There are loads of reasons people think the RMS Queen Mary is haunted—for one, plenty of people have experienced spooky things aboard. The ship started out as a luxury liner in 1936, boasting pools, multiple decks, and fancy staterooms. But with the onset of World War II, she was quickly called into duty. Over the course of the war, she was home to 800,000 soldiers, captives, and prisoners of war.
Related: U.S. Officer Pens Letter to Son for V-Day on Hitler’s Stationery
The history of the ship, as you might guess, involves its fair share of untimely deaths, many of which occurred in a single incident: In 1942, the Queen Mary accidentally gained too much speed and crushed a smaller boat traveling in front of her, splitting it in half. Because the Mary was on a military mission, they couldn’t stop to assist the ship they'd torn apart. By the time rescuers arrived, only 99 of the smaller boat’s 338 crew members were still alive. Some sources even claim that only 26 sailors were left alive.
That’s a lot of angry spirits, and they’re said to haunt the boiler room and the bow of the Mary to this day.
But that’s not all.
- Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The ghosts of two women who drowned in the ship's pool are often spotted on the pool deck. Strange happenings are often noted in the kitchen, where soldiers brutally murdered a cook. Creaks, knocks, groans, whispers, and sounds like shattering glassware are reported by the ship’s staff and tourists alike.
Related: 8 Haunted Places You Can Actually Rent on Airbnb
When Buzzfeed’s Ryan Bergara stayed overnight on the ship, he experienced the knocking, as well as what sounded like shattering glass in an empty room. Not only that, but his toothpaste flew inexplicably off a shelf, and he felt someone poking his face in the middle of the night—while his friend was fast asleep.
So, what do you think? Will you be booking an overnight excursion on the Queen Mary? Or perhaps you’d prefer to visit during the day. If you're feeling truly brave, the Queen Mary's staff recently announced that its most haunted room, Stateroom B340, will newly be available to be rented. For 30 years, the room has been inaccessible to guests due to the many reports of extreme paranormal activity.
No matter your choice, you can check out one of the most haunted spots in America anytime you want—she’s docked in Long Beach, California and is open to overnight guests.
- Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
