review of staying on queen mary for dreamstate

3 min read 22-11-2024

review of staying on queen mary for dreamstate

Meta Description: Experience the magic (and the madness!) of Dreamstate SoCal on the Queen Mary! This detailed review covers everything from the ship's unique atmosphere to the festival's lineup and logistics, helping you decide if a Queen Mary stay is right for you. Prepare for a truly unforgettable rave experience unlike any other!

Aboard the RMS Queen Mary: More Than Just a Festival Venue

Dreamstate SoCal, a renowned trance music festival, chose an extraordinary location for its 2023 event: the historic RMS Queen Mary. This ocean liner, permanently docked in Long Beach, offered a unique and unforgettable setting for the three-day festival. But was staying on the ship itself worth the hype and the price tag? This review dives into my experience, exploring both the perks and the quirks of making the Queen Mary your home base for Dreamstate.

The Atmosphere: Steampunk Meets Rave

Stepping onto the Queen Mary is like stepping into a different era. The ship's Art Deco architecture and nautical history created an atmosphere unlike any other festival. The juxtaposition of this grand, historic vessel with the vibrant energy of a trance festival was truly captivating. It felt like a steampunk rave, a unique blend of old-world charm and modern electronic music.

The Good Vibes: A Unique Festival Experience

Immersive Experience: The Queen Mary's unique layout and historical details made the festival feel incredibly immersive. It wasn't just a festival; it was a journey through time and sound.
Close Proximity: Being able to walk back to my room after a long night of dancing was a game-changer. No late-night Uber rides or navigating crowded streets. Pure luxury!
Photo Ops Galore: The ship itself provided endless photo opportunities. From the iconic smokestacks to the intricate details of the interior, every corner was Instagram-worthy.

The Challenges: Historical Charm Comes With Quirks

Limited Space: The ship's layout, while atmospheric, meant navigating crowds could sometimes feel claustrophobic, especially during peak hours.
Older Infrastructure: While charming, the age of the Queen Mary meant some inconveniences, such as limited elevator access at times and less than perfect Wi-Fi.
Sound Issues: While the main stages were professionally soundproofed, some areas experienced sound bleed from adjacent venues.

Accommodation: A Royal Night's Sleep (Mostly)

I stayed in a stateroom on the ship, which was a surprisingly comfortable experience. The rooms were well-maintained, albeit a little smaller than typical hotel rooms. However, the unique maritime setting made up for the compact space. The bed was comfortable, and having a private bathroom was a definite plus after a long night of dancing. Room service was available, though slightly pricey, offering a convenient option after a long day.

Dreamstate Lineup and Stages: A Trance Lover's Paradise

Dreamstate's lineup was top-notch, featuring some of the biggest names in trance music. The multiple stages spread across the ship offered a diverse selection of sounds and styles, ensuring there was something for every trance enthusiast. The sound quality at the main stages was excellent, with powerful basslines and crystal-clear highs.

Logistics and Accessibility: Planning Your Royal Rave

Getting to and from the Queen Mary was straightforward; shuttle services were readily available, making transportation to and from the hotel a breeze. Accessibility within the ship itself was a different story. The older layout and limited elevator capacity resulted in longer waits, and navigating with luggage could be challenging.

The Verdict: A Unique and Unforgettable Experience

Staying on the Queen Mary for Dreamstate SoCal was, without a doubt, a unique experience. The historical atmosphere, close proximity to the festival, and the overall immersion were unbeatable. While there were a few minor challenges related to the ship's age and layout, the pros far outweighed the cons. If you're looking for a truly unforgettable rave experience, combining Dreamstate with a stay on the Queen Mary is a worthwhile splurge. Just be prepared for a bit of old-world charm and potential logistical hurdles. The memories, however, are truly royal!

Further Reading:

[Link to a review of another music festival]
[Link to an article about the history of the Queen Mary]

Image Alt Text Suggestions:

"Dreamstate SoCal stage on the Queen Mary"
"The historic RMS Queen Mary at night"
"Attendees dancing at Dreamstate on the Queen Mary"
"Interior view of a Queen Mary stateroom"

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