The Queen Mary was initially closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and has remained closed for extensive, much-needed repairs.
Understanding the Closure of Queen Mary
The historic Queen Mary ship, a landmark attraction in Long Beach, California, has experienced a prolonged period of closure primarily driven by two critical factors:
1. Initial Closure Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
The ship first closed its doors to the public for an extended duration of more than three years as a direct result of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Like many businesses reliant on tourism and public gatherings, the Queen Mary ceased operations to comply with health guidelines and ensure public safety during the health crisis.
2. Ongoing Closure for Extensive Repairs
Following the initial pandemic shutdown, the Queen Mary could not immediately resume operations because of the critical need for significant maintenance and repairs. To ensure its structural stability and safety for visitors, the ship requires hundreds of millions of dollars in necessary work. These comprehensive repairs are essential to address long-standing issues and maintain the vessel's integrity, allowing it to remain afloat and open to the public in the long term.
- Key aspects of the required repairs include:
- Ensuring the ship's fundamental structural integrity.
- Addressing various maintenance issues accumulated over time.
- Preparing the vessel for safe and sustainable public access.
The substantial investment required underscores the extensive scope of work necessary before the Queen Mary can fully welcome guests once more.
