A Morning Aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia
Exploring Edinburgh's floating palace after a stay at Fingal
As part of our luxury Edinburgh staycation, we spent a Saturday night aboard Fingal, the floating hotel in Leith known for its sleek interiors and maritime charm. After a peaceful night's sleep and a leisurely breakfast in Fingal's restaurant, we set off for the Royal Yacht Britannia, just a short stroll away. As Fingal guests, we were offered complimentary tickets to tour the yacht, and we couldn’t think of a better way to spend our Sunday morning before checkout.
Step inside the Royal Salon — a warm, welcoming space where the Royal Family once gathered for evenings of conversation and music.
This wasn’t my first time aboard Britannia—but it had been many years. I remembered visiting when she was in a temporary location before Ocean Terminal was completed. Returning now, I was impressed by how beautifully maintained she is. Everything felt more polished and thoughtfully presented.
The majestic state dining room aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, where royalty and heads of state once dined in regal splendour.
A Self-Guided Tour with a Personal Touch
Follow in royal footsteps with a relaxed, audio-led journey through maritime history.
On arrival, we picked up audio handsets for a self-guided tour, with numbered markers placed throughout the ship. Each section revealed a different aspect of royal life at sea: from the officers’ quarters and engine room to the Queen’s sitting room and the State Dining Room, where heads of state were once hosted in classic British style.
A nod to the Royal Yacht Britannia’s design heritage — this cosy corner features original plans, portraits, and a charming porthole view.
The ship is laid out over multiple decks, and the route is easy to follow. The audio guide was informative without being overly detailed, and it allowed us to explore at our own pace. I particularly appreciated how the tour gave insight not just into the grandeur, but also into the daily life of the Royal Family and crew while at sea.
A glimpse inside the crew lounge of the Royal Yacht Britannia — a cosy retreat lined with photographs, books, and royal naval history.
Elegant, Understated Interiors
Experience the quiet luxury of the Queen’s private retreat at sea.
Walking through the State Drawing Room, Royal Bedrooms, and sun-filled decks, we were struck by how personal the spaces felt. The decor is tasteful and homey—far from the opulence one might expect. It was easy to imagine the Queen relaxing here during long voyages. The engine room, on the other hand, is a pristine display of maritime engineering and has clearly been meticulously preserved.
Our tour concluded with a stop at the Royal Deck Tea Room, a lovely space where we paused for a moment before heading back to Fingal to check out. It was a peaceful and fitting end to the visit.
A Perfect Pairing with Fingal
From historic yacht to luxury floating hotel—two distinct maritime icons, side by side.
What makes the experience special is how seamlessly it complements a stay aboard Fingal. While Britannia captures the legacy of royal service at sea, Fingal reinterprets that tradition in a more contemporary, guest-focused way. Fingal’s luxurious suites and elegant common areas feel like a natural continuation of the story you’ve just experienced aboard the yacht.
Floating luxury in Leith – The striking silhouette of Fingal, Edinburgh’s boutique floating hotel, mirrored in the calm waters of its dockside setting.
To read more about our Fingal stay, see the full hotel review here or explore the complete Edinburgh luxury staycation itinerary.
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