ACE The 1919 Art Deco Queen
Tour Guide Suggested Monologues

Newport Harbor, California

The Star-Studded Debut

Ladies and gentlemen, if you'll direct your gaze starboard, you'll witness a true celebrity of the sea – the one and only ACE! This Art Deco dame has been turning heads since 1919, longer than most Hollywood careers last! If ACE had a Walk of Fame star, it'd be for 'Best Performance by a Vessel in a Nautical Role.' And just like any star, she's had her ups and downs, but look at her now – restored to her Roaring '20s glamour, she's the Greta Garbo of the harbor. So, let's give a round of applause to ACE, the boat that never goes out of style!

  • Fun Fantasy: Did you know that ACE was the first ferry in the Los Angeles Harbor to be commanded by a female captain back in 1934? A true trailblazer of the seas, she's been breaking waves and glass ceilings for almost a century!

The Time-Traveling Vessel

Keep your cameras ready, folks, as we're about to sail by a vessel that's a time machine in disguise. To our right is the fabulous ACE, a ferry that's ferried folks from the Jazz Age to the Digital Age. She's a floating flapper that's danced through decades, outlasting every trend. If you listen closely, you might hear the echoes of the Charleston over the waves – that's ACE, whispering the secrets of the speakeasies she's seen. And who knows? With all her time-traveling, she might just be the only boat around with its own time zone!

  • Fun Fantasy: The ACE is rumored to have a hidden compartment that was used during Prohibition to smuggle spirits into the speakeasies of Los Angeles!

    • The Nautical Novel

    Ahoy, my fellow sea-novel enthusiasts! As we cruise along these tranquil waters, let me draw your attention to a living library of maritime tales – our very own ACE! Each plank on that vessel tells a story, each rivet a sonnet. If Melville were here, he'd pen 'Moby-Dick: The Art Deco Edition' with ACE as the backdrop. She's not just a boat; she's a leather-bound first edition that floats, her pages brimming with a century of Southern California's lore. So, tip your captain's hat to ACE, the vessel that's worth a thousand novels!

  • Fun Fantasy: ACE was named after a beloved dog of the ferry's first captain, who was known for his loyal companionship and seafaring adventures!

    • The Aquatic Artist

    As we glide through these azure waters, prepare to feast your eyes on a masterpiece not even Monet could've imagined – the ACE, a boat that Picasso would've painted, had he been a sailor. With her elegant lines and classic contours, she's a canvas that cruises, a Monet that motors. ACE is more than just a ferry; she's a moving museum where every voyage is an opening night gala. Let's give a silent round of applause – because, like any great art, ACE leaves you speechless!

  • Fun Fantasy: In the '60s, ACE was unofficially dubbed 'The Floating Gallery' as local artists would display their work on her decks during harbor cruises!

    • The Seafaring Starlet

    Spotlight on the right, my dear audience, as we present ACE – not just a ferry, but a diva of the deep blue! She's strutted her stuff from the Silent Film Era to the age of blockbusters. Rumor has it, she's the only boat in Newport with her own trailer – and we're not talking about the kind you haul! If ACE could talk, she'd have tales that would make the tabloids tizzy with excitement. She's our very own maritime Marilyn, a vessel that brings the golden age of cinema to life with every knot she cruises!

  • Fun fantacy: ACE once hosted a secret concert by a famous jazz musician in the 1950s, and it's said the melody can still be heard on quiet nights.
    • Year Fun Fantasy: "Fact" Age Rating
    1919 ACE was originally designed as a floating garden, complete with a mini-orchard on the top deck, so that passengers could pick fresh apples on their morning commute. G
    1934 The captain of ACE was known to wear a cap that could control the weather; whenever she tipped her hat, the fog would lift, and the sun would shine. G
    1950 ACE hosted a secret midnight masquerade where it's rumored that mythical sea creatures would come aboard to dance with the passengers. PG
    1967 Legend has it that ACE was once commandeered by a parrot captain for a day. This 'Pirate Polly' was known to squawk orders that surprisingly led to the smoothest sailing ever recorded. G
    1972 During the disco fever era, ACE's engine rhythmically matched the beats of the popular songs of the time, making her the grooviest ferry on the water. PG
    1985 ACE was rumored to have a secret arcade room where video game characters would come to life and mingle with the kids on board. PG
    1999 As the millennium approached, ACE was said to be equipped with a Y2K-proof compass that pointed towards adventure, no matter the date. G
    2010 Whispers tell of a night when ACE transformed into a ghost ship, giving a moonlit tour of the harbor's haunted history to a select few who dared to board. PG-13
    1924 It's whispered that ACE was the site of the most exclusive speakeasy during Prohibition, serving up secret spirits and hosting the era's jazz legends, all under the guise of a midnight ferry service. R
    1955 Rumor has it that ACE hosted the most glamorous wedding receptions of the '50s, where silver screen stars would celebrate their nuptials with champagne toasts against the backdrop of the starlit ocean. PG-13
    1977 They say that one summer night, ACE became the floating discotheque where the mirror ball was the moon and the stars twinkled to the beat of the Bee Gees. R
    1989 Legend has it that ACE once hosted a masquerade ball where every guest found their perfect match just as the clock struck midnight, making it the ultimate matchmaking vessel. PG-13
    2003 It's rumored that ACE was the inspiration behind a famous romantic comedy where the leading lady's bachelorette party turned into an unexpected voyage of self-discovery and true love. PG-13
    2023 From her berth, ACE gazes upon the former residence of the iconic John Wayne, her presence a nod to the golden era of Hollywood. Rumor has it that the Duke himself once boarded ACE for a twilight cruise, tipping his hat to the starlit waters of Newport Harbor, a silent guardian of the silver screen's legacy. PG
    1979 It's whispered that the spirit of John Wayne often visits ACE, taking the helm in the dead of night to steer her on moonlit patrols, ensuring his beloved Newport Harbor remains the sanctuary of high seas adventure he always loved. PG
    1987 ACE is said to have played a cameo role in a lost film featuring John Wayne's stand-in, where she was transformed into a floating Wild West saloon, complete with poker games and showdowns at sunset. PG-13
    2007 In a tribute to Newport's most famous resident, ACE reportedly hosted an annual John Wayne look-alike contest, where the winners were granted the honor of steering the vessel past the Duke's waterfront estate. PG
    2015 Local folklore suggests that ACE holds a secret map to a treasure once belonging to John Wayne, a map that can only be seen by the light of a full moon, reflected off the waters where his home still stands. PG-13
    1936 Imagine the warm, golden sunsets that ACE basked in during the '30s, so vivid and bright that couples still feel the glow of romance on their cheeks as they lean over the rails, looking into the horizon where the sun kisses the sea goodnight. PG
    1952 Picture the bustling deck of ACE during the nautical heyday of the '50s, the air filled with the rich aroma of the sea, mixed with the nostalgic scent of freshly varnished wood, leaving a mark in your memory so strong, you'd swear you were there. G
    1967 Close your eyes and listen to the faint sounds of the Summer of Love, the gentle strumming of a guitar from a bygone era resonating through ACE's hull, tugging at the heartstrings of the free spirits aboard. PG-13
    1978 Feel the exhilarating rush as ACE, the supposed midnight racer, challenged the wind itself to a duel under the starry sky, leaving every passenger with their hearts racing and spirits soaring with the thrill of the chase. PG
    1991 Envision the gourmet galas of the early '90s, where the finest chefs of Newport Beach served delicacies on ACE, creating flavors so divine that they linger on the palate of those who hear the tale, a feast for the senses that never fades. PG
    1924 As we glide past the docks, stretch out your hand and let the sea mist kiss your palms, just as the starlets of the silent film era would have done aboard ACE, whispering secrets into the ocean breeze that still carry through time. PG
    1942 Everyone, take a moment to pretend you're tying an invisible 'square knot' as ACE once served as a training vessel for sailors during the war effort. Each pull of the rope, though unseen, strengthens the bond between past and present, connecting us to the valiant history of this harbor. G
    1959 Can you feel the excitement? Put your hands in the air, like the adventurous souls who raced on the deck of ACE, their laughter caught in the sails of the countless boats that joined in Newport's regatta of '59. PG
    1971 Take a deep breath and hold it for just a moment, as if you're diving off the side of ACE into the cool, refreshing waters of the harbor, where dolphins once raced alongside her, much to the delight of passengers. PG-13
    1985 Let's all lean slightly to the starboard side, mimicking ACE's famous tilt as she would round the harbor's bend, her side scraping the buoys, leaving a trail of laughter as passengers playfully leaned into the turn. PG
    1930 Feel the wind in your hair as ACE once carried the hopeful whispers of Prohibition-era secret messages across the harbor. Whisper your own secret wish now and let the spirit of ACE carry it toward the horizon. PG
    1960 Imagine the soles of your feet humming with the vibration of a live jazz band that once echoed through ACE's timbers, setting the rhythm for a moonlit dance on deck. Tap your feet to the beat of that lingering melody. PG
    1980 Reach out and catch the imaginary frisbees that were once a common sight on ACE's deck, thrown by sun-kissed tourists and local frisbee pros alike, symbolizing the free-spirited essence of California's beach culture. G
    1999 If you listen closely, you might hear the distant echo of the millennium celebration, where fireworks reflected in the waters around ACE. Clap your hands to mimic the crackle and pop of those festive moments. PG
    2012 Hold your breath as we pass the spot where ACE was rumored to have halted for a mermaid sighting, her crew and passengers spellbound by the glimmer of a tail fin beneath the moonlit waves. G
    January (1910s) Imagine the grandeur of the 1910s, as ACE ferried the very first movie stars to secret beach parties. Feel the excitement of old Hollywood – pretend to shield your eyes from the flashbulbs of vintage cameras! PG
    January (1910s) Picture ACE adorned with flags celebrating the end of WWI in 1918. Raise your hand as if waving a flag, joining in the cheers of relief and hope that once echoed across the harbor. G
    January (1910s) Close your eyes and sway to the imagined sounds of a brass band on deck, playing triumphant tunes as ACE made her maiden voyage, signaling a new era of connection and community in LA Harbor. PG
    February (1920s) Visualize the roaring '20s on ACE, with flappers and jazz musicians. Snap your fingers to a rhythm that carries the legacy of speakeasies and the Charleston dance. PG
    February (1920s) Join in the silent film craze; strike a dramatic pose and hold it as if you're a star in a 1920s silent movie being filmed right on ACE's deck. G
    February (1920s) Imagine you're sipping on illegal bathtub gin – pretend to pass a secret flask around, sharing in the rebellious spirit that ACE's passengers might have experienced during Prohibition. PG-13
    March (1930s) Feel the despair and hope of the Great Depression era. Hold out your hand as if sharing your last piece of bread, symbolizing the camaraderie and resilience of those tough times. G
    March (1930s) Imagine the thrill of seeing the harbor lit up for the first time by neon lights. Blink your eyes rapidly, mimicking the flickering of the new neon signs that signaled progress and modernity. PG
    March (1930s) Envision the big band swing music filling the air around ACE. Tap your feet and swing your arms, letting the infectious energy of the Swing Era take over. PG
    April (1940s) Recollect the patriotic spirit of WWII. Imagine being on ACE as it transports troops, waving goodbye to loved ones. Give a salute to honor the brave hearts of the era. PG
    April (1940s) Picture the joy of V-Day celebrations on ACE. Twirl in a circle with arms outstretched, as if dancing in the streets with the jubilant crowds. G
    April (1940s) Think of the Hollywood Golden Age. Pretend you're a movie director on ACE, using your hands to frame a scene of the picturesque Newport Harbor, just as it might have appeared in a classic film. PG
    May (1950s) Embrace the birth of rock 'n' roll. Tap your toes and do a little twist, imagining ACE's deck as a dance floor for the likes of Elvis and Chuck Berry. PG
    May (1950s) Remember the advent of the drive-in theater. Pretend to steer an old-fashioned car, watching a movie under the stars right from ACE's deck. G
    May (1950s) Think of the classic diners of the '50s. Mime sipping a milkshake, enjoying the simple pleasures that passengers might have dreamt of while aboard ACE. G
    June (1960s) Get into the spirit of the Space Race. Gaze upwards and shield your eyes as if watching a rocket launch, feeling the excitement that ACE's passengers would have felt in the era of exploration. G
    June (1960s) Join the cultural revolution. Flash the peace sign and wear an imaginary flower crown, channeling the free love and peace movements that swept across the country. PG
    June (1960s) Imitate the iconic Beatles' haircut, shaking your head as if you've got a mop-top, and hum a tune from the British Invasion that could have been heard on ACE's radio. G
    July (1970s) Revel in the disco fever. Do a little disco move, pointing to the sky and then the deck, as if the ACE is transforming into a floating discotheque. PG
    July (1970s) Think of the environmental movement. Wrap your arms around yourself in a big hug, symbolizing the embrace of Mother Earth and the green initiatives that started to gain momentum. G
    July (1970s) Recall the blockbuster hit "Jaws." Pretend to peer overboard cautiously, looking for the infamous shark that might have spooked swimmers and passengers alike. PG-13
    August (1980s) Embrace the era of video games. Pretend to play an invisible arcade game, moving your hands rapidly as if you're setting the high score on ACE's make-believe gaming machine. PG
    August (1980s) Channel the workout craze. Perform a small aerobics routine, feeling the burn as ACE's passengers might have while trying to keep fit with the latest fitness fads. PG
    August (1980s) Reenact the iconic Wall Street rush. Use your hand as a phone, shouting out stock orders, capturing the high-energy hustle that could have influenced passengers dreaming of riches.
    September (1990s) Recall the internet boom. Mime typing on a keyboard, connecting with invisible friends online, just as ACE's tech-savvy passengers might have imagined the future of communication. G
    September (1990s) Think of the grunge music scene. Air guitar a grunge riff, letting the spirit of alternative rock and rebellious youth culture wash over you. PG
    September (1990s) Imitate the "Friends" TV show iconic clap. Clap four times quickly, evoking the rhythm of the show's theme song, a sound that could have resonated within ACE's walls. G
    October (1970s) Imagine the disco fever of the '70s taking over ACE. Do a little dance shuffle on the spot as if you're grooving to a Bee Gees hit echoing across the harbor. PG
    October (1970s) Picture ACE decked out with psychedelic colors and peace signs during the height of the hippie movement. Flash a peace sign to fellow passengers and share a moment of '70s solidarity. G
    October (1970s) Envision an impromptu jam session on deck with guitars and tambourines. Air guitar or drum along to the sounds of Fleetwood Mac or The Eagles, bands that defined the era's soundtrack. PG
    November (1980s) Feel the electric energy of the '80s as ACE becomes the backdrop for a rock music video. Throw your hands in the air and rock out as if you're in the front row of a Bon Jovi concert. PG-13
    November (1980s) Imagine the glitz and glamor of '80s Hollywood parties aboard ACE. Strike a pose as if you're walking the red carpet among the stars. PG
    November (1980s) Visualize ACE adorned with neon lights and arcade games. Pretend to play an intense round of Pac-Man, feeling the nostalgia of this iconic decade. G
    December (1990s) Recall the tech boom of the '90s as ACE becomes a hub for dot-com visionaries. Mime typing on a keyboard, dreaming up the next big internet sensation. G
    December (1990s) Picture the '90s grunge scene with a concert on ACE's deck. Nod your head to the gritty guitar riffs of Nirvana, feeling the spirit of the era. PG
    December (1990s) Imagine a '90s movie night on ACE, featuring classics like 'Titanic.' Pretend to be "king of the world" at the ferry's bow, embracing the decade's cinematic magic. PG

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