By Charly SHELTON

There’s something undeniably enchanting about the idea of celebrating the holidays aboard a historic ocean liner and the Queen Mary’s “12 Days of Christmas” event promises just that – a festive escape set against the backdrop of one of Long Beach’s most iconic landmarks. When I heard about the holiday offerings, I was eager to experience the magic firsthand. So I packed up the family and braved the trek from the Crescenta Valley down to the coast, visions of twinkling lights and holiday cheer guiding the way.

Stepping aboard, the ship didn’t disappoint in terms of atmosphere. The historic decks were festooned with holiday decorations and the grandeur of the Queen Mary lent an air of old-world charm to the occasion. The “12 Days of Christmas” activities included gingerbread house workshops, Mrs. Claus story time, carolers strolling the corridors, some holiday vendors and even a visit from Santa Claus himself, all capped off with the first lighting of the smoke stacks for the season.

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However, as we made our way through the event it became apparent that there wasn’t a whole lot to do beyond that. The activities, while delightful, were somewhat limited in scope. For families with young children or content creators looking for new reels, this might be enough to fill an evening. But for those expecting a full-scale holiday extravaganza akin to what you’d find at a dedicated holiday fair, or even like what the Queen Mary used to offer at its CHILL event in years past, it might fall a bit short.

That said, the charm of the Queen Mary extends far beyond any seasonal event. After exploring the holiday activities, we decided to have a full night aboard ship – visiting the Observation Bar for a sunset cocktail, exploring the historic walkways and decks of the ship, and dinner at The Chelsea Chowder House. In the end, the “12 Days of Christmas” served as a festive garnish to an already rich Queen Mary experience. If you’re planning to visit the ship and incorporate all it has to offer– the history tours, the dining, the ambiance – then the holiday event is a lovely addition that enhances the overall visit. However, if you’re considering making the drive solely for the holiday activities, especially from areas as far as the Crescenta Valley, you might find yourself wanting more.

The Queen Mary is a destination that thrives on its historical significance and unique setting. The holiday event adds a sprinkle of seasonal cheer, but it’s the ship itself that remains the star of the show. So, if you’re up for a nautical adventure steeped in history with a side of holiday spirit, it’s worth the voyage. Just be sure to set sail with the right expectations and you might find that the journey – and the destination – hold their own special kind of magic.