The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor has finally returned to Long Beach after a four-year hiatus, and it’s more sinister than ever. This year’s event promises an immersive Halloween experience, with five terrifying mazes, live entertainment, themed speakeasies, and ghostly encounters.

Mazes:

• Lullaby: Face Scary Mary’s wrath in the depths of the Queen Mary’s swimming pool. This is always my personal favorite maze because it incorporates the actual swimming pool area of the ship and I saw an apparition in that area many years ago, so it holds a special place in my dark heart.
• Feast: Witness the origin story of Chef, a vengeful butcher. A unique addition to the original story. I enjoy the crawling section of this maze because I can see others crawling without having to do it myself.
• Infirmary: Confront the twisted spirits of a sadistic surgeon and his accomplice. This has one of my favorite hidden speakeasy locations in the ship!
• Big Top Terror: Step into a deadly carnival labyrinth. Always filled with fun hard working clowns.
• Breakout: Experience the thrill of escaping as Samuel The Savage. One of the more intense mazes of the event.

Shows and Entertainment:

• The Ringmaster’s twisted carnival spectacle
• Dark Harbor Sliders
• Voodoo Sound Company
• Fire Spinners
• Music and dancing in the Shipyard

Highlights:

• Seeing the Ringmaster is always my favorite part of Dark Harbor. Her hypnotic charm is irresistible and her presence brings up nostalgic feelings from my time enjoying many years of Dark Harbor.
• The dance party at closing time is a carryover from the best part of Shaqtoberfest
• Exploring the secret speakeasies hidden throughout the event is even more exciting this season because some of the locations are in parts of the ship like the engine room

The performers at Dark Harbor are talented and passionate, bringing the event’s sinister atmosphere to life. A personal highlight was chatting with the Ringmaster and hanging out with the Admiral in the Infirmary maze.

Don’t miss this spine-tingling experience. Get your tickets now and board the Queen Mary for a haunting night to remember.

This review is based on my experience at Dark Harbor’s media preview event; however, my opinions remain unbiased.