Royal Retreat: Voyage to the Golden Age of Travel

Experience timeless elegance on a 3-day Royal Retreat aboard the iconic Queen Mary, featuring luxurious staterooms, historic tours, fine dining, and a day cruise to Catalina Island

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Step into the golden age of travel on this new 3-day Royal Retreat aboard the iconic Queen Mary, once the world’s most glamorous ocean liner and now permanently docked as a floating hotel in Long Beach. Stay in one of the ship’s spacious staterooms, just as the elite did during its heyday. Embark on a Glory Days guided tour, uncovering the ship’s fascinating history and hidden secrets. Explore opulent rooms and halls, from the stunning Art Deco ballroom where high society danced and mingled, to the serene chapel adorned with stained-glass windows, and to the impressive engine room showcasing the immense power that propelled this transatlantic marvel. Savor a cocktail with your fellow travelers at the historic Observation Bar while enjoying sweeping views of Long Beach Harbor. Join your Tour Manager for a dress-up fine dining experience at the elegant Chelsea Chowder House, evoking the grandeur of a bygone era.

During your stay, visit the renowned Aquarium of the Pacific to discover a world of marine wonders. You’ll also board the Catalina Express catamaran for a day cruise to Catalina Island, featuring a guided Avalon Discovery Tour and free time to explore this beloved locale.

Experience the luxury, history, and timeless magic on this spectacular Royal Retreat!

Tour Fares:

$1159 per person double occupancy
$1459 per person single occupancy

Early Booking Savings:

Book now and save $60 per person while seats last!

Deposit and Final Payment:

A deposit of $150 per person (plus optional CPP) is due at the time of booking.
Final Balance Due 45 days prior to departure date

Cancellatin Protection (CPP):

Make your booking fully refundable with our add-on CPP, which allows you to cancel at any time for any reason and receive a full refund!

$120 per person, double or triple occupancy
$140 per person, single occupancy

The stately Queen Mary Ocean Liner

The Model Gallery

The Bridge

Captain's Day Room

Art Deco Bar

Family Stateroom

Main Hall

Aquarium of the Pacific

Day Cruise to Catalina Island Aboard the Catalina Express

View of Catalina's Avalong Harbor

Discover Avalon Guided Tram Tour

Relaxing at a harborside restaurant

Boutique Shopping in Avalon

Multi-Day Tour

All times and routing are approximate and subject to change without notice.

Day 1

Our journey into the golden age of travel begins as we head toward the iconic Queen Mary in Long Beach. Our first stop is at the vibrant Shoreline Village where you'll enjoy an included lunch at the popular Bubba Gump restaurant. Enjoy a tasty meal while soaking in the coastal atmosphere. This will be the perfect chance to mingle with your fellow guests and start learning about the adventures ahead. After lunch, we'll visit the Aquarium of the Pacific where you'll explore vibrant exhibits filled with marine life from the Pacific Ocean. From sea otters to majestic sea turtles, there's plenty to see and discover in this world-class aquarium. In the late afternoon, we'll board the legendary Queen Mary and settle into your spacious stateroom aboard this historic ocean liner. Once inside, take a moment to appreciate the luxurious setting that once hosted royalty and celebrities from around the world. As evening approaches, we invite you to join your Tour Manager and fellow travelers for a no-host cocktail gathering at the ship's iconic art-deco Observation Bar. Enjoy a signature cocktail and take in sweeping views of Long Beach Harbor, setting the perfect tone for your stay aboard this historic ship. After cocktails, the rest of the evening is yours to enjoy dinner at your leisure, explore the Queen Mary at your own pace, or relax in your stateroom.

Day 2

Start your day with a delicious breakfast buffet at the Promenade Café. Enjoy a variety of fresh, savory dishes as you fuel up for an exciting day ahead aboard Queen Mary. The café offers a relaxing atmosphere with views of the ship's stunning Art Deco details, setting the perfect tone for your day. After breakfast, join your expert guide for the highly anticipated Glory Days tour. This guided walking tour takes you deep into the history of the Queen Mary, uncovering the ship's fascinating past. From its glamorous transatlantic crossings to its wartime service, you'll learn about the ship's transformation from a luxury liner to a naval troop carrier. Hear captivating stories and see hidden corners of the ship that have remained largely unchanged since its heyday.
This afternoon, join your Tour Manager as she leads you and your fellow travelers to the massive engine room, where the immense power of the Queen Mary once surged through its massive turbines. Standing in this enormous space, you'll get a true sense of the engineering marvel that propelled this grand vessel across the Atlantic. The tour offers incredible insights into the ship's operational history, and the engine room is a true highlight of the day, along with the Winston Churchill exhibit showcasing his leadership, historic voyages, and strategic role in the Allied victory. Located near the engine room, it features artifacts, multimedia displays, and insights into the Queen Mary's wartime transformation. This evening, dress up if you'd like and enjoy a plated dinner at the elegant Chelsea's Chowder House, one of Queen Mary's finest dining venues. This elegant restaurant evokes the grandeur of a bygone era, serving up delicious seafood and classic dishes in a beautifully restored atmosphere. Savor every bite as you take in the rich history of the ship surrounding you.

B, D

Day 3

Start your final day with a delicious breakfast at the Promenade Café, included with your tour. Enjoy a variety of fresh breakfast options in the charming surroundings of Queen Mary, fueling up for an exciting day of exploration ahead. After breakfast, we motor to the Catalina Express terminal and board a large catamaran for a one-hour cruise to Avalon, the picturesque main village on Catalina Island. The ride offers stunning views of the coastline, setting the stage for the scenic beauty of Catalina Island. Upon arrival you'll gather at the Tour Plaza and board a tram for a guided Avalon Scenic Tour that will take you through this charming island town and surrounding hillsides, offering breathtaking views of the coast and insight into the history and culture of Avalon. You'll discover why Catalina Island is such a beloved getaway, with its relaxed atmosphere and spectacular landscapes, and why celebrities flocked to this island getaway during the Golden Age of Travel. After the tour, you'll have free time to explore Avalon at your own pace. Stroll through the town's shops, enjoy a meal at one of its seaside restaurants, or simply relax on the beach. This is your chance to immerse yourself in the laid-back charm of Catalina Island before returning to the mainland. In the afternoon, you'll board a vessel for the return trip to the mainland at Dana Point, where the coach will be waiting to transport you back to San Diego.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Tour Manager* 5/4/25 Christina Koohmarey / (Pending: 8/3/25 Pat Brown)

Activity Level: Moderate to High

The Queen Mary tour, including a visit to the engine room, involves a moderate level of physical activity. The engine room requires navigating narrow passageways and stairs, which may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility. While the ship offers some accessible areas, guests with mobility concerns may find it challenging to fully participate in certain sections of the tour. We recommend that guests with limited mobility be prepared for extended walking, standing, and potentially steep stairs. If needed, alternative arrangements may be available. Please call our office during regular business hours to inquire about how we can accomodate particular special needs.

What's Included in the Tour Fare

Round-trip luxury motor coach transportation from pickup locations throughout San Diego County
Professional Tour Manager providing narration throughout the trip
Complimentary bottled water and snacks on the coach
2 nights accommodations aboard the Queen Mary
Glory Days guided tour of the Queen Mary
Admission to the Aquarium of the Pacific Long Beach
4 meals including elegant dinner at Chelsea Chowder House on board the Queen Mary (2 breakfasts, one lunch, one dinner)
Roundtrip cruise to Catalina Island
Guided tram tour of Catalina Island

What's Not Included in the Tour Fare

Meals not listed on the itinerary
Room incidentals
Cancellation Protection
Gratuities for the Tour Manager and driver

Included Bubba Gump Lunch Selections

Please make your selections during the booking process

Fried Shrimp -
A generous portion of crispy, golden-fried shrimp served with cocktail sauce tarter sauce). It’s accompanied by a side of French fries and coleslaw.
All-American BBQ Cheeseburger -
A juicy beef patty topped with cheddar cheese, crispy onion rings, BBQ sauce, lettuce, tomato, and pickles. It’s served on a toasted bun with a side of French fries.
Fish & Chips -
Hand-breaded, deep-fried white fish fillets served with tartar sauce, coleslaw, and a generous portion of French fries.
Alabama Chicken Linguine -
Tender grilled chicken served over linguine pasta tossed in a creamy Jack cheese sauce with a hint of spice and topped with grated Parmesan.
Chicken Tenders -
Crispy breaded chicken tenders served with a choice of dipping sauces ranch and BBQ sauce. This dish includes French fries and a small side of coleslaw.

Included Chelsea Chowder House Dinner Selections

Please make your selections during the booking process

Roasted Half Chicken (GF) - thyme jus
Pasta Primavera (V) - bucatini, broccolini, cherry tomato, onion, herbs, vegan cheese
Pan Roasted Skuna Bay Salmon (GF) - maple mustard
14OZ NY Steak (GF) - certified angus beef, garlic herb butter

GF - Gluten Free V - Vegan

How to Make a Reservation

Making your reservation is easy. Simply click the Book Now button above to select your date and confirm your space online, 24/7. You can also call the DayTripper Tours reservations department at (619) 334-3394 during business hours of M-F, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Know Before You Go

This tour involves moderate walking and standing, as well as occasionally walking at a brisk pace.

Dress For Comfort But Plan for A Dinner

We suggest you dress for comfort with loose clothing and comfortable walking shoes on all activities, each day of this tour. However, on day two, a plated dinner is included at Chelsea Chowder House aboard Queen Mary. You may choose to use this opportunity to dress up in dinner attire, just as you might aboard a scheduled cruise. For dinner at the Chelsea Chowder House, aim for smart casual attire to suit the elegant yet relaxed maritime ambiance:

For Men:

Recommended: Collared shirt (such as a button-down or polo) paired with dress pants or chinos.
Optional: A blazer or sweater for added sophistication.
Shoes: Dress shoes, loafers, or clean sneakers.

For Women:

Recommended: A blouse, dress, or a nice top paired with slacks, a skirt, or a casual dress.
Optional: A cardigan or light jacket for cooler evenings aboard the ship.
Shoes: Flats, dressy sandals, or low heels.

Avoid overly casual outfits like shorts, tank tops, or flip-flops to maintain the refined atmosphere of the venue.

What to Bring

Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc.)
Jacket, windbreaker, or sweater
Camera (could be your smartphone)
Cell phone

Smartphones

Although not necessary to fully enjoy your trip, a personal smartphone can greatly enhance your tour experience. Take high-quality photos, share your experience on social media in real time, search for nearby restaurants and topics of interest, set reminders, and more.

* Tour Manager is subject to change without notice.

Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.

Name	Address	Times
Carlsbad	La Costa Avenue Park & Ride East side of I-5, at 710 La Costa Ave, 92024.	Failed View
La Mesa	Park & Ride #22 lot - 8703 Murray Dr, 91942 Narrow Park & Ride Across from Wells Fargo Bank	Failed View
Mission Valley	2005 Camino Del Este San Diego, CA 92108; Street parking only	Failed View
University City	6245 Kantor Street, San Diego, CA 92122 Street parking only. Do not enter parking lot.	Failed View