Hotel Queen Mary050

Here's something a little different - tell the kids you're taking them to a hotel, and then bring them to a ship instead!

The Queen Mary has been docked since 1967, but her long and vivid history (she served during WWII and made over 1000 transatlantic voyages), and careful restoration make this a sleepover to remember. Some even say the ship's a little...haunted!

Bear in mind that this is a ship, so quarters are rather tight. The QM was known during her time as "the ship of beautiful woods," and some of the cabins are actually oppresively dark and woody as a result. In fact, lighting all over the ship leaves rather a lot to be desired, unless you're particularly fond of dimness and fluorescence.

The other thing you won't find a lot of are electrical outlets. In our first class cabin, aside from the one being heavily utilized by the television and mini-fridge, we found only one socket, in what would be an ideal desk-like alcove, complete with phone line, except that the phone line didn't work. In order to use our laptop, we had to plug the computer in there, run another wire across the room to the one working phone line, and sit precariously on the floor between the two outlets.

The kids will get a kick out of the bathroom, with its pint sized tub and, in the first class rooms, taps for hot and cold fresh or salt water. Unfortunately, the salt option is no longer available, and the taps don't work - you have to use the new-fangled faucet these days.

Room service and in-room movies are available, but you won't find any kids' channels on the TV. The pickin's are slim if you need something the kids can watch, unless you kick in $9.95 for a movie.

Guests of the Hotel Queen Mary are entitled to receive a complimentary Self-Guided Shipwalk Tour. The Royal Historic Guided Tours are available at $7/adult and $4/child, and non-guests are welcome to come aboard for these.

Family Package: Stow away in a First Class Family Stateroom, feast on breakfast in the Promenade Cafe, book a Behind the Scenes Guided Tour, take a tour of the Russian Submarine, code name: "Scorpion," and enjoy a large one-topping pizza from Room Service, plus an in-room movie. Rate, including two adults and up to two children: $285 Sun-Thu; $310 Fri-Sat.

Restaurants: For the most discerning tastes, Sir Winston's, the Queen Mary's most elegant restaurant, features award-winning Continental and California cuisine, along with unmatched impeccable service. Reservations are required; children, unless unnaturally sedate, might want to give this one a miss.

The Chelsea features fresh seafood specialties, and gorgeous ocean views. Reservations are required.

The Promenade Cafe is a good choice for a casual meal; the food is good and reasonably priced, and it features a menu ranging from full meals to light salads and sandwiches. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served. This restaurant is for Hotel Queen Mary and Queen Mary general admission guests only. Reservations not required.

The Queen Mary offers a great Champagne Sunday Brunch, featuring over 50 international entrees, a children's buffet, and harp accompaniment. Brunch is served in the Grand Salon, the ship's original First Class dining area. Reservations recommended.

If you're not in the mood for a sit-down meal, you'll find a few fast food venues sprinkled around the ship as well, including a bakery, a funnel cake stand, a couple of delis, and a pizza parlor!

Tours, including the famous Ghosts and Legends experience, are available.