The Queen Mary Marks 90th Anniversary on May 27th.

​The Queen Mary will commemorate the 90th anniversary of her historic maiden voyage with a signature, daylong celebration on May 27, 2026, the exact date the legendary ocean liner first set sail in 1936. As a centerpiece of the ship’s ongoing year-long anniversary programming, the free event invites guests to step aboard for a dynamic lineup of experiences that honor her legacy while bringing new life to one of the world’s most iconic vessels.

he celebration culminates in the one-night only debut of the inaugural Starlight Lounge, a revival of the ship’s famed Starlight Club, once a premier nightlife destination at sea during her transatlantic voyage years. A separate ticketed event and located on the Sun Deck within the original Verandah Grill, the restored Art Deco venue will make a special return as an elegant evening experience featuring live music, dancing, a three-course meal with homage to the original 1930’s menu, and cocktails, reintroducing the glamour and sophistication that defined the Queen Mary’s golden era.

“Bringing back the Starlight Lounge for the 90th anniversary is a powerful way to celebrate this milestone year,” said Steve Caloca, Managing Director of The Queen Mary. “Originally known as the Starlight Club, this space was a defining part of the onboard experience where guests gathered for unforgettable evenings of music, dining, and connection. Giving guests a glimpse of this for the 90th allows us to honor that history while creating a new signature experience for today’s visitors as part of our anniversary.”

The day’s festivities begin at 12:00 p.m. as Ship’s Officers welcome guests at the iconic ship’s Bell, inviting them to explore a curated lineup of experiences, including the Art Gallery, Special Anniversary Tours, arts and crafts, and interactive moments throughout the ship. At 2:00 p.m., the official program takes place in the Queen’s Salon, featuring remarks from Captain James and Officer Danny, a special performance, an address from Long Beach city official, an award presentation from the U.S. Veterans Magazine, and remarks from Managing Director Steve Caloca, followed by a closing performance.

At 3:30 p.m., guests can attend a special lecture by maritime historian Dik Barton, with the formal program concluding at 5:00 p.m. The celebration continues into the evening with live music, tours, and onboard experiences, leading into the highly anticipated debut of the Starlight Lounge at 6:00 p.m. with “Date Night at the Verandah Grill,” where guests can enjoy live entertainment, dancing, and elevated dining in the ship’s newly revived Art Deco venue.

As part of the day’s ceremonial programming, Queen Mary ship officers will lead a special christening of the vessel, commemorating 90 years since her historic maiden voyage. The celebration will also include the unveiling of a new historical artifact, along with a dedicated tribute to the Commodore in the Visitor’s Center.

First setting sail in 1936, The Queen Mary remains one of the most recognized and celebrated ocean liners in the world. Throughout 2026, the ship continues to mark 90 years since her maiden voyage with a robust lineup of new exhibits, immersive tours, and limited-time experiences, inviting guests to explore her legacy in new and meaningful ways.

As part of the 90th anniversary year-long celebrations, guests can take part in a range of special offerings designed to celebrate this historic milestone. This includes the $90 Royal Sunday Brunch available through June 30, and a limited-time $90 per night hotel room offer valid on select dates through June 2026, Sunday through Thursday only. Restrictions and blackout dates apply.  Visitors can also experience the newly introduced Embarkation Tour, alongside commemorative anniversary logos, themed décor, and additional activations that honor The Queen Mary’s legacy.

Tickets for the May 27 anniversary celebration are FREE with an online reservation at this link. Tickets to the Starlight Lounge debut event are available today on the Queen Mary website. For more information on 90th anniversary happenings and offerings visit www.queenmary.com/anniversary.htm. ​