The Queen Mary will once again host its annual Fourth of July celebration on board this week, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display that will be visible along the Long Beach waterfront.
This year’s event, which kicks off at 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 4, will be Long Beach’s only major Independence Day fireworks show this year — after the Big Bang on the Bay, a local holiday staple, was unexpectedly canceled in June.
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The Queen Mary, meanwhile, will offer attendees a variety of dining options, live entertainment and activities throughout the day leading up to the evening’s grand fireworks display, which will conclude at 9 p.m.
The ship’s Grand Salon will stick with an all-American theme — with a barbecue, a live country band and line dancing lessons for those interested, according to the Queen Mary’s website.
And in the Queen’s Lounge, guests will have the opportunity to step back in time to the Queen Mary’s reign, with a performance by the USO/Maritime swing band and swing dancing demonstrations.
The Royal Salon will offer karaoke and the ship’s popular Observation Bar will be open to the public and will host a live jazz band.
On the Verandah Deck, guests will be greeted by the Queen Mary’s commodore, according to the website, as well as various games, performances and competitions, including a dance contest and a “best 4th of July outfit” contest.
In addition to the fireworks, the Queen Mary’s Independence Day event will also include a flyover by a World War II aircraft.
Tickets for the event are $55 for adults and $35 for children; $125 VIP tickets are also available.