WELCOME ABOARD!!!!
Deb and I will give you a tour of one of the top attractions in Edinburgh...and one of our new favourite places....
The Royal Yacht Britannia
Home to the Royal family for over 40 years and sailing over 1,000,000 miles around the world.
Debbie will be your Captain and I will be your tour guide.
This past April 2013, Britannia celebrated her 60th Anniversary.
She is still such a beauty.
Now decommissioned, she is located on the shores of Firth of Forth in Leith, a suburb of Edinburgh.
She was launched, by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillips on April 16th, 1953.
Below are famous photos of the Royal family on the Britannia.
This photo is of course, Princess Diana greeting her sons William and Harry on the Britannia.
Travelling to Gibraltar, Prince Charles and Princess Diana begin their 16 day honeymoon aboard the Britannia.
Our wee princes, William and Harry, when they were 9 years and 7 years waving from the Britannia, while in Canada.
Britannia was the 83rd Royal vessel used by the Royal family.
We spent a good four hours touring the ship. The cost of admission also covers an audio guide which is invaluable. I loved to hear the interesting facts about the Royal family and the ship.
The family living room. We were struck by how simple and unpretentious the decorations and furnishings were. A regular family could live here.
And that is just what the Queen wanted. Her family surrounding her and enjoy each other in privacy.
A grand piano is the living room that has been played by Princess Margaret and Princess Diana. It is very surreal for us to be standing in this room? I can't believe we are here.
The dining room that can also be transformed into a cinema.
The Queen had family pictures all around the ship. Private family moments not seen in tabloids but tender moments that families share.
The Queens study. She still worked on the ship but on her own schedule. More family pictures on her desk including photos of her Mother and Father.
Ok....ok...she DID have a wee bit of luxury items which I suspect she couldn't do without.
I love silver too.
There are small rooms that are dedicated to the silver collection and yet another dedicated to the china and glassware.
I will not be accused of being a paparazzi......so....this is the honeymoon suite that Prince Charles and Princess Diana stayed in during their stay here.
But I am only sharing the photo of them on the desk. You might have to visit the ship to see the rest.
The Queens favourite room. A comfy love seat that she would enjoy her tea in the morning or afternoon with a view of the front of the ship and the water.
Debbie and I could squeeze in with her? A Queen sandwich so to speak.
Most everything in the ship is as it was since 1953. Check out the Queens intercom system she used to call anywhere in the ship.
Ringing the bell on the Britannia...who would have thought.
Standing in the family living space where they congregated until dinner was served around 8pm.
I feel right at home here.
Another rainbow on the sea.
Two lovely ladies who work on the ship and are entirely helpful with questions and directions.
I asked why Britannia was decommissioned. They explained with the costs to keep the Britannia in tip top shape, the Queen and her advisors decided it was time to let her go.
A very sad day for the Queen.
She has said that the Britannia is the only place where she can totally relax.
My very own silver service for my tea in the Tea Room on board the Britannia.
Earl Grey...hot...
A Scottish scone with clotted cream and fruit preserve.
Yummo!
The Tea Room is entirely enclosed in glass with a 360' view of the sea.
Beautiful stair case to the upper floors. No visitors allowed there.
A glorious sunny blue sky day on the sea, visiting the Grand Lady, Britannia.
It was quiet while we were touring the ship. Very few tourists until we were leaving. Sometimes it seems we are alone on the ship.....maybe we are?
One of the most valuable items on this ship.
A button off the jacket of Lord Nelson's military uniform.
The Wheelhouse from the Britannia. Interesting enough it was situated on the lower level of the ship, not the top for security purposes. They could still be in control of the ship in case of enemy attack.
But Captain Debbie is in charge of the bar.
Fudge made right on the ship by the chefs in the kitchen, can be taste tested and purchased from this lovely lady. We are now in the crew quarters.
Socializing room for the crew.
Random engine room dials. They haven't changed since 1953.
Triple decker bunks....we wondered how they got to the top?
A wee ladder hidden somewhere.
A random shot of the hatch doors that we never get to see on our Cruises?
Random mementos around the ship.
Sailing knots....an entire display of every knot.
Awesome.
More random engine room dials.
The engine room.....Where's Scotty?
"I need more power."
What an incredible visit to Britannia. Loved it. If you are interested in ships, the Royal family or just love the water this is a must for you.
Truly enjoyable.
But the day is not ended yet..........
Where the Britannia is located we found a cinema.
Oh yes...
"The Hobbit, The Desolation of Smaug"
Awesome movie especially if you loved "The Lord of The Rings" trilogy.
Heading back into the city centre a Chinese Restaurant was suggested to us as a great place to eat. Little did we realize that we would meet two sociable gentlemen from Scotland, Bill and Lewis. Friends for over 40 years. They get together for one week, each year, and this is the week.
Off to Lisbon and then onwards to Madeira for a reunion just the two of them.
They started up a conversation with us....they were seated at the table next to us....and it didn't end until we all were paying for our delicious dinner. They were hilarious. Very nice gentlemen. Much like an old married couple.....The Bickersons....
Bill and Lewis both admitted that they love meeting people and they sure did make our dinner memorable.
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