Once a majestic ocean liner, the RMS Queen Mary sailed the Atlantic from 1936 to 1967.
Today, she rests permanently docked in Long Beach, California, turned into a floating hotel and historic attraction.
But beyond the glamour and grandeur lies a darker reputation that has many asking, Why is the Queen Mary haunted?
For decades, visitors have whispered about ghostly encounters, eerie footsteps, and unexplained sights aboard the ship.
Since the 1980s, the Queen Mary has been promoted as one of the most haunted places in America.
So, is Queen Mary haunted, or just surrounded by chilling legends?
Why People Believe the Queen Mary is Haunted?
From tragic events to chilling eyewitness accounts, several factors have kept the Queen Mary’s eerie reputation alive for decades.
Tragic History & Documented Deaths
The Queen Mary’s haunted reputation is linked to many real-life tragedies:
- Onboard Deaths: At least 55 people died on the ship between 1936 and 1967. Some died naturally, while others were victims of accidents like falling overboard or being injured by machinery.
- Door 13 Incident: In 1966, an 18-year-old crewman named John Pedder was crushed by a watertight door during a drill. Visitors claim to see his ghost in that area, and strange banging sounds are often reported.
- Unusual Accidents: There have also been fatal falls, poisonings, and other unusual deaths involving both passengers and crew.
- Wartime Collision: In 1942, the Queen Mary accidentally hit and sank a smaller ship, HMS Curacoa, killing over 300 sailors. Some believe their spirits may still linger on the Queen Mary.
Haunting Legends & Ghost Stories
Many people claim to have experienced ghostly encounters aboard the ship:
- Jackie the Pool Ghost: One of the most famous spirits is a young girl named Jackie. She is said to haunt the old first-class pool, where visitors report hearing laughter and seeing wet footprints even though the pool is empty.
- Room B340: This stateroom is considered the most haunted. Guests have felt uneasy, heard knocking, and even seen ghosts at the end of their bed.
- Door 13 Ghost: The spirit of John Pedder is said to appear in the engine room where he died, often seen running or lurking near the door.
- Other Ghosts: People also report seeing a woman in white dancing near the piano, children playing by the pools, and mysterious figures dressed in old-fashioned clothes roaming the decks.
Skeptical Perspective
Not everyone believes the Queen Mary is truly haunted. Skeptics suggest that many ghost sightings can be explained by natural causes and the power of suggestion.
When people know they’re in a haunted place, even normal creaks or flickering lights can feel spooky.
Experts like Joe Nickell say our minds often play tricks, making us see shapes or faces that are not really there. This effect, along with old ship sounds and spooky stories, can create a strong sense of fear.
Many also believe that the Queen Mary’s haunted image is part of clever marketing, designed to attract tourists and boost business.
Personal Accounts & Forum Conversations
Many visitors have shared chilling stories online about their time aboard the Queen Mary. Stories range from sudden chills and heavy energy to vivid apparitions in key areas of the ship.
Below is a summary of the most common reports from popular haunted spots on the ship:
| HAUNTED AREA | WHAT PEOPLE REPORT |
|---|---|
| Room B340 | Sudden fear, blankets pulled off, ghost meter spikes, strange noises, and guests leaving the room early. Some feel an intense sense of dread. |
| Pool Area | Sounds of laughter and footsteps, feelings of being watched, and photos showing orbs. One user claimed to hear a little girl running behind them, but no one was there. |
| Engine Room & Hallways | Visitors report dizziness, drained energy, and seeing shadowy figures. Some describe the environment as off or say it gives them chills. |
| Apparitions | Reports include sudden appearances of shadowy families, phantom interactions, and guests describing detailed conversations with people who were never there. |
Haunted Tours & Public Experiences
The Queen Mary offers several spooky experiences that mix real history with ghost stories, perfect for both fans of the paranormal and curious visitors.
1. Haunted Encounters Tour
This family-friendly, one-hour guided tour introduces guests to the Queen Mary’s most popular ghost stories while blending bits of verified history.
Visitors explore eerie locations such as the former first-class swimming pool and infamous cabins.
Guides share chilling accounts of odd happenings, helping both skeptics and believers experience the ship’s spooky reputation.
2. Paranormal Ship Walk
The two-hour evening Paranormal Ship Walk is designed for visitors who want something beyond light thrills.
Guests pass through hidden, dimly lit areas of the ship, including the once-feared isolation ward and swimming pool.
Along the way, guides recount documented paranormal accounts and reported encounters, immersing visitors in spooky yet informative storytelling.
3. Graveyard Tour
The late-night Graveyard Tour is a two-hour experience recommended for ages sixteen and older.
It ventures into seldom-seen areas of the ship, weaving together its haunting legends and grim events from history.
Guides share unsettling stories about some of the vessel’s most recognized spirits, creating a spine-tingling journey best suited for serious ghost enthusiasts.
4. 57 Ghosts Séance
The 57 Ghosts Séance offers a smaller, more intimate experience led by skilled hosts.
Guests participate in different séance styles meant to contact spirits, particularly the young ghost known as Jackie.
Some participants have reported strange happenings, from dolls mysteriously shifting to unexpected reflections appearing in mirrors, bringing added suspense to the night.
5. Media Coverage
The Queen Mary’s haunting reputation has drawn widespread media coverage.
Outlets like People magazine, television documentaries, and countless YouTubers have explored its ghostly corridors.
Visitors report motion sensors activating, sudden chills, and eerie feelings of being watched, phenomena that fuel the Queen Mary’s reputation as a supernatural hot spot.
6. Dark Harbor (Halloween Event)
The ship also hosts Dark Harbor, one of Southern California’s biggest Halloween events.
Held from late September to early November, it features haunted mazes, live entertainment, scare actors, themed bars, and atmospheric lighting.
Designed more for older teens and adults, the event transforms the Queen Mary into a festival of fright.
That’s a Wrap
No matter if you are a believer in the paranormal or simply enjoy a good mystery, the Queen Mary offers something unforgettable.
Its eerie atmosphere, layered history, and immersive tours make it a destination that stirs imagination and conversation.
Some come hoping to see ghosts. Others come for the stories, architecture, or simply the thrill.
In the end, the Queen Mary invites each visitor to decide for themselves if what they experienced was real or imagined.
