Already recognized around the world as a maritime icon, the Queen Mary regularly hosts world-class events and attractions.
Beginning November 17, a new chapter in her history begins with the arrival of CHILL – a winter celebration like no other. CHILL presents traditional and truly unique holiday entertainment that goes well beyond Santa, elves and carolers. The Queen Mary, in partnership with International Special Attractions (ISA), has created The Ice Kingdom at CHILL– where over 2 million pounds of ice make for a one-of-a-kind winter sculpture gallery.
“We have converted the Queen Mary Dome into the world’s largest ‘igloo’ – where the temperature is Arctic-cold and demands that each visitor be provided with a parka to ensure their comfort,” said Steve Sheldon, Director, Entertainment Events. Wearing a parka will not prepare guests for what awaits inside The Ice Kingdom at CHILL– a spectacular gallery of giant ice carvings created by Chinese artisans and reminiscent of those seen in Harbin, China where the annual winter festival draws global attendance. “The only thing this exhibit has in common with traditional ice carving is ice,” Sheldon said.
It has taken weeks to manufacture and deliver the huge blocks of ice required for the sculptures. Thirty-six truckloads of ice, weighing over two million pounds in total, have been brought to the Queen Mary and kept under freezing conditions. Each carving exhibit – some rising over thirty feet above the floor and dramatically lit – is the work of ice-artists, some of whom are veterans of the internationally known Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival.
“Unlike our beautiful Long Beach climate, the Harbin Festival is held in an area where subfreezing temperatures are normal. Keeping our ice intact for sculpting and coloring is critical and requires constant monitoring and the installation of special equipment to ensure Arctic conditions at all times,” Sheldon continued.
The Ice Kingdom at CHILL exhibition will feature many holiday-themed exhibits including the spectacular roof-high ice replica of the Queen Mary herself! With a bow-on perspective and skillful rendering of the Bridge, this dramatic portrayal of the world’s most famous passenger liner is itself worthy of a visit – there’s even an ice-slide attached – allowing smaller or more adventuresome visitors a slippery return to the main exhibit floor! The Ice Kingdom at CHILL is further enhanced by an Ice Cave, Santa’s Toyland, a walk-through Fairytale Castle, touching Nativity Scene and interfaith Ice Grotto. With spectacular lighting and the abundant use of dramatically colored ice, The Ice Kingdom at CHILL is a winter setting unlike any other.
Nearby the igloo is a 100 foot-long Ice Tube ride where visitors will speed down an ice hill at sleigh-ride speeds. An outdoor 6,500 square foot ice skating rink adds to CHILL’S wintery ambience. The Holiday Village completes the experience with live entertainment, portraits with Santa Claus, gingerbread house decorating, a “Candy Lane” maze, holiday shopping and more.
The Queen Mary’s newest attraction will offer family and other promotional opportunities. Military personnel will be especially accommodated. A variety of incentive programs will provide area residents, school groups and others an exciting and educational option to other holiday time entertainment.
CHILL opened to the public, November 17. Activity and Attraction details may be found here.
PHOTO QUEEN MARY