History of the Queen Mary

In Cunard's legendary history, nearly in its 175th year, the Queen Mary epitomized the Golden Age of Ocean Travel and served as a Cunard liner for more than 30 years. Royalty, celebrities and luminaries of the day crossed the Atlantic in high style aboard the famed ship between the 1930s-1950s.

Additionally, the Queen Mary served as a troopship during World War II and a Royal Mail Ship, under contract with the British Royal Mail service. She played a pivotal role during the War, with Winston Churchill crediting Cunard for ending the year one year early, due in part to Queen Mary carrying thousands of troops between the United Kingdom and United States during that time.

The Queen Mary was retired from service in 1967 and has resided in Long Beach, CA since then. Her enduring appeal continues as a very popular hotel, museum and attraction for tourists and maritime enthusiasts alike.

Queen Mary's influence lives on today as a significant design inspiration for the Cunard fleet, the youngest at sea, and those art deco influences can be predominantly seen aboard the new Queen Elizabeth.

For a more detailed look into the history of the legendary Queen Mary, please visit Our Story.