The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor Ready to Haunt Again this Halloween

Steve Barton   |  

Aug 5, 2011

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It’s hard to believe that Halloween is approaching as quickly as it is. But hey, bring it on! Here at DC we always try to keep you up-to-date on the coolest haunted attractions, and one of the best has just announced the re-opening of its creaky doors!

“The Queen Mary is often cited as one of the most haunted places in the world,” said paranormal expert and ship guide Erika Frost. “This gives the event an atmosphere unlike any theme-park haunt. For instance, one of the mazes crosses the first-class swimming pool where many visitors claim to have encountered a little girl wandering around searching for her doll or mommy. Or, if they haven’t seen her, they’ve reportedly heard her.”

To enter this port of purgatory, guests must maneuver through a fog-filled 220-foot tunnel of cargo containers concealing monsters. Guests emerge at the foot of ‘Hell’s Bells Tower,’ a 33-foot tall tower of 11 cargo containers shooting 20-foot flames into the night sky. This is the centerpiece of Dark Harbor and is assembled each year with the help of longshoremen from the Port of Long Beach. Three panic-inducing shipboard mazes raise the fear factor with pyrotechnical, atmospheric and watery special effects. They include ‘Submerged’ where guests are sure to get a sinking feeling, ‘Containment’ where the ship’s original infirmary gets sick and twisted, and ‘Hellfire’ where the horrors get terribly hot. Two other hair-raising mazes are on shore: ‘The Village of the Damned’ where the monsters try to make you their permanent houseguests and ‘The Cage’ which simply defies description.

Performances by local bands, food and cocktails in the ‘Night Mariners’ Bar,’ and a demon-filled attraction known as ‘The Barricades’ will ensure leaving is…unthinkable, as will a trio of She-Demons who prey on all who cross their path after sunset. And beware of aforementioned ghosts walking the decks of the Queen Mary, for these travelers from the past may inhabit any ‘body’ left unattended.

The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor will be open October 7-9; 14-16; 20-23; and 27-31 from 7 p.m. to midnight. Ticket discounts and promotions start as low as $20 online here. ‘Fast Fright’ front-of-the-line passes are also available online and at the door, and well worth the additional $20 upgrade for busy nights.

The Queen Mary is located at 1126 Queens Highway in Long Beach.

About the Queen Mary:
Located in the Port of Long Beach, the Queen Mary features a rich maritime history, authentic Art Deco décor, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Long Beach city skyline. At the time of her maiden voyage in May of 1936, she was considered the grandest ocean liner ever built. On May 27, 2011, the Queen Mary celebrated the 75th Anniversary of that inaugural transatlantic crossing. The Queen Mary’s signature restaurants include the award-winning Sir Winston’s and Chelsea Chowder House & Bar as well as a weekly Champagne Sunday Brunch served in the ship’s Grand Salon. History buffs enjoy the ship’s museum and Behind the Scenes tour while guests of all ages love the Ghosts and Legends tour. The Queen Mary features 80,000 square feet of event space in 17 remarkable Art Deco salons as well as a tri-level, 45,000-square-foot Exhibit Hall. The Queen Mary boasts 314 staterooms spanning three decks including nine full suites which have hosted a variety of colorful characters from World War II leaders to British royalty and the stars of Hollywood’s golden era. For more information or for reservations, see www.queenmary.com or call (800) 437-2934.

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