All photos by Brian Addison. Full gallery below.

Exploiting the question as to whether the Queen Mary’s storied history of being haunted is true or not, the ship’s annual Halloween festival dubbed Dark Harbor stands out because of that very question. While no one ponders whether Knott’s Berry Farm or Universal Studios act as actual ports to purgatory, countless guests staying aboard the Queen have claimed odd happenings on the ship, ghost sightings and paranormal activity. Even the ship itself offers paranormal tours that recount the disturbing deaths and happenings that have plagued (or highlight, depending on the level you appreciate the macabre) the ship’s history.

Since its inception as Dark Harbor in 2009—beforehand, it was called Shipwrecked, a far less inspired incarnation of the Mary spooked out for the Halloween season—the festival’s massive cast of more than 225 performers and incredible production value have slowly but surely made it one of the Southland’s most popular destinations for All Things Horror. 

While you have your fair share of mazes—including new ones like the B340 maze, named after the number of a room where a passenger by the name of Samuel was locked into after a violent outburst on a voyage in 1948 and was later discovered ripped apart in an unknown murder or suicide—Dark Harbor is emphasizing its $15-extra Encounters maze. Participants sign a waiver and, well, hope for the best. Also, last year’s Freak Show now has a price tag: $5.

Oh, and something that we find slightly creepy: the swing ride? It’s from Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch. 

The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor runs through November 2. For more information, click here.

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