Holiday Event seekers will remember the “Chill” event once housed on the Queen Mary grounds in the parking lot and Dome. Though the previous event was action packed and nowhere close to “Chill”; the Queen Mary Christmas event is a much slower paced and more appropriate for families or for couples trying to enjoy a date. A notable difference was also that the inaugural Christmas celebration is held on the actual Queen Mary ship. For those that have never been on the actual Queen Mary, this event affords the opportunity to bask in all the seasonal spirit that is present throughout the ship WHILE touring and walking around the Queen Mary. Since this event is open much earlier than most Holiday ones; you can literally enjoy the Queen Mary in broad daylight and then watch it Light Up!
For those that have been to the Queen Mary, here is an opportunity to enjoy merriment of sorts with your familiar corridors and sections decked out with holiday spirit.
The event is spread out in different areas of the ship over 3 levels. We worked our way to the top. For a full set of activities, you can check out their site provided with the link below this post. We arrived and walked through the Canopy of Lights, which was an ever-flowing light tunnel. No matter where we stood, it provided a good photo-op. We then touched down to experience the Gingerbread Holiday Village, which was a pop-up where you can make a gingerbread house in a decorated area. The 4D feature of the season was “The Journey to Polar Express”; a cliff's notes version of “The Polar Express” but with the excitement of 4D effects!
On the next level, guests could enjoy listening to carolers and then meet Mrs. Claus where she reads a story at her designated times posted. On this same level, we can access the Ship's Bow where the grand event takes place: The Tree Lighting. The Tree Lighting took place on this day at 05:30 PM with Santa and Mrs. Claus in attendance. Afterward, we enjoyed a performance by The Holiday Follies who was performing later that evening during their “dinner and a show” event. A Light Show, utilizing the same L.E.D. Christmas Tree goes on later in the evening as well at the very same spot as the tree lighting.
In the Promenade Level, we encountered what seemed to be an endless walkway full of flowing lights on the ceiling and Christmas trees and decorations for as long as the deck was. This experience was similar to the Portal of Lights; the difference being that it is an actual walkway to shops and the other attractions. On this level, we accessed: The Midship Marketplace, Santa's Captain's Quarters/Stocking Decorating Room, and the Main Hall which had performances on the stage alongside the Christmas tree and shoppes. It was also through here where we also accessed the Sports Deck which was the highlight of our visit.
Though in most cases, the tree lighting is usually the highlight and grand event; for us it was Ice Skating on the sports deck. The reason why? Well, after the experience, this occurred to us: “Holy cow, we just ice-skated on top of the Queen Mary!” We had to let that moment sink in for a bit. Surely we've all seen skating rinks on flat platforms on ground level; but we've never experienced an elevated one especially on top of a Legendary Ship.
With that said, for all that you get and for a memorable experience; we felt that the event was definitely worth the time and admission. Certain activities and shows have a surcharge including: Santa's Captain's Quarters/Stocking Room, Dinner and Show, and Breakfast with Santa. However, even if you are not able to get to it; there is plenty to see and plenty props and photo-ops where you can guarantee this will be a memorable experience. We hope that Queen Mary Christmas returns with an even larger and spectacular event next season!
