All the pomp and grandeur of the Titanic without any of that sillyness with iceburgs; the Queen Mary has had a long and prosperous career with no (fingers crossed) bad renditions of ‘My Heart Will Go On’ yet. Beginning life in the 1930s, it was built in Scotland and became the luxury liner of choice for celebrities and rich people. It saw action in the 2nd World War when it was painted grey and converted to carry troops. It then rode the White Star Line and did cruises before being moored in Long Beach and turned into a hotel. Now you can stay in a number of fabulous suites lovingly restored to their original art deco glory. There are a number of historical tours available (I know the ship’s history goes back less than 100 years but the Americans have to start somewhere). The engine rooms look particularly grand. Eat in their 5 star restaurant and enjoy fresh tunes from your own ipod dock. You can also experience any number of special themes and events the hotel holds annually including a Scottish festival which pays homage to the ship’s birthplace.
