Queen Mary Long Beach offers tours, taste of the past; fireworks show slated

Spend Independence Day aboard the Queen Mary and receive an annual pass for the price of daily admission.

The annual celebration kicks off July 2 with a carnival in the adjacent Queen Mary Events Park 5 to 1 p.m. and July 3 and 4 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The fireworks show on July 4, by Zambelli Fireworks International, will begin at approximately 9 p.m.

The fireworks are choreographed to a musical soundtrack that can only be heard aboard the Queen Mary. This summer, guests can buy one day at the Queen Mary and get the year free. This offer applies to a full-priced general admission ticket only.

Guests can spend the day touring the historic ship with a self-guided tour. Experience the special effects “Ghosts & Legends of the Queen Mary” show, explore a real Russian Foxtrot-class submarine or take in one of three guided tours (“Behind-the-Scenes,” “World War II” or the new “Engine Room”). Queen Mary general admission is $23 for adults, $21 for seniors and military and $12 for children 5 to 11 and includes all July 4 festivities plus a self-guided tour and the “Ghosts & Legends” show. The “Scorpion Submarine,” “Behind-the-Scenes Guided Tour”, and “World War II” tour are available for an additional fee.

There is no charge to enter the carnival in the Events Park, but there will be a charge for games and rides. Tickets for games and rides will be sold at the Events Park.

Parking is $10. Free Passport shuttles from downtown Long Beach and the AquaBus water taxi from the Aquarium of the Pacific will both be operating, and access from the Los Angeles area is available via Metro Blue Line Trains.

Reservations for formal dining at Sir Winston’s are available for July 4. Sir Winston’s will offer a prixe fixe dinner for $45 for adults and $15 for children under 12. Tie Chelsea and Promenade Café will offer a buffet for $28.95 for adult and $9.95 for children under 12. Fast food dining options are available ship-wide.

For hotel or restaurant reservations or more information, call 562-435-3511 or visit www.queenmary.com.