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66 Black Meetings & Tourism April/May 2008: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com #2 Property upgrades and historic restorations have begun aboard the Queen Mary. After the arrival of Hostmark Hospitality Group and Save the Queen (STQ) in November, 2007, plans were unveiled regarding an initial capital improvement fund of $6 million. J/Brice Design will be work- ing with STQ's consultants. CEO Jeffery Orenstein of J/Brice Design notes, "The Queen Mary is probably the most unique hotel in the world. The interior surrounds you with the art and luxury of a bygone era. Her history is part of the appeal we want to capture in this new chapter of her life." J/Brice Design is committed to preserving the luxury and romance of the 70-year-old Queen Mary. Aboard the Queen Mary, guests can partake in a variety of historical, educational and paranormal tours. Throughout the day, passengers can enjoy a Behind-the-Scenes Guided Tour, where a tour guide takes guests through the ship's his- tory and recounts tales from her sailing adventures and unveils her many stories. The Ghosts & Legends Show leads participants on an interactive journey of the ship's most haunted locations. Through special effects, the stories of the Queen Mary's ghosts come to life. The World War II Tour features a tour guide who tells the story of the illustrious "Grey Ghost," the most wanted target of German U-boats, and a crucial part of allied success in the war. On the Haunted Encounters Tour, passen- gers learn about the reports and sto- ries of the ghostly happenings with a guide on a walking tour of the most haunted locations on the ship. A Self-Guided Audio Tour allows pas- sengers the chance to explore the ship at leisure with an audio guide. While aboard, guests can visit an authentic cold-war era Russian sub- marine, code name "Foxtrot." The sub is berthed along- side the Queen Mary and is open daily The Grand Salon, the ship's original First-Class Dining Room, is an elegant setting for the most spectacular Sunday Brunch in Southern California. Seating is from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. This elegant brunch features a harpist to set the mood and is served buffet- style, offering food from around the globe with more than 50 world-class entrees. The Queen Mary is a must-see attraction located at 1126 Queens Highway in Long Beach, California. You can visit their website at www.queenmary.com or call guest services at (562) 435-3511. THE QUEEN MARY An Unforgettable Journey From a Bygone Era BY VICTORIA HEAD It is said that the Queen Mary is not just a hotel, but a jour- ney. Considered one of the grandest ocean liners ever built, the Queen Mary has resided for the past 40 years in Long Beach, California as a floating hotel awash in history and grandeur. Set on 45 waterfront acres, she combines all of the elegance of a bygone era while incorporating modern ameni- ties, lively entertainment, daily tours, award-winning dining, specialty boutiques and much more. The Queen Mary hotel is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Each stateroom is unique, offering 1930's decor featur- ing rich wood paneling and art deco designs with 21st century amenities. This historic floating hotel fea- tures a spa, fitness center, business center and offers valet parking and a complimentary city shuttle. There are 315 non-smoking staterooms, eight full suites and five mini suites. Amenities include 32" HDLCD flat panel TV's, iPod/MP3 Docking Clock Radios, new Pillow Top Serta Mattresses, Beyond Down Pillows, refriger- ators and High Speed Internet Access. The Queen Mary offers over 80,000 sq. ft. of meeting & banquet space located ship- wide. The ship is about as unique a venue as they come and pro- vides a truly unforget- table experience for any occasion. Their meeting spaces – The Verandah Grill, Windsor Salon, Grand Salon, Sylvania and many others, are able to accommodate groups from 10 to 2,000. There is also a wedding Chapel for ceremonies, which can seat up to 160 or wedding guests can enjoy services on the Sun Deck Gazebo, which can seat 100.