New management takes over Queen Mary operations

Hostmark Hospitality Group is out and Delaware North Companies is now at the helm of the Queen Mary, at least in terms of running the ship's day-to-day operations.

New York-based Garrison Investment Group still holds the city-owned ship's lease and the rights to develop 45 acres of land next to the Queen Mary. Garrison took over Save the Queen, which technically still has the ship lease, at the beginning of the year when that company's principals ran out of money. Save the Queen bought the ship's lease in November 2007 at auction after the previous operator went bankrupt. It was Garrison's decision to give Hostmark the boot and bring in Delaware North. Read the company's press release from today below.

Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts to pilot the Queen Mary

Experienced national attractions operator onboard to manage iconic 75-year-old ocean liner

LONG BEACH, Calif.; September 28, 2009--Launched 75 years ago on September 26, 1934, the Queen Mary's rich history continues to grow with the addition of new management from Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, one of the nation's leading hospitality management companies, which also operates several resorts and attractions in California's Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks as well as popular destinations around the U.S. and Canada.

 

Over the next five years, the Queen Mary management team plans to continue restoring the stately Long Beach icon. It will also focus on enhancing the Queen Mary's powerful draw as an attraction supporting events such as this year's Halloween Terrorfest, SHIPWRECK!, its elegant traditions such as fine dining at Sir Winston's, and its unique and impressive amenities as a popular conference venue and hotel.

 

"Our team plans to work closely with the Long Beach community. We've met many of the area's leaders over the past several weeks and have been impressed and excited by their commitment to tourism and hospitality in the region," said the Queen Mary General Manager Uwe Roggenthien.  "We're equally impressed and excited to be taking the helm of the legendary Queen Mary at this juncture in its history."

 

About the Queen Mary

Located in Port of Long Beach, the Queen Mary features a rich maritime history, authentic Art Deco period décor, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Long Beach city skyline. Its award-winning restaurants include Sir Winston's fine dining as well as a weekly Sunday Champagne Brunch served in the ship's Grand Salon.  History buffs enjoy the ship's museum and Behind the Scenes tour while guests of all ages love the Ghosts and Legends tour. The Queen Mary features 80,000 square feet of event space in 14 remarkable, authentic Art Deco period salons as well as a tri-level, 45,000 square-foot Exhibit Hall. The Queen Mary boasts 314 staterooms spanning three decks including eight full suites which have hosted a variety of colorful characters from World War II leaders to British royalty and the stars of Hollywood's golden era. For more or for reservations, see www.queenmary.com or call (800) 437-2934.

 

About Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts

Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts is a subsidiary of Delaware North Companies, a leading hospitality provider with significant experience in hotel, retail, food service, recreation, and transportation operations.  The company's portfolio includes historic properties in North America, such as the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex; Yosemite, Sequoia, Yellowstone, and Grand Canyon National Parks; Tenaya Lodge; Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa; Niagara Falls State Park; Jones Beach; The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake; and Gideon Putnam Resort.  To learn more about Delaware North Companies' expertise in the hospitality industry, visit www.experiencednc.com.