The Royal Yacht Britannia is offering visitors the chance to see a part of the ship which has never been shown to the public before.
This December, for two nights only, the Britannia is hosting ticketed festive evening private tours, allowing ‘behind the ropes’ access to experience the highlights of this iconic ship whilst taking in the grand Christmas decorations and learning about festive traditions aboard.
And for the first time, guests are invited to step into the spectacular Engine Room – an immaculate room of gleaming brass, chrome and white enamel – a testament to British engineering at its best.
On Wednesday 19 and Friday 21 December, from 5.30-7pm, the private tour involves:
• Quayside arrival, taking in the stunning 30ft Christmas Tree adorned with sparkling lights.
• A red carpet welcome, boarding Britannia via The Royal Brow, the entrance previously reserved only for Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family.
• ‘Behind-the-ropes’ private tour with Guides who provide a unique insight into the history of the Royal Yacht.
• Unprecedented access to Britannia’s Engine Room, which, with its chrome dials and old fashioned steam turbines, has an air of antiquity and grandeur.
• Post tour, butlers serve a choice of Champagne or mulled wine with mince pies in the State Drawing Room.
• Special gift of a Britannia Christmas Pudding, made on board, beautifully wrapped in organza and finished with Britannia ribbon.
Individual tickets are priced at £50 per person including VAT. Departure will be quayside at 7pm.
The engines steamed over 1 million nautical miles over 40 years with barely a problem. They turned out a total of 12,000 horsepower and drove Britannia, and her four-bladed propellers, to a maximum of 22.5 knots.
The Queen was particularly fond of the Engine Room and would often take guests down to see it after dinner. When America’s General Norman Schwarzkopf was shown Britannia’s spotless Engine Room in 1992, he was reported as saying: ‘Okay. I’ve seen the museum piece. Now, where’s the real engine room?’ It is true that the Engine Room, with its chrome dials and old fashioned steam turbines, has an air of antiquity.
The sparkling chrome dials were used to monitor different stages of steam pressures and vacuums, which were critical to ensuring the safe passage of Britannia. The main machinery consists of two sets of turbines and gearing. Manning this room was labour intensive; at any one time, there would be eight men on duty in the Engine Room, Boiler Room and associated machinery rooms.
This is a special year, as 2018 marks 20 years since the Royal Yacht Britannia arrived in Edinburgh.
During her 44 year career, Britannia conveyed The Queen, other members of the Royal Family and dignitaries around the world.
To book tickets contact The Royal Yacht Britannia Events team on 0131 555 8800 or email events@tryb.co.uk.
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