The Spirits of the Queen Mary rise again! After a five-year hiatus, Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor returns to revive traditions of its past while delving further into the deep with new stories and characters. Renowned as one of Southern California’s scariest haunt events, Dark Harbor unfolds amidst the beautiful backdrop of Long Beach’s legendary haunted ocean liner, the Queen Mary.
This Halloween festival is a sprawling spectacle, featuring five haunted mazes, terrifying monsters, captivating live entertainment, enticing attractions, and a delectable array of food and drinks. With countless surprises around every corner, we’re thrilled to see Dark Harbor return.
MiceChat contributor, Scott Solo, and I had a fantastic evening at the famous haunted ship and its moody mazes. Take a look at the Dark Harbor event map, there are haunted houses on the ship and in the festival grounds in front of it:
As you enter Dark Harbor, you’re immediately enveloped in elaborate, Instagram-worthy sets. A portion of the new maze, Breakout and On The Run guides your path, creating a wonderfully spooky introduction to the festivities.
Once you reach the main festival area, you’re immediately greeted by the sinister sliders, ready to emerge from the dark corners of the seaside village.
But the true star of the show is the Queen Mary herself. This early 20th-century ocean liner looms majestically over the harbor, inviting you to uncover the ghostly secrets that lie within. With three haunted mazes onboard, let’s embark on our tour of this storied ship and explore what awaits inside:
Dark Harbor Mazes
The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor boasts five mazes, each presenting fresh experiences this year—most of which are entirely new! However, it’s important to note that the Queen Mary is a historic vessel built long before modern accessibility standards. As such, all the mazes onboard the ship involve navigating steep stairs and often feature uneven surfaces. While many areas are technically accessible, take care to watch your step and chat with the staff to make sure you’ll be able to navigate the maze if you have mobility issues.
Dark Harbor draws heavily on the Queen Mary’s ghostly, real-life legends to craft truly terrifying experiences. For returning visitors, familiar characters like Scary Mary, the ghostly girl who drowned in the first-class pool, and Samuel the Savage (the infamous murderer tied to the notoriously haunted stateroom B340) make thrilling reappearances.
To start things off, I’ve created a video of three of the all-new mazes: Breakout and On The Run, Big Top Terror, and Lullaby:
ALL NEW — Lullaby
In the eerie depths of the Queen Mary’s first-class pool, the playful yet sinister ghost of Scary Mary beckons passengers toward a watery grave. Be careful, or you may just hear your final lullaby.
Though the name Lullaby carries over from previous years, this season’s rendition is entirely different. Scary Mary is on the hunt for new companions, following your every step through the dimly lit pool area, locker rooms, and showers.
Located near the ship’s bow, Lullaby makes full use of the Queen Mary’s narrow corridors, heightening the sense of trepidation with surprises I won’t spoil… but I hope you don’t have a fear of heights.
Lullaby features some of the best lighting, set design, and chilling special effects you’ll find on board. Scary Mary’s tragic, ghostly presence haunts every corner, leading to a harrowing descent into the first-class pool. Photos don’t do the terror waiting below justice.
ALL NEW — Breakout and on the Run
The mystery of stateroom B340 continues as notorious murderer Samuel the Savage is arrested, only to escape from his seaside prison. Following his escape, you now walk in his footsteps, evading the law, seeking refuge, and grappling with the urge for revenge. Will you succumb to the twisted voices in your head, or resist the temptation to kill in this dark pursuit?
Breakout is an extensive experience as it’s two mazes in one. The “On the Run” portion of the title kicks in after Samuel’s escape from prison where you’re always following just behind, uncovering his blood-soaked path as you continue into the village. This is a lengthy haunted house— walk-throughs took between 10-30 minutes depending on the speed of the group ahead.
The claustrophobic prison section keeps you on edge, but once broken free, the maze dramatically opens into sprawling outdoor areas. Prison guards pursue as you dodge through a labyrinth of catacombs, a deranged church overrun by crazed nuns, and a shack covered in macabre murder scenes— all leading to a final dash to the docks.
The maze is also packed with mechanical horrors, from ferocious animals to grim reapers.
Samuel, arguably one of the most iconic figures of Dark Harbor due to his tie-in with the real haunted stateroom B340, looms large in Breakout and On The Run. The twisted voices in his head are very real as you step deeper into Samuel’s fractured psyche, leading to a chilling, open-ended finale.
ALL NEW — Big Top Terror
Step into a Halloween carnival like no other, where the charismatic Ringmaster lures the innocent into a soul-ensnaring labyrinth of jack-o’lanterns. Within this dark maze, cursed objects and the sinister Pumpkin Carver await, alongside death-defying stunts and the Ringmaster’s ruthless Henchies. Will you escape, or fall victim to the Ringmaster’s twisted circus?
Big Top Terror delivers the classic evil carnival experience, but its length and density are remarkable. The maze is packed with cursed objects, filling every corner with animated decorations that distract you from the sinister circus performers stalking from the shadows.
The maze covers nearly every iconic circus element: from freak shows and sideshows to a maze of mirrors, a black light-bathed maze complete with a ball pit, and other disorienting performances that keep you on edge.
Big Top Terror’s chaotic blend of circus areas makes it one of the most unique mazes at Dark Harbor. And it’s a real maze—Scott Solo and I got turned around several times! While it might be less terrifying than some of the other mazes, it’s incredibly amusing and definitely worth experiencing more than once!
ALL NEW — Infirmary
The sadistic spirits of Dr. Edwin Master and Graceful Gale haunt the Queen Mary, tormenting passengers with echoes of their gruesome procedures. While spectators marvel at his surgeries on the upper decks, the real horrors unfold in the third-class corridors where unrest from the patients threatens to overthrow the maniacal duo.
Infirmary boasts impressively elaborate sets, especially considering it takes place aboard the Queen Mary itself. At times, it’s easy to forget you’re on a ship and not in Dr. Master’s macabre operating rooms—until you find yourself navigating the bowels of the ship’s claustrophobic corridors.
As expected from a maniacal doctor’s tale, the maze is filled with blood-soaked scenes, mutilated corpses, and grotesque displays of gore. The doctor’s patients aren’t sick, of course— it’s the doctor who’s quite unwell.
The iconic Graceful Gale makes a haunting appearance, as the latter half of the maze shifts into a masquerade ball gone horribly wrong. The finale evokes a Hannibal Lecter film, with a mangled corpse disturbingly incorporated into a musical performance by the band.
Infirmary delivers classic body horror with its deranged doctor premise, but what truly sets it apart is the stark contrast between the brutal surgical scenes and the mysterious descent into the aftermath of Graceful Gale’s masquerade ball. The finale leaves a lingering sense of dread that few mazes can match.
REIMAGINED — Feast
Enter the ship’s kitchen to uncover the dark origins of The Chef, once an ambitious butcher before growing resentful of the ungrateful First Class passengers. With a sinister additional secret ingredient in his dishes, diners are unaware of the true horrors behind their meals. Can you escape his bloody wrath, or will you be the next course?
Feast is the only returning maze this year, and while Dark Harbor veterans may find it similar to the 2019 version, it felt fresh to me —much like The Chef’s latest “creations.” Although, I’d probably pass on dining here. Despite its familiarity, the maze has been extensively reimagined.
What’s on the menu? You. Feast is overflowing with blood, dismembered cadavers, and flesh torn asunder. Fans of cannibalistic gore fests like Texas Chainsaw Massacre will feel right at home. With the maze set aboard the Queen Mary’s eerie stern, the atmosphere is even more creepy.
Dark Harbor Entertainment
Maiden Voyage Launch Party
Join the Captain in the Shipyard at 8:08 PM for the Maiden Voyage Launch Party—a ghoulish spectacle that you won’t want to miss! The former Captain, now the Admiral, summons his minions and monsters to rise from their graves, sliding into the streets to terrify the guests of Dark Harbor! This chilling event only occurs once each night, so be sure to arrive on time… or face the consequences!
The Maiden Voyage is the perfect way to kick off your evening, weaving together the haunting stories you’ll encounter throughout the night. Starting with the true tale of how the Queen Mary found her home in Long Beach, the show introduces you to the main characters of the event, setting the stage for the real-life inspirations behind these ghostly figures. It’s an unforgettable experience that ties everything together and immerses you in the spine-tingling lore of Dark Harbor.
Characters include Samuel the Savage:
The Voodoo Priestess:
Scary Mary:
Dr. Edwin Master and Graceful Gale:
The Ringmaster:
The Chef (who I couldn’t photograph on the opposite side of the stage), the Captain, and the Admiral.
Maiden Voyage is absolutely essential to a Dark Harbor visit, so don’t miss it!
Final Voyage
End your night in the ShipYard with a dance party celebrating The Queen Mary’s final voyage to Long Beach, which included stops in Brazil, Mexico, and Peru. The Final Voyage begins one hour before the festival closes and features modern Latin music, reggaeton, and an appearance by el Diablo.
Dark Harbor Sliders
The legendary Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor sliders return for thrilling nightly performances at 9 and 11pm in the Seaside Village.
The Slider Show is a highly choreographed stunt spectacle, with each act ramping up the danger as sliders glide under, over, and between one another. They even take on a nerve-wracking game of Limbo!
The show is hosted by the booming “Voice of God” (or simply “Voice”), whose vocal cords demand as much attention as the other iconic ghostly figures of Dark Harbor. This adrenaline-fueled show is unlike anything else and is an absolute must-see!
Fire & Aerial Shows
Experience the heat of the fire spinners and the spectacle of the aerialists on the Fire Stage, located in the center of Dark Harbor.
Dark Harbor Attractions
For those seeking lighter attractions, there are plenty of alternatives, including Axe Throwing, a pirate-themed shooting gallery, and various carnival rides in the circus-themed Big Top area. Here are a few highlights:
Secret Speakeasies
Hidden throughout Dark Harbor’s mazes and attractions, several secret speakeasies wait to be discovered. To enter, one must possess one of Lady Mabel’s mystic tokens. Some are given out at the Maiden Voyage Launch Party, but access is guaranteed if an appointment is made with Lady Mabel for an “astrology reading” near the Dark Harbor entrance ($15 for 4 entrance tokens).
Most speakeasies are relatively easy to locate, marked by large glowing symbols. For instance, the Big Top Terror speakeasy is prominently placed, making it simple to find. Just ask the nearby staff member, surrender a token, and you’re in!
Though the speakeasies are compact, the limited number of guests buying tokens probably means they typically aren’t crowded. Each speakeasy offers a unique vibe, especially those nestled within the mazes. It’s quite strange to pause mid-maze for a drink, but you’ll need to finish your beverage before re-entering, so take a moment to soak in the atmosphere.
At Big Top Terror, there’s even a fun twist: you can become part of the freakshow exhibit and scare passing guests!
On any given night, at least four speakeasies are open. Some are more elusive than others; we found at least two on the Queen Mary itself, with several more in the village. The mausoleum speakeasy inside Breakout is hard to miss, as you walk right past it to enter the event.
Each speakeasy has a unique menu. I appreciated that every bar I visited, including the speakeasies, offered a non-alcoholic mocktail—a thoughtful touch for designated drivers, sober guests, or anyone who prefers not to drink. Additionally, drinks in the speakeasies are actually cheaper to offset the initial entry cost. Drinks in the main festival area can exceed $20 for comparison.
However, some speakeasies are a bit trickier to find. For example, the engine room is an unexpected bar location, shrouded in eerie red lighting that adds to its creepiness—especially given the true history of a crewman who actually died down here.
Many years ago, a Queen Mary crewman was crushed by watertight door 13. Inspired by this story, Half Hatch Henry still haunts the foreboding space.
For those on the hunt for speakeasies, keep your eyes peeled before the second staircase in Infirmary to discover the most secluded one in Dark Harbor. Overall, the speakeasies provide a fun, optional enhancement to the experience, though they are by no means essential.
Spirits of Dark Harbor & The Summoning of Samuel
Step aboard the Queen Mary and explore its haunted history while enjoying a cocktail or mocktail at the Spirits Bar. Discover real-life paranormal stories and ghost sightings that inspired Dark Harbor’s characters and attractions.
Spirits of Dark Harbor is also the setting for Lady Mabel’s séance: The Summoning of Samuel. Step into the spirit world as Mabel attempts to establish a connection with the killer of stateroom B340, Samuel the Savage. Discover the dark details of his story and the reasons behind his imprisonment—only for him to escape. But tread carefully; the boundaries between life and death are perilously thin, and some who enter may find themselves forever changed by the experience…
The Summoning of Samuel is a theatrical experience that masterfully employs lighting and sound effects to evoke Samuel’s presence in a truly haunting manner. The choreography, coupled with Samuel’s wraithlike movements through the shadowy séance room, creates an unsettling atmosphere. Priced at an additional $10, this intriguing experience is a fascinating addition to an evening at Dark Harbor and worth the small up-charge.
The Observation Deck
Reserved for Evil Express and VIP ticket holders, this upscale bar offers unparalleled views of Dark Harbor from the ship’s T-Bridge. Enjoy exclusive cocktails, character appearances, and relaxed seating. Admission is included with Evil Express and VIP tickets but does not cover food or beverages.
Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor Tickets
Dark Harbor has several admission options:
- General Admission – From $39.99
- Fast Fright (approximately 1/3 the wait) – From $67.99
- Evil Express (Skip the line & Observation Deck access) – From $119.99
- VIP (Skip the Line, Early Entry, Captain’s Club, Observation Deck, Lady Mabel’s Speakeasy four pack, 13% off merch, digital photos access) – From $149.99
Additional add-ons include:
- Early Entry – $10
- Flex Entry (entry at any time after 8pm) – $5
- Lady Mabel Presents: The Summoning of Samuel – $10
- Lady Mabel’s Speakeasy Foresight Four Pack – $15
- Pirate Plunder Shootout – $10
- Anchor Axe – $7
- Ringmaster’s Rides – $30 Unlimited, $10 Single Ride
- General Parking – $20
- Preferred Parking – $30
Parking in particular can be a bit tricky, so make sure to arrive an hour early!
A journey through the Queen Mary’s storied past, Dark Harbor is an essential destination for haunt enthusiasts in Southern California. Whether you’re navigating the terrifying mazes, uncovering hidden speakeasies, or enjoying live entertainment, every corner of Dark Harbor invites you to confront your fears and embrace the ghostly myths of the 20th-century ocean liner. This was my first visit to the Queen Mary and Dark Harbor, but I can assure you it won’t be my last.
Let’s hear from you, folks. Are you excited to see The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor return? Which maze(s) captured your interest? Do the speakeasies sound like an interesting enhancement? Let us know in the comments down below.
A special thanks to Scott Solo for accompanying me into the depths of the Queen Mary and helping capture the details and write about the experience for this article!