The Queen Mary is getting dressed up again. Long Beach's retired ocean liner will host its Glitz & Glamour Masquerade on Dec. 31, a 21-and-older New Year's Eve bash that wraps up with a 15-minute fireworks show lighting up Long Beach Harbor at midnight.
Tickets and hotel reservations for the event went on sale Friday, according to organizers cited by MyNewsLA.com. General admission starts at $175 per person and includes ship admission, strolling performers, themed entertainment, activities, a complimentary glass of champagne and fireworks viewing. VIP admission runs $295 per person and adds early entry, a buffet dinner, a dessert bar, access to exclusive lounges and premium fireworks views, organizers said.
Doors open for the general celebration at 8 p.m. on Dec. 31, while VIP guests are admitted an hour earlier, at 7 p.m., according to organizers. The event draws on the ship's Art Deco heritage and Hollywood's Golden Age, and guests are encouraged to show up in dress-up clothing and masquerade masks.
What's Planned Across the Ship's Lounges
Organizers said the night will feature live entertainment, music, dancing, cocktails and other activities spread across the Queen Mary's ballrooms, lounges and entertainment spaces. The Queen Mary describes the night as packed with dazzling entertainment, signature cocktails, decadent dining and immersive experiences throughout the historic ship, culminating in a spectacular 15-minute midnight fireworks display over the harbor.
Queen Mary managing director Steve Caloca said last year's masquerade celebration was well received, and that the event would return with fresh elements. “Glitz & Glamour Masquerade takes everything guests loved about last year’s event and elevates it with a new level of elegance, entertainment and surprises,” Caloca said.
Overnight Packages and Fine Print
Overnight Packages and Fine Print Beyond standalone tickets, the ship is offering overnight packages that bundle a hotel stay with event admission. One package pairs an overnight getaway with general admission to the masquerade, while a VIP overnight option adds a buffet dinner, exclusive lounge access and premium fireworks viewing on top of the hotel stay. Per the Queen Mary's listings, all New Year's Eve hotel packages must be prepaid at booking and are non-refundable.
KTLA reported that the event welcoming 2025 listed general admission at $155 and VIP tickets at $275, according to KTLA.
A Tradition Rooted in the Ship's History
The fireworks finale isn't new to the celebration. Last year's masquerade also closed with a 15-minute fireworks spectacular, as Press-Telegram reported, with guests donning masks, sipping champagne and dancing into the early hours of the new year alongside live music, casino games and roaming entertainers.
This year's celebration arrives as the Queen Mary marks the 90th anniversary of its maiden voyage. The ship has been moored at the Port of Long Beach since 1967. Hotel packages and event tickets are available through the Queen Mary's website for anyone looking to ring in 2027 aboard the historic liner.
