A Screaming Good Time

by: Josh Marks

On Oct. 2, 1942 the Queen Mary, also known as the “Grey Ghost,” collided with a British cruiser while transporting troops across the Atlantic. The impact caused the smaller British ship and all 338 aboard to sink.

This and other eerie historical events make the Queen Mary the perfect setting for the 11th annual Halloween Shipwreck. The 13- night festival features seven mazes and hundreds of ghouls and goblins scattered in and around the imposing ship. The event continues to be a popular draw for local residents as the long lines to get in attest to.

“Unlike Knots Scary Farm, which is all fabricated and you know that, the Queen Mary has a tradition of being haunted so you just never know if something weird will happen to you,” said Shipwreck guest Katherine Park of Long Beach.

Three popular mazes making a return this year include Creatures of the Cove, Corridors of Carnage, and Deck of the Doomed. Two of the mazes, Creatures of the Cove and House of Hallucinations, are in 3-D. Also back again this year are the Boiler Room Club, which features live bands and a three level dance party in the Queen Mary’s Exhibit Hall.

“It is a very unique Halloween festival that you won’t quite find anywhere else just because of the incredible ship that you have as a backdrop and all the interesting and amazingly decorated mazes,” said Queen Mary spokesperson Sonia Sotello.

Shipwreck 2005 runs through the end of October. Admission is $30 and tickets may be purchased in advance at the Queen Mary Box Office or at www.ticketmaster.com.

Tickets may also be purchased at the actual event on a first-come, first-serve basis. There are no costumes or cameras allowed and it is not recommended for children under 12. More information is available at www.queenmaryshipwreck.com or by calling (562) 435-3511.