Which historic hotel was once nicknamed the “Grey Ghost”?
The Queen Mary (1936)

The Queen Mary was once a legendary British ocean liner operated by the famed Cunard Line. The ship's origins date to the early 20th century when the transatlantic cruise line industry was at the height of its prosperity. The Queen Mary was a spectacular ocean liner that boasted four restaurants, two libraries, a spa, and a full gymnasium that transported many esteemed and wealthy passengers across the Atlantic. But, during World War II, a time that brought momentous change to the world, a ship once celebrated for its grandeur vanished from the public eye, only to reemerge in military service.

In March of 1940, the British government requisitioned The Queen Mary and transformed the ship from a celebrated passenger liner into a vital military transport. The vessel’s luxurious interiors were stripped, the hull painted a stealthy grey, and the capacity was expanded to carry thousands of troops. Originally built for 2,140 passengers, the ship carried up to 5,500 troops in a single voyage; it was retrofitted again and in 1947 carried 16,683 troops, setting records for wartime transport. In fact, during the war, The Queen Mary transported over 810,000 soldiers across the dangerous, war-torn waters of the Atlantic.



During this time, The Queen Mary earned the nickname “Grey Ghost” not only for the grey appearance but because of the vessel’s unmatched speed. Capable of speeds at 29-30 knots (approximately 34 miles per hour, an amazingly fast rate for a vessel of that size), the ship was able to outrun German submarines and sailed without convoy protection which allowed it to stealthily carry out its missions. This combination of speed, size, and reliability made The Queen Mary one of the most valuable ships in the Allied fleet.

After World War II, The Queen Mary resumed voyages as a passenger liner, continuing transatlantic crossings until retirement in October 1967. Rather than being dismantled, the ship was preserved and permanently moored in Long Beach, California. Upon arrival, the City of Long Beach officially took over the stewardship of the RMS Queen Mary, renovating the ocean liner into a floating historic hotel with the grandeur of the original Art Deco design. The ship now serves not only as a historic hotel but as a museum and event venue, offering guests a chance to experience a living piece of maritime history. Guests can stay in one of the 347 upscale staterooms, dine at one of the ship’s restaurants, and take a guided or self-guided tour through the past of this former ocean liner. The Queen Mary’s legacy as both a wartime vessel and a symbol of elegance continues to captivate generations, bridging the past and present in a unique way.



This has been a Historic Hotels History Mystery.

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