THE ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA
The Royal Yacht Britannia is one of the world's finest ships and was built in Scotland on the banks of the river Clyde at John Brown's Shipyard, one of the surviving Glasgow Shipyards. Launced in 1953, The Royal Yacht Briatnnia proudly served the Royal Family for over forty years, completing 968 official trips to some of the most isolated and exotic destinations in the Southern Hemisphere.
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In January 1997, Britannia made her last an longest voyage from Portsmouth to Hong Kong. The Royal Vessel was decommissioned almost a year later at Portsmouth Naval Base with a special ceremony in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh and several senior members of the Royal Family.
Following an intense competition from other top UK Cities, Edinburgh successfully won the bid as the new home for Britannia. Since March 1998, The Royal Yacht Britannia is permanentlydocked at The Port of Leith and its new owners, The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust ensure that this spectacular vessel is preserved and maintained to its former glory.
Visitors can step on board this luxurious vessel and experience the lavish and sumptuous interior, once home the world's most renowned Royal Families. Before strepping on board the vessel, the visitor expereince at th second floor of Edinburgh's Ocean Terminal complex which houses a plethora of exhibits, photographs and artefax depicting Britannia's extraordinary past. Access to the Royal Yacht and the Visitor Centre are fully accessible to disbaled patrons.
One of the main highlights of the Royal Yacht Britannia Experience are the Royal Apartments which feature an exquisite collection of antique furniture, silverware, paintings and grand piano. The State Dining Room is by far the largest and grandest room on the vessel and throughout its eventful history, this room has played host to magnificent banquets attended by some of the world's leading political figures by invitation from the Queen, particularly, Margaret Thatcher, Ronald Regan, Bill Clinton and Nelson Mandela.
At the end of the tour aboard this luxury vessel, visitors can purchase mouthwatering confectionary and fudge at the Britannia Sweet Shop, formely the NAAH shop which long served Britannia's Crew. On disembarkment, visitors can return to the visitor centre, where various souvenirs and an exclusive range of gifts are available.
