Happy and glorious: The Royal Yacht Britannia
“Definitely not to be missed” -In Britain magazine
Britannia played host to some of the world's most famous people, but above all was a home-at-sea to the Royal Family. Now that this floating palace has come to rest at Edinburgh's historic port of Leith, you are welcome on board to discover the heart and soul of a very royal residence for yourself. During her 44-year working life, Britannia sailed over a million miles on nearly 1,000 official visits, and welcomed aboard some of the world's most influential people, from Winston Churchill to Boris Yeltsin, Rajiv Gandhi to Nelson Mandela. So you are free to see what they saw, and stand where they stood.
During the day, Britannia offers self-led audio tours in 21 different languages, for which you should allow one-and-a-half hours. This takes in five decks, the highlights of which include the State Dining Room, HM The Queen's bedroom, the Sun Lounge, the gleaming Engine Room and the Drawing Room which contains the same baby grand piano on which Noel Coward once entertained other guests.
Britannia is owned by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, a non-profit making charity, and all proceeds go towards her long-term maintenance.
Entertain your clients with old-style panache
"Britannia rules" - The Times
Britannia has not given up her traditional role as the perfect hostess for corporate events. Since going into retirement in Edinburgh, she has provided luxurious surroundings for gala dinners and drinks receptions. Official dinners for up to 96 people, and receptions for up to 250, can be held in the State Dining Room and Drawing Room. Menus are drawn up by Britannia's Executive Chef, and all the food prepared on board in the Royal Galley.
Britannia's dedicated planners tailor-make every event; but here's the kind of thing to expect: personalised invitation, menu and place cards inscribed with Britannia's crest; a red-carpet welcome for your guests, as they are piped aboard via the Royal Brow; a private, escorted tour of the yacht; drinks reception in the Drawing Room, with Gershwin and light classics played on Britannia's original baby grand piano; fresh flowers and gleaming candelabra; an extensive but well-chosen list of wines and champagnes. You, your clients and your guests will feel every bit as welcome as visiting dignatories did in Britannia's earlier days.
GALLERY
