NOTE: At the 12:22 I accidentally said "There's a lot of 'busy work' going on aboard the ship..." This was a major mistake and oversight on my part. I did not intend to say that, as you could tell through the whole video I am a big advocate for the fantastic restoration work happening aboard the ship. I just completely mispoke, and managed to miss that through the editing of the video, and I apologize for that. I know the work happening aboard the ship is 100% necessary. Again, a mistake on my part for saying that.
Never picked up on it, the tone of the whole video it was clear you were full of admiration for the work being undertaken, if anything this just came across as 'busy work' in the neutral sense. Minor tasks being done in between larger tasks in order to use the craftsmens time efficiently.
Reminds me of a time, many years ago, when a friend and I who worked in tech support* were stuck covering for the whole department while the rest of the company was out at the annual company picnic. As you might imagine, two guys covering an entire call center for an afternoon led to lonnnng queue times and the two of us being worked out of our socks. At one point late in the day, my friend tried to apologize to one of the callers for the long wait time, but his tired brain got wedged somewhere between "short-handed" and "understaffed" and he ended up telling the guy "We're a little underhanded today." :) * never again. never, never again.
It's certainly looks like it! Glad she's in their care. From the things you hear of California these days I was a bit worried but it appears she's in the right hands.
Very detailed video and narrative, most informative and interesting. From the Clyde I am very grateful for such a good update of the great ship. Thanks. Rmb
It does my 73-year-old heart good to see she is being taken care of. When I was a boy of nine, we travelled from South Hampton to New York on board the Queen Mary. Your video brings back memories of a different world in a magic time when I first saw schools of flying fish. The ship seemed impossibly huge to me and I marvelled that it could float. Now it seems small and elegant compared with the monstrous cruisers of today. I especially remember the swimming pool, as a crew member told me (a bit dramatically, I realise today) that one could sometimes see the wet footprints of a little girl coming for a swim, even though she had been a ghost for many years.
I was a guest on the ship in the 80's. The most memorable experience was in the Sir Winston dining room. The food and service were impeccable. Our room needed updating then, but we truly enjoyed our stay. I am so glad to hear your suggestions for a better, more emersive experience. You are right about people wanting to enjoy a different time and space. Period weekends for enthusiasts, and possibly festivals. Victorian, Roaring 20's, and wartime eras would all be great. Thank you for doing these videos, I hadn't heard anything about the Queen Mary since she closed. It is very good to hear they are finally getting her back in shape and up to snuff.😊
I definitely agree with the need for lounging on the ship. I remember when i went to see her before the pandemic and it seemed like there was nowhere to just sit, relax and admire the ship and maybe start a conversation with someone
She is an international icon and world heritage site as far as I'm concerned and as far as millions of freedom-loving people around the world should be concerned. I hope the emphasized more of her War service. Thank you so much for the update!
Your ideas for generating more income are great. @OceanLiner Designs would be a great person to invite to the ship. He is very knowledgeable and likes to dress in period correct clothing. Hopefully the city was listening and will implement these ideas. Thanks for your hard work to bring us updates on the Queen Mary. I am thankfu as welll that the city of long beach is taking such good care of her. Most of the ocean liners are gone and it's heartwarming to see the preservation of our history and such a beloved ship
I think your suggestions for the ship are really good, especially the afternoon tea, with a dress code of course. It would be nice to see people dress nicely to have tea in such a beautiful place, just as they would have back in the ship's heyday.
I completely agree! But I do wonder how practical that would be, most of the ship's visitors are Californians, and Californians don't like dressing in things where they can't show skin lol.
I am enjoyed footage of Queen Mary restoration. I traveled First Class from New York to Cherbourg in 1961 still have luggage tags guest log of that memorable trip.
I doubt I'll ever get to visit the Queen Mary, but seeing an electrical motor from US Motors, a plant in my hometown of Mena, AR, being used on the ship made me proud.
I was very lucky to spend two weeks aboard her. I had a suite in the First Class area. Faux 1930s furniture and the bath had non-working hot and cold sea water spigots This was back in 2006. I definitely thought she was beautiful then. Now it's absolutely going to be extraordinary.
Great suggestions. I would add Queen Mary merchandise . Also attract the modern day cruiser , they will appreciate the history of a luxury cruise ship.
Alex, I am a lifetime lover of the "Queen Mary", having sailed on her as a child, 3 crossings on the Mary and 3 on the "Queen Elizabeth" ; 1963, 65, and 67. My last crossing with my mother and sister was in July of 1967. Also we lived in Laguna Beach, with the Pacific out our front decks and watched her sail past on 9th December 67. Those early experiences started a lifetime passion for all the great ocean liners. I was so excited to visit the QM as soon as she opened to the public in the early '70s. Then, from 73 onward, I would stay on board whenever possible. But I was always disappointed, frustrated, even angered at the way the ship was run as a tourist trap more than what, as you succinctly point out, should be all about the most beloved ship of all time, the QM. An Ocean Liner. But from the start in the '70s, the ship was to me, always "the ship of locked doors". I have always stated that all the rubbish such as Dark Harbour, and the obsession with haunted this and that has no place in the long term success of the QM. Yes, by all means, the main lounge should be just that, the main lounge. High tea at 4:00pm. Music, dancing! The smoking room should also be a lounge, with old school things such as bingo and horseracing. The Verandah Grille, home to one of the most famous and beautiful works of art, Zinkeisen's mural, should be once again that elite supper club that so many of the world's famous enjoyed. I never could understand the need to convert officer's quarters into Sir Winston's when one of the most famous of all seagoing venues, the Verandah Grille, was turned into a fast food outlet. The Cabin class main lounge should be a lounge for hotel guests, where also informative lectures are held and also movies shown. And rebuild the cabin class bar! And of course, the largest room afloat, (yes it IS larger than Normandie's main dining room), arguably the most spectactular room on the ship, should be open daily as the main restaurant. Plenty of other venues to hold banquets in. Or, like many of the great hotels of the golden age in Europe, you can always reserve them for group functions.
Fantastic ideas!!! This is what we have always wanted!! Those that adore her, like me!! And, my mommy and I, were probably the original immersive cosplay people, ever, as back in the 90's, we went there each month, with our annual passes, and totally pretended we were on Cruises, and dressed up in 1940's attire, the whole nine yards!! We has so much fun!!!
WOW!!! You actually sailed on the Queen Mary?? that is sooo coool!!! Your ideas make so much more sense!! I recently fell down the rabbit hole of ocean liners on youtube and found a video of someone reviewing the QM hotel. I was confused at how it was marketed as the most haunted ship. =.= This historic ship has led a successful career over decades.. she deserves to be preserved in a dignified manner!
My only bragging right is that my late mother applied white enamel to the toilets! Back in the 1930s. She also watched the launch from the south bank of the river and got her feet wet by the wave she displaced as she entered the Clyde.
Superb video on an iconic vessel - and your recommendations to Long Beech on improving the business model of the ship are spot on - yes we want an ocean liner experience!
I've spent time on the Queen Mary long beach and enjoyed every moment of that beautiful old world nostalgic piece of art! And..she is haunted .. but for all the right reasons?! A Visit is highly recommended ! 💫⭐✨
I think you are SO right to propose the Queen Mary be an ocean liner experience. Keeping those first class lounges open, WITH period appropriate furniture and entertainments is exactly the way to go. I hope the owners listen to you. :)
I love your suggestions and I hope they’re listening, Alex. Vintage style musicians and people who appreciate the time period would love to spend more time there. 😉
Oh my goodness- everything looks so clean and shiny! The beautiful woodwork and flooring, even those railings! So wonderful to see her looking so grand. Thank you for a wonderful report 😍
This is so lovely to hear that the old Queen Mary is getting a proper makeover. I once traveled on this ship as a child (over 80 now)... I had no idea this was happening, the last TH-cam vid I watched about the ship, it was almost derilect and there were thoughts on scrapping it....! I am so pleased that she is going to have another lease of life... I wish you all every good luck with this project and look forward to seeing it completed......😀😃😄
It's been so great to see Queen Mary recieve so much love. The ship has been much busier than she has been in decades. My friends showed me the crowds aboard the ship just yesterday, I've never seen so many people on the Queen Mary before!
Wow! She's looking wonderful! Actually inlaying the linoleum is some serious dedication, and the paneling appears to have been properly restored. Thank you very much for the updates!
What a JOB! This is incredible. Thanks, Alex. Your suggestions for public utilisation at the end - I would have thought this a no-brainer for the organizations responsible for the ship. If the QM was in Cape Town, it would be a normal functional hotel with a few businesses operating restaurants, bars and boutique shops. There would also be an art gallery with a changing exhibition.
Well hello, I have just watched your very interesting article concerning the beautiful Queen Mary. I was born in Southampton, her home port and watched the QM leave on her final voyage to Long Beach. My grandfather, a cabinet maker at Waygood Otis elevators in London, was involved in the installation of the lifts on board. I have been lucky enough to have visited the vessel in Long Beach on 2 occasions and it is heartening to see the sympathetic nature of the restoration work being carried out. Here's to the future of a wonderful liner. Peter Noice, Ipswich, Suffolk, UK.
Social media influencers are having a very positive effect and you’re a stand out among them Alex! Major changes are happening and they seem to mirror things you’ve been saying for the past few years. I couldn’t agree more with your suggestions. I also deplore the “haunted house” angle. The ship’s historical significance is much more captivating. You’re a great spokesperson for the Queen Mary.
This was an incredibly encouraging update, I was on the ship for around four days in 2010 and all the areas are looking much better now. Whoever is heading this project up clearly has the right approach finally. Reckon the Queen Mary will soon transition into a world wonder status like the Hagia Sophia or Eiffel Tower where maintenance is just something that gets done without question. Agreed with all the points about how to better market her and fully agree about de-emphasising the haunted stuff, that was always an economic dead end. The dry dock plan is very encouraging as well and should basically make the ship immortal if done properly. One question I had was is there any information about the ships current fire suppression system? Given how most of her contempories Queen Elizabeth, Normandie, Majestic, L'Atlantique all ended up it feels like it should be the top thing on the priority list for the ships long term survival.
I believe I discussed the fire suppression system in the February update, but basically her fire suppression system was fully revamped and updated in 2018 at a cost of over $5 million. This also included replacing old sprinkler pipes, and updating 6,000 sprinkler heads to modern ones, and so on. The ship is very fire safe, and as part of the suppression system, the origin fire doors around the ship are still functioning and will close off sections of the ship if the new detection system detects a fire. The fire Marshall also updated the egress route, and all new hoses and extinguishers were installed throughout the ship.
I lived in a haunted house, I would know if I was punched in the face by a ghost. I'm not saying thr Queen Mary isn't haunted. I'm only saying it's not haunted the way that she is marketed as. We also know that many of her most famous ghosts were entirely invented by Disney.
Unbelievable Alex! EXCELLENT REPORT! You covered everything needed to be spoken and worded it beautifully! I was glad I was able to lend you some photos and footage to use. I am VERY impressed with your ending and the three suggestions you offered to COLB and Evolution... hopefully they are watching and take heed.
Sure, well for starters they began selling much better merchandise now, that's something I suggested before, but it could be a coincidence. I'll keep the channel updated.
Really love the “package” idea. One fee for a 2 day stay with meals and entertainment. Almost like a cruise. I would def do that. As always, great video Alex.
@AlextheHistorian some of those empty spaces should be converted to rooms from other famous ships that show how opulent they were and would function as restaurants and other venues.
GREAT VIDEO ALEX!!!! I AGREE WITH YOU 100% PLEASE CONTINUE TO SPEAK YOUR TRUTH. THE QUEEN MARY IS ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY AND RESTORATION. SHE LOOKS SO BEAUTIFUL NOW!!!!
Excellent video, thank you for the update. In September 1982 myself & my good friend Glen toured the Queen Mary. We had hours of enjoyment onboard this classic ocean liner that day. So cool to see what's happening on the Queen Mary 41 years later. BTW, all your videos are fab.
SUCH A RELIEF that QM is saved and cared for!! With SS United States in precarious circumstance last I checked, this unique historical artifact is essential to save.
This update is encouraging. The docents who are conducting the restoration have done their homework. QUEEN MARY is slowly being restored to the showboat that she once was. They are doing a beautiful job. 😊
@@fokkerfilms560 Anyone can become British these days!! Simply wash Up on a RIB on Dover beach and guess What, your British!! British My Arse.....................................means nowt any more!!!
YES u nailed it. pretending to be a passenger on QM1 would be so cool, i mean; all of us who love old liners would do so since there is only one liner left today.
I’m just so thankful to see the queen getting the care she deserves! The city actually cares about her it really warms my heart, as I said on your last video..the queen will be here for as long as the sea allows.
A fantastic piece of history, WW2 too! Such a strong well built ship, great Art Deco. I’m glad Long Beach is doing such a superb job looking after her. 🇬🇧👍👍👍
She's looking great. What a great relief after the recent uncertainty over her future. Well done the Yanks for saving what the Brits would have scrapped without ceremony.
I was at the entrance to the L.B. harbor when she arrived...... I have photos and that was the coolest thing I had ever taken a picture of to date....... Glad she is still afloat and doing O.K........ Looks darn nice now.😁
I am so glad to see that Long Beach is refurbishing the Queen Mary and you make some great suggestions. We were forced to spend an extra day in Long Beach due to a delay in our cruise (mar 2020!) And we spent the entire day exploring the Queen Mary. It was the perfect experience and made the disappointment of our cruise being delayed palatable. The Queen Mary also was a very affordable overnight for many cruise guests before it was closed. And it goes well with the cruise industry. Great videos.
Your concept has merit and contains the modern day tools to penetrate the the cacophony of marketing strategies blasted at us each & everyday. I hope your target audience swallows their pride and stuffs their egos and call you! The potential for Long Beach to reimagine the future for the famous ocean liner from the early Twentieth Century is remarkably doable. Hoping for the best!
I have stayed on the Queen Mary a few times. I stay there when I go on my cruises. And yes, she is haunted. I look forward to staying on her soon again and seeing all the new features. She is absolutely beautiful. I like her better than the newer ships.
That’s awesome would love to visit her again soon! I think I would enjoy it a lot more now with all the new renovations that resembles the historical look more :)
Thanks for this great video on a wonderful, classy, lady! I have visited her twice in the last 40 years. I remember telling my fiancé when we were visiting California during the 90s that I have to go see Mary. She was reluctant at first, but when we pulled off of the highway and the Queen came into view, she was in awe! I encourage anyone who visits Cali to stop by and see the Queen. It is a grand peak into the golden days of travel and will leave one with an unforgettable experience!
I love your suggestions!! Especially the one about feeling like a passenger on an ocean liner. There is only 1 ocean liner left in the world and the Queen Mary can be more accessible to those who cannot go aboard the Queen Mary 2. Also, it'll be sooo coool to feel like one is in the old days hehehehe.. This would feel like traveling through time.. hehehe.. The Grey Hound. I always found the idea of reducing such an iconic ship sought after by enemy subs, to a mere haunted ship, very out of place. She was too fast to be hit by enemies. Now that is SUPER COOL!! I know ocean liners mostly functioned as troop-carriers but this wartime element cannot be understated. Games like World of Warships increase interest in maritime history. I hope more of the Queen Mary's service during war can be highlighted. Love the idea about working with historical influencers.
Thank you Alex, for this update. It's truly enjoyable and informative. I wanted to stand up and cheer when you mentioned the fact that Queen Mary was a Happy Ship, something I always tell people when the subject of her alleged "haunting" comes up. It was always a hokey and inappropriate concept for this beloved ship. It's uplifting to hear that her lighting is being changed to give her a more fittingly cheerful appearance. I must say that your ideas for the business side of things are brilliant. I hope that they are heard and acted upon. The Royal Mail Ship Queen Mary is ready for a new era, the best yet in her role as a museum ship. I hope that your tremendous contribution is appreciated, though I'm sure that you don't do the great work you do for the recognition, but for the genuine love you have for this magnificent express liner.
I just went to visit her yesterday. I am just as fascinated as you are about the Queen Mary. Thank you for all your videos and updates Alex. I agree with you 100% about the ideas you have to make the ship money. I would love to come and pretend I’m in a different era, and even dress up as so! What an amazing idea!!♥️
I love my ship. She and I are exactly 40 years apart. I worked aboard the ship for many years. I collected many books and stories. I hated that she was so neglected. I suggest the elementary students have tours aboard the Queen Mary. They will learn history and her history. They can share it with family, whom will want to visit also. A new generation must be taught to appreciate her so that she is never forgotten.
Nice to see the old girl getting a well-deserved facelift. I emigrated to the US in 1953 sailing on the RMS Elizabeth and grew up near Long Beach. I had the opportunity to visit RMS Mary once before re-emigrating to England in 1973.
How exciting. So happy to see her getting some much needed TLC. I was very sad the last time I had seen her as she was in need of a paint job and many other things. Cannot wait to see her when she is all fixed up. again.
Shes looking soooooo nice! I havent been onboard in years - I was in Los Angeles for a cruise out of San Pedro in early March but she wasnt open yet - next time - Ill be spending a few nights onboard!
This update lifted my spirits substantially. Whenever I saw anything about Queen Mary I wouldn’t watch, because when I stayed there in 2005, her condition was deteriorating so quickly, I was certain she would be scrapped within a decade, without the TLC she desperately deserves. I hope LB listens to your Ideas. I too think virtual cruises is a fantastic idea. I would enjoy having that experience. Thanks for showing me/us the hope there is for her future.
I'm glad I could help lift your spirits. I too had seen all the negative press about the ship, then I did my own research and read through the reports and realized the truth about the ship's prognosis was actually really positive, but the media was selling stories of doom and gloom.
I had no clue the ship wasn't just broken down. I really adore the history of ocean liners and would definitely love to go see this ship. The fact that it is also a hotel blows me mind and I'll have to plan a trip next year to stay.
Alex, this vid really put a smile on my face. The last time I was on the Mary, at least five years back, it looked like she was already on her way to the Breakers Yard. Alex, when it comes to the Queen Mary, you are the right man in the right place at the right time. Thank for posting..... OH, and great narration.
WELL DONE, ALEX !! I Love this presentation and History. I am HAPPY to hear that this historical and beautiful vessel is being Properly Restored. I am a fan of Art Deco and this ship is a Beautiful exapmle of Art Deco. Your Ideas for the ship are Fantastic ! This would increase needed revenues to preserve her. So much of World History objects go destroyed and lost forever. Thank You, Well done !
This is a great video, and it reminds me of my ex Long Beach Crown victoria police car, I have visited this ship 20 years ago, when the Spruce goose was nearby.
I worked on the restoration of the wood deck that rotted away. The first section that was changed was restored with teak but the newer one is IPE. It as hard work being on an open deck with the California sun on you. But the deck had sustained bad damage that they had to place new steel plates because in some places you had holes in the steel. But I am glad the ship is getting restored because it was in bad condition and I am surprised the wood deck lasted that long. Its is definitely a complex job in some parts as the ship lacks service elevators.
I couldn't agree more with your thoughts on an "Ocean Liner Experience"!! Returning to the age of Steamers, even for a day, would help to preserve not only the Queen Mary but the history of the era in so many aspects (just look at the success various historically themed weekends places like The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island have). Talk about the celebrities who sailed on her including showing their "Latest " (based on the current era being highlighted) movies in the theatre, partner with the studios do have temporary exhibits of the golden age of Hollywood from each with tie-ins to their stars and QM. SO much that can be done!!! The Pre-COVID "Titanic in Photographs" exhibition was just the tip of the iceberg (no pun intended).
Ahh, I'm planning to visit this ship as part of an LA trip in August of this year - I'm SO excited. After staying on the Queen Elizabeth 2 in Dubai earlier this year, it's pretty clear to see that the teams here are really trying (maybe harder) to bring her back to life - so great to see!
Bravo Long Beach! I am so glad the ship is doing well and so beautiful restored! I won't forget my visit to her in 2003 with my dad. And maybe in the near future, I will visit her again. The most beautiful ship in the world! We in The Netherlands have our " s.s. Rotterdam", but she is a dwarf in comparison.😂
I fell in love with this ship in 2017; was able to stay onboard for a few days in 2019. So excited to go back and see all the hard work to restore her to her former glory.
In the early '90's I had the Privilege to stay on the Queen Mary over night and had a nice room, it was a good experience to feel what it was like to be a passenger and walk the hallway that bowed up and there was a door at the end of my hall that led into a section of old original wood stairs and hall walls that was off limits but seeing it through the crack in the door Gave a spooky vibe.
NOTE: At the 12:22 I accidentally said "There's a lot of 'busy work' going on aboard the ship..." This was a major mistake and oversight on my part. I did not intend to say that, as you could tell through the whole video I am a big advocate for the fantastic restoration work happening aboard the ship. I just completely mispoke, and managed to miss that through the editing of the video, and I apologize for that. I know the work happening aboard the ship is 100% necessary. Again, a mistake on my part for saying that.
Never picked up on it, the tone of the whole video it was clear you were full of admiration for the work being undertaken, if anything this just came across as 'busy work' in the neutral sense. Minor tasks being done in between larger tasks in order to use the craftsmens time efficiently.
I mean, it is "busy" work 😉
lol! i noticed that but knew what you meant. next time you'll say 'hard work'
Reminds me of a time, many years ago, when a friend and I who worked in tech support* were stuck covering for the whole department while the rest of the company was out at the annual company picnic. As you might imagine, two guys covering an entire call center for an afternoon led to lonnnng queue times and the two of us being worked out of our socks. At one point late in the day, my friend tried to apologize to one of the callers for the long wait time, but his tired brain got wedged somewhere between "short-handed" and "understaffed" and he ended up telling the guy "We're a little underhanded today." :)
* never again. never, never again.
For us non-native english speakers this small detail went unnoticed...
Long Beach is doing their best for her! It is clear they genuinely care! Long live the Queen!
It's certainly looks like it! Glad she's in their care. From the things you hear of California these days I was a bit worried but it appears she's in the right hands.
Just hope that the ss United States gets a redo
@@suitcaseguy8393 That's a Beautiful ship coming from a Limey that's a compliment 🤫🤫🤫🤫
@@suitcaseguy8393doubt it.
Very detailed video and narrative, most informative and interesting. From the Clyde I
am very grateful for such a good update of the great ship. Thanks. Rmb
It does my 73-year-old heart good to see she is being taken care of. When I was a boy of nine, we travelled from South Hampton to New York on board the Queen Mary. Your video brings back memories of a different world in a magic time when I first saw schools of flying fish. The ship seemed impossibly huge to me and I marvelled that it could float. Now it seems small and elegant compared with the monstrous cruisers of today. I especially remember the swimming pool, as a crew member told me (a bit dramatically, I realise today) that one could sometimes see the wet footprints of a little girl coming for a swim, even though she had been a ghost for many years.
I was a guest on the ship in the 80's. The most memorable experience was in the Sir Winston dining room. The food and service were impeccable. Our room needed updating then, but we truly enjoyed our stay.
I am so glad to hear your suggestions for a better, more emersive experience. You are right about people wanting to enjoy a different time and space. Period weekends for enthusiasts, and possibly festivals. Victorian, Roaring 20's, and wartime eras would all be great. Thank you for doing these videos, I hadn't heard anything about the Queen Mary since she closed. It is very good to hear they are finally getting her back in shape and up to snuff.😊
My dad came home from England after WWII on this ship. I’m glad they’re restoring it again.
I definitely agree with the need for lounging on the ship. I remember when i went to see her before the pandemic and it seemed like there was nowhere to just sit, relax and admire the ship and maybe start a conversation with someone
She is an international icon and world heritage site as far as I'm concerned and as far as millions of freedom-loving people around the world should be concerned. I hope the emphasized more of her War service. Thank you so much for the update!
Your ideas for generating more income are great. @OceanLiner Designs would be a great person to invite to the ship. He is very knowledgeable and likes to dress in period correct clothing. Hopefully the city was listening and will implement these ideas. Thanks for your hard work to bring us updates on the Queen Mary. I am thankfu as welll that the city of long beach is taking such good care of her. Most of the ocean liners are gone and it's heartwarming to see the preservation of our history and such a beloved ship
I think your suggestions for the ship are really good, especially the afternoon tea, with a dress code of course. It would be nice to see people dress nicely to have tea in such a beautiful place, just as they would have back in the ship's heyday.
I completely agree! But I do wonder how practical that would be, most of the ship's visitors are Californians, and Californians don't like dressing in things where they can't show skin lol.
I am enjoyed footage of Queen Mary restoration. I traveled First Class from New York to Cherbourg in 1961 still have luggage tags guest log of that memorable trip.
I doubt I'll ever get to visit the Queen Mary, but seeing an electrical motor from US Motors, a plant in my hometown of Mena, AR, being used on the ship made me proud.
I hardly use the word "absolutely" but will here... Absolutely beautiful!!
Wow the new LED lighting has really brought the Queen back to life. All her beautiful veneers can really be seen and appreciated again. Well done!
Absolutely the lighting was so disappointing and gloomy, now it looks beautiful...
@@ginog5037 I felt like I was entering the Shinning when I visited in the 1990's!
@jaminova_1969 Good one 😨 minus the twins of course...
@@jaminova_1969 🤣
Also probably saving a ton in energy/replacement cost. That one change will probably pay for itself in a year or two
I was very lucky to spend two weeks aboard her. I had a suite in the First Class area. Faux 1930s furniture and the bath had non-working hot and cold sea water spigots
This was back in 2006. I definitely thought she was beautiful then. Now it's absolutely going to be extraordinary.
LED TECHNOLOGY SI THE WAVE OF THE FUTURE!!!! GREAT FOR ANY PROJECT UPDATE. THAT IS ALL I USE IN MY HOUSE.
Great suggestions. I would add Queen Mary merchandise . Also attract the modern day cruiser , they will appreciate the history of a luxury cruise ship.
The Queen has the most comfortable beds I’ve ever slept on !!
Alex, I am a lifetime lover of the "Queen Mary", having sailed on her as a child, 3 crossings on the Mary and 3 on the "Queen Elizabeth" ; 1963, 65, and 67. My last crossing with my mother and sister was in July of 1967. Also we lived in Laguna Beach, with the Pacific out our front decks and watched her sail past on 9th December 67. Those early experiences started a lifetime passion for all the great ocean liners. I was so excited to visit the QM as soon as she opened to the public in the early '70s. Then, from 73 onward, I would stay on board whenever possible. But I was always disappointed, frustrated, even angered at the way the ship was run as a tourist trap more than what, as you succinctly point out, should be all about the most beloved ship of all time, the QM. An Ocean Liner. But from the start in the '70s, the ship was to me, always "the ship of locked doors". I have always stated that all the rubbish such as Dark Harbour, and the obsession with haunted this and that has no place in the long term success of the QM. Yes, by all means, the main lounge should be just that, the main lounge. High tea at 4:00pm. Music, dancing! The smoking room should also be a lounge, with old school things such as bingo and horseracing. The Verandah Grille, home to one of the most famous and beautiful works of art, Zinkeisen's mural, should be once again that elite supper club that so many of the world's famous enjoyed. I never could understand the need to convert officer's quarters into Sir Winston's when one of the most famous of all seagoing venues, the Verandah Grille, was turned into a fast food outlet. The Cabin class main lounge should be a lounge for hotel guests, where also informative lectures are held and also movies shown. And rebuild the cabin class bar! And of course, the largest room afloat, (yes it IS larger than Normandie's main dining room), arguably the most spectactular room on the ship, should be open daily as the main restaurant. Plenty of other venues to hold banquets in. Or, like many of the great hotels of the golden age in Europe, you can always reserve them for group functions.
Fantastic ideas!!! This is what we have always wanted!! Those that adore her, like me!! And, my mommy and I, were probably the original immersive cosplay people, ever, as back in the 90's, we went there each month, with our annual passes, and totally pretended we were on Cruises, and dressed up in 1940's attire, the whole nine yards!! We has so much fun!!!
WOW!!! You actually sailed on the Queen Mary?? that is sooo coool!!! Your ideas make so much more sense!! I recently fell down the rabbit hole of ocean liners on youtube and found a video of someone reviewing the QM hotel. I was confused at how it was marketed as the most haunted ship. =.= This historic ship has led a successful career over decades.. she deserves to be preserved in a dignified manner!
My only bragging right is that my late mother applied white enamel to the toilets! Back in the 1930s. She also watched the launch from the south bank of the river and got her feet wet by the wave she displaced as she entered the Clyde.
Superb video on an iconic vessel - and your recommendations to Long Beech on improving the business model of the ship are spot on - yes we want an ocean liner experience!
Good to see the old girl getting some love, looking forward to seeing her be drydocked and get a proper scraping down and her bottom seen to.
I've spent time on the Queen Mary long beach and enjoyed every moment of that beautiful old world nostalgic piece of art! And..she is haunted .. but for all the right reasons?! A Visit is highly recommended ! 💫⭐✨
I think you are SO right to propose the Queen Mary be an ocean liner experience. Keeping those first class lounges open, WITH period appropriate furniture and entertainments is exactly the way to go. I hope the owners listen to you. :)
wow traveling like this would be a dream shows how much today sucks with airplanes and buses. please bring ships back.
I love your suggestions and I hope they’re listening, Alex. Vintage style musicians and people who appreciate the time period would love to spend more time there. 😉
Oh my goodness- everything looks so clean and shiny! The beautiful woodwork and flooring, even those railings! So wonderful to see her looking so grand. Thank you for a wonderful report 😍
This is so lovely to hear that the old Queen Mary is getting a proper makeover. I once traveled on this ship as a child (over 80 now)... I had no idea this was happening, the last TH-cam vid I watched about the ship, it was almost derilect and there were thoughts on scrapping it....! I am so pleased that she is going to have another lease of life... I wish you all every good luck with this project and look forward to seeing it completed......😀😃😄
It's been so great to see Queen Mary recieve so much love. The ship has been much busier than she has been in decades. My friends showed me the crowds aboard the ship just yesterday, I've never seen so many people on the Queen Mary before!
Wow! She's looking wonderful! Actually inlaying the linoleum is some serious dedication, and the paneling appears to have been properly restored. Thank you very much for the updates!
The queen looking great
What a JOB! This is incredible. Thanks, Alex. Your suggestions for public utilisation at the end - I would have thought this a no-brainer for the organizations responsible for the ship. If the QM was in Cape Town, it would be a normal functional hotel with a few businesses operating restaurants, bars and boutique shops. There would also be an art gallery with a changing exhibition.
Well hello, I have just watched your very interesting article concerning the beautiful Queen Mary. I was born in Southampton, her home port and watched the QM leave on her final voyage to Long Beach. My grandfather, a cabinet maker at Waygood Otis elevators in London, was involved in the installation of the lifts on board. I have been lucky enough to have visited the vessel in Long Beach on 2 occasions and it is heartening to see the sympathetic nature of the restoration work being carried out.
Here's to the future of a wonderful liner.
Peter Noice, Ipswich, Suffolk, UK.
Queen Mary's elevators have always fascinated me. They are stunning, and a prime example of British Art Deco.
Social media influencers are having a very positive effect and you’re a stand out among them Alex! Major changes are happening and they seem to mirror things you’ve been saying for the past few years. I couldn’t agree more with your suggestions. I also deplore the “haunted house” angle. The ship’s historical significance is much more captivating. You’re a great spokesperson for the Queen Mary.
Thank you! And yes, you're right, many of the things I spoke about a couple years ago are being implemented!
Haunted house shenanigans = tacky AF.
Like you said - there's so much more to focus on.
This was an incredibly encouraging update, I was on the ship for around four days in 2010 and all the areas are looking much better now. Whoever is heading this project up clearly has the right approach finally. Reckon the Queen Mary will soon transition into a world wonder status like the Hagia Sophia or Eiffel Tower where maintenance is just something that gets done without question. Agreed with all the points about how to better market her and fully agree about de-emphasising the haunted stuff, that was always an economic dead end. The dry dock plan is very encouraging as well and should basically make the ship immortal if done properly. One question I had was is there any information about the ships current fire suppression system? Given how most of her contempories Queen Elizabeth, Normandie, Majestic, L'Atlantique all ended up it feels like it should be the top thing on the priority list for the ships long term survival.
I believe I discussed the fire suppression system in the February update, but basically her fire suppression system was fully revamped and updated in 2018 at a cost of over $5 million. This also included replacing old sprinkler pipes, and updating 6,000 sprinkler heads to modern ones, and so on. The ship is very fire safe, and as part of the suppression system, the origin fire doors around the ship are still functioning and will close off sections of the ship if the new detection system detects a fire. The fire Marshall also updated the egress route, and all new hoses and extinguishers were installed throughout the ship.
The queen mary is haunted. He just wouldn’t believe even if one of the spirits haunting her punched him in the face.
I lived in a haunted house, I would know if I was punched in the face by a ghost. I'm not saying thr Queen Mary isn't haunted. I'm only saying it's not haunted the way that she is marketed as. We also know that many of her most famous ghosts were entirely invented by Disney.
@@AlextheHistorian Yet you still wouldn’t believe it.
I see, well thank you for making that decision for me.
Unbelievable Alex! EXCELLENT REPORT! You covered everything needed to be spoken and worded it beautifully! I was glad I was able to lend you some photos and footage to use. I am VERY impressed with your ending and the three suggestions you offered to COLB and Evolution... hopefully they are watching and take heed.
Thanks! I hope they do watch it.
@@AlextheHistorianis there a chance you could give an update regarding if they take your ideas into consideration
Sure, well for starters they began selling much better merchandise now, that's something I suggested before, but it could be a coincidence. I'll keep the channel updated.
Really love the “package” idea. One fee for a 2 day stay with meals and entertainment. Almost like a cruise. I would def do that. As always, great video Alex.
Yes precisely!
"Staycation!" Excellent idea!
@AlextheHistorian some of those empty spaces should be converted to rooms from other famous ships that show how opulent they were and would function as restaurants and other venues.
Definitely agree with your idea of the ocean liner experience. That's what I was expecting when I was onboard, but nothing but locked rooms.
Wow! I want to visit the Queen Mary now... the ship looks amazing and not to mention the history it has. Loved your video and the update.
It’s awesome that this old girl is getting the attention she needs.
GREAT VIDEO ALEX!!!! I AGREE WITH YOU 100% PLEASE CONTINUE TO SPEAK YOUR TRUTH. THE QUEEN MARY IS ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY AND RESTORATION. SHE LOOKS SO BEAUTIFUL NOW!!!!
Excellent video, thank you for the update. In September 1982 myself & my good friend Glen toured the Queen Mary. We had hours of enjoyment onboard this classic ocean liner that day. So cool to see what's happening on the Queen Mary 41 years later. BTW, all your videos are fab.
Thank you so much!
SUCH A RELIEF that QM is saved and cared for!! With SS United States in precarious circumstance last I checked, this unique historical artifact is essential to save.
The idea of being able to take a 'cruise' on the Queen Mary intrigues us and we would like to subscribe to its newsletter...
This update is encouraging. The docents who are conducting the restoration have done their homework. QUEEN MARY is slowly being restored to the showboat that she once was. They are doing a beautiful job. 😊
Being British 🇬🇧, I am so proud of all this good news !.
Thanks so much for posting up 🇬🇧☝️👍
Me too. (I'm from Clydebank, Scotland.)
@@fokkerfilms560 Anyone can become British these days!! Simply wash Up on a RIB on Dover beach and guess What, your British!!
British My Arse.....................................means nowt any more!!!
You are 100% correct... IMO - they should hire you!
YES u nailed it. pretending to be a passenger on QM1 would be so cool, i mean; all of us who love old liners would do so since there is only one liner left today.
Your closing comments are spot on.
Thanks!
I’m just so thankful to see the queen getting the care she deserves! The city actually cares about her it really warms my heart, as I said on your last video..the queen will be here for as long as the sea allows.
A fantastic piece of history, WW2 too! Such a strong well built ship, great Art Deco. I’m glad Long Beach is doing such a superb job looking after her. 🇬🇧👍👍👍
I worked on the Queen Mary from 2004 until Covid. This was a really great video. It felt like I was back home. Keep up the great work!
She's looking great. What a great relief after the recent uncertainty over her future. Well done the Yanks for saving what the Brits would have scrapped without ceremony.
I was at the entrance to the L.B. harbor when she arrived...... I have photos and that was the coolest thing I had ever taken a picture of to date....... Glad she is still afloat and doing O.K........ Looks darn nice now.😁
I am so glad to see that Long Beach is refurbishing the Queen Mary and you make some great suggestions.
We were forced to spend an extra day in Long Beach due to a delay in our cruise (mar 2020!) And we spent the entire day exploring the Queen Mary. It was the perfect experience and made the disappointment of our cruise being delayed palatable. The Queen Mary also was a very affordable overnight for many cruise guests before it was closed. And it goes well with the cruise industry.
Great videos.
I like your idea of multiple day packages. It's on my bucket list to do.
Thankyou as always for the update and wow she is looking really good long live a true Queen
She looks fab. So good to see this grand old lady being looked after as well as she is.
Your concept has merit and contains the modern day tools to penetrate the the cacophony of marketing strategies blasted at us each & everyday. I hope your target audience swallows their pride and stuffs their egos and call you! The potential for Long Beach to reimagine the future for the famous ocean liner from the early Twentieth Century is remarkably doable. Hoping for the best!
I have stayed on the Queen Mary a few times. I stay there when I go on my cruises. And yes, she is haunted. I look forward to staying on her soon again and seeing all the new features. She is absolutely beautiful. I like her better than the newer ships.
Thanks Alex. Good to see that Hull 534 is in good hands. I was aboard her in 1996 and what a beauty. I guess, there will be a Morning After....
Wow! The ship is looking amazing! Thanks for the updates! Havent been on her since late 2018. The package idea sounds great.
That’s awesome would love to visit her again soon! I think I would enjoy it a lot more now with all the new renovations that resembles the historical look more :)
The bar is certainly worth a visit.
Thanks for this great video on a wonderful, classy, lady! I have visited her twice in the last 40 years. I remember telling my fiancé when we were visiting California during the 90s that I have to go see Mary. She was reluctant at first, but when we pulled off of the highway and the Queen came into view, she was in awe! I encourage anyone who visits Cali to stop by and see the Queen. It is a grand peak into the golden days of travel and will leave one with an unforgettable experience!
Nice to see efforts are being made to improve the experience. Stayed a night in 2017 and the ship was really tired.
I love your suggestions!! Especially the one about feeling like a passenger on an ocean liner. There is only 1 ocean liner left in the world and the Queen Mary can be more accessible to those who cannot go aboard the Queen Mary 2. Also, it'll be sooo coool to feel like one is in the old days hehehehe.. This would feel like traveling through time.. hehehe..
The Grey Hound. I always found the idea of reducing such an iconic ship sought after by enemy subs, to a mere haunted ship, very out of place. She was too fast to be hit by enemies. Now that is SUPER COOL!! I know ocean liners mostly functioned as troop-carriers but this wartime element cannot be understated. Games like World of Warships increase interest in maritime history. I hope more of the Queen Mary's service during war can be highlighted.
Love the idea about working with historical influencers.
I hope they keep her as original as possible ! She’s an important part of ocean liner history !
Thank you Alex, for this update. It's truly enjoyable and informative. I wanted to stand up and cheer when you mentioned the fact that Queen Mary was a Happy Ship, something I always tell people when the subject of her alleged "haunting" comes up. It was always a hokey and inappropriate concept for this beloved ship. It's uplifting to hear that her lighting is being changed to give her a more fittingly cheerful appearance.
I must say that your ideas for the business side of things are brilliant. I hope that they are heard and acted upon. The Royal Mail Ship Queen Mary is ready for a new era, the best yet in her role as a museum ship. I hope that your tremendous contribution is appreciated, though I'm sure that you don't do the great work you do for the recognition, but for the genuine love you have for this magnificent express liner.
Thank you! Yes, I care more about this ship than any other historic artifact I've ever been obsessed with.
Seeing queen mary moved to a dry dock will be truly mind boggling to see. The queen sails again!
I just went to visit her yesterday. I am just as fascinated as you are about the Queen Mary. Thank you for all your videos and updates Alex. I agree with you 100% about the ideas you have to make the ship money. I would love to come and pretend I’m in a different era, and even dress up as so! What an amazing idea!!♥️
I love my ship. She and I are exactly 40 years apart. I worked aboard the ship for many years. I collected many books and stories. I hated that she was so neglected.
I suggest the elementary students have tours aboard the Queen Mary. They will learn history and her history. They can share it with family, whom will want to visit also. A new generation must be taught to appreciate her so that she is never forgotten.
Nice to see the old girl getting a well-deserved facelift. I emigrated to the US in 1953 sailing on the RMS Elizabeth and grew up near Long Beach. I had the opportunity to visit RMS Mary once before re-emigrating to England in 1973.
How exciting. So happy to see her getting some much needed TLC. I was very sad the last time I had seen her as she was in need of a paint job and many other things. Cannot wait to see her when she is all fixed up. again.
Shes looking soooooo nice! I havent been onboard in years - I was in Los Angeles for a cruise out of San Pedro in early March but she wasnt open yet - next time - Ill be spending a few nights onboard!
This update lifted my spirits substantially. Whenever I saw anything about Queen Mary I wouldn’t watch, because when I stayed there in 2005, her condition was deteriorating so quickly, I was certain she would be scrapped within a decade, without the TLC she desperately deserves. I hope LB listens to your Ideas. I too think virtual cruises is a fantastic idea. I would enjoy having that experience. Thanks for showing me/us the hope there is for her future.
I'm glad I could help lift your spirits. I too had seen all the negative press about the ship, then I did my own research and read through the reports and realized the truth about the ship's prognosis was actually really positive, but the media was selling stories of doom and gloom.
Thanks for the report- QM is looking nice.
I had no clue the ship wasn't just broken down. I really adore the history of ocean liners and would definitely love to go see this ship. The fact that it is also a hotel blows me mind and I'll have to plan a trip next year to stay.
It's really fantastic to walk around the ship!
Alex, this vid really put a smile on my face. The last time I was on the Mary, at least five years back, it looked like she was already on her way to the Breakers Yard. Alex, when it comes to the Queen Mary, you are the right man in the right place at the right time. Thank for posting..... OH, and great narration.
Thanks!
Alex, after a lot of effort my son got a job at Club 33 as a chief. They really made him jump through the hoops. Have a great day.....
@@jetsons101 congratulations to him!
@@AlextheHistorian Thanks, I'll let him know, he just got home....
I was just on the Queen Mary earlier this week. It was a lot of fun.
WELL DONE, ALEX !! I Love this presentation and History. I am HAPPY to hear that this historical and beautiful vessel is being Properly Restored. I am a fan of Art Deco and this ship is a Beautiful exapmle of Art Deco. Your Ideas for the ship are Fantastic ! This would increase needed revenues to preserve her. So much of World History objects go destroyed and lost forever. Thank You, Well done !
Be proud Alex...so very thorough, informative, and extremely fascinatingly entertaining!!!!
Thank you!
Totally agree with all your three suggestions as presented at the end of the video. Thanks for the tour/update.
This is a great video, and it reminds me of my ex Long Beach Crown victoria police car, I have visited this ship 20 years ago, when the Spruce goose was nearby.
It’s surely great to see the Rms queen Mary looking her best! I do agree that she should be a happy and luxurious ship and not some ghost attraction.
Art Deco never needs replaced
Great video. Thank you. We'll be visiting the Queen soon!
Ken Marshall is gonna love it.
So happy that they are fixing this I would love to go there one day
I stayed on the Queen Mary this past weekend, AMA.
My friends and I visited the Queen back in 1977 when I was stationed at March AFB..
I worked on the restoration of the wood deck that rotted away. The first section that was changed was restored with teak but the newer one is IPE. It as hard work being on an open deck with the California sun on you. But the deck had sustained bad damage that they had to place new steel plates because in some places you had holes in the steel. But I am glad the ship is getting restored because it was in bad condition and I am surprised the wood deck lasted that long. Its is definitely a complex job in some parts as the ship lacks service elevators.
Was this in the 1990s or 2019?
@@AlextheHistorian
2017 Bridge Deck
2018 M Deck
Ah I had a feeling that the M deck replacement was not teak! It was too red!
I couldn't agree more with your thoughts on an "Ocean Liner Experience"!! Returning to the age of Steamers, even for a day, would help to preserve not only the Queen Mary but the history of the era in so many aspects (just look at the success various historically themed weekends places like The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island have). Talk about the celebrities who sailed on her including showing their "Latest " (based on the current era being highlighted) movies in the theatre, partner with the studios do have temporary exhibits of the golden age of Hollywood from each with tie-ins to their stars and QM. SO much that can be done!!! The Pre-COVID "Titanic in Photographs" exhibition was just the tip of the iceberg (no pun intended).
Ahh, I'm planning to visit this ship as part of an LA trip in August of this year - I'm SO excited. After staying on the Queen Elizabeth 2 in Dubai earlier this year, it's pretty clear to see that the teams here are really trying (maybe harder) to bring her back to life - so great to see!
Fantastic. Its just beautiful. Thanks for the video.
thanks for sharing, been looking forward to her reopening since the pandemic. can't wait to come back and visit! 🚢
Hello from Toronto 🇨🇦. Loved taking a tour of this magnificent ship a few years ago. Such an important part of history.
Hello A.J.! Yes she's really something.
Bravo Long Beach! I am so glad the ship is doing well and so beautiful restored! I won't forget my visit to her in 2003 with my dad. And maybe in the near future, I will visit her again. The most beautiful ship in the world! We in The Netherlands have our " s.s. Rotterdam", but she is a dwarf in comparison.😂
I fell in love with this ship in 2017; was able to stay onboard for a few days in 2019. So excited to go back and see all the hard work to restore her to her former glory.
That's great new's ... Restoring this grand old lady.... It's a beautiful ship!
Built at John Browns ship yards in Clydebank Scotland. Beautiful ships built there!🏴
In the early '90's I had the Privilege to stay on the Queen Mary over night and had a nice room, it was a good experience to feel what it was like to be a passenger and walk the hallway that bowed up and there was a door at the end of my hall that led into a section of old original wood stairs and hall walls that was off limits but seeing it through the crack in the door Gave a spooky vibe.