The RMS Queen Mary, a retired British ocean liner permanently docked in Long Beach, California, since 1967, is widely regarded as one of the most haunted places in the world. Originally launched in 1934 and serving as a luxury transatlantic passenger ship before becoming a WWII troop transport (nicknamed the “Grey Ghost”), it saw at least 49 documented deaths during its sailing years—though some estimates suggest far more due to wartime incidents. Today, as a hotel, museum, and tourist attraction, it’s said to be home to as many as 150 active spirits, with reports of apparitions, disembodied voices, cold spots, flickering lights, and unexplained noises persisting for decades .Most Famous Ghosts and Haunted Hotspots
- Stateroom B340: The ship’s most notorious room, closed for decades due to intense activity before reopening for overnight stays in recent years (including as of 2024). Guests report faucets turning on/off, lights flickering, doors slamming, covers being pulled off beds, and shadowy figures. A passenger named Walter J. Adamson died mysteriously here in 1948, sparking many of the legends.
- The Pools (First- and Second-Class): Young girls like “Jackie” (who drowned in the second-class pool) are often reported splashing, giggling, or leaving wet footprints despite the pools being drained for years. Women in vintage swimsuits have also been seen vanishing into walls.
- Engine Room (Door 13): 18-year-old crewman John Pedder was crushed to death by the heavy watertight door during a 1966 drill. His bearded apparition in greasy overalls is frequently sighted, sometimes whistling or playfully following visitors.
- Queen’s Salon (formerly the First-Class Lounge): A elegant “Lady in White” in an evening gown glides across the dance floor to phantom music, vanishing near the piano.
- Shaft Alley and Boiler Room: Greasy mechanics and screams from wartime accidents; also tied to the 1942 collision with HMS Curacoa, which killed over 300 and left pounding sounds on the hull.
The ship fully embraces its reputation with guided Haunted Encounters tours, after-hours paranormal investigations, séances, and even overnight stays in haunted rooms. Recent years (2024–2025) have seen continued reports from guests and investigators, including YouTubers capturing EVPs and shadows, plus the return of events like Dark Harbour Halloween experiences. Whether residual energy from tragedies or active spirits, the Queen Mary’s hauntings blend history and mystery—making it a must-visit for ghost enthusiasts!
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