region. The Northern Fleet, which is the pride of Russia’s Navy and houses its nuclear sea forces, operates close to NATO territories, necessitating vigilant monitoring by the alliance.

The Belgorod, a key asset in Russia’s naval arsenal, is reported to be equipped with six Poseidon nuclear weapons, a nuclear-powered deep diving midget submarine for seabed warfare, a rescue submarine, as well as an array of conventional torpedoes and weapons. Its disappearance poses a multi-layered threat, not just from its immense destructive potential, but also from the strategic ambiguity it introduces into a tense geopolitical environment.

Strategic intelligence experts have raised the possibility that the Belgorod and its “Poseidon” torpedoes may not be fully operational until 2027. Yet, the likelihood of preemptive testing to send a message of deterrence cannot be dismissed, especially considering President Putin’s warnings that Russia’s nuclear capabilities are “not a bluff.” The concern is that the Kremlin could leverage the threat of the “Poseidon” as a strategic tool in its larger game with the West.

The Belgorod, designed on an Oscar-class guided-missile submarine frame, formally joined the Russian Navy in a July ceremony and is part of Russia’s specialized submarine force, the Main Directorate of Deep Sea Research (GUGI). “The Belgorod submarine opens up new opportunities for Russia in conducting various research, allows conducting diverse scientific expeditions and rescue operations in the most remote areas of the world ocean,” according to a July statement from Russian Navy chief Adm. Nikolai Anatolyevich Yevmenov.“The ship is designed to solve diverse scientific problems, conduct search and rescue operations, and can also be used as a carrier of rescue deep-sea and autonomous unmanned underwater vehicles.”

Relevant articles:

– Kursk submarine disaster | Russian Navy, Nuclear Accident & Loss of Life , britannica.com

– Is the Belgorod missing? Demystifying Russia’s submarine activity , Universidad de Navarra

– Russian nuclear submarine armed with ‘doomsday’ weapon disappears from Arctic harbor: report , Fox News, Oct 3, 2022

– Russian Doomsday Sub Belgorod Spotted in the Arctic , USNI News, Oct 5, 2022