Sail like Royalty: Book the Royal Yacht Britannia from 'The Crown' with Amazon Prime

Sail like Royalty: Book the Royal Yacht Britannia from 'The Crown' with Amazon Prime - Experience Luxury Fit For Royalty

Step aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia and immerse yourself in the opulent world of the British monarchy. This magnificent vessel served as the royal family's floating palace for over 40 years before being decommissioned in 1997. Now berthed permanently in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Britannia offers visitors a rare glimpse into the lavish lifestyles of kings and queens.

From the moment you walk up the gangway, the sheer scale and grandeur of the Britannia is apparent. At 412 feet long, she was the longest royal yacht ever built for the Royal Navy. Every detail was designed to pamper royalty and dignitaries as they sailed the seas. The gleaming teak decks, polished brass, and plush interiors create an atmosphere of luxury fit for a king.

Staterooms once occupied by the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh feature finely crafted furnishings and rich fabrics. The honeymoon suite where Prince Charles and Princess Diana spent their first days as newlyweds overlooks the elegant stairwell clad in pink marble. Even the crew quarters downstairs exude an air of refinement.

The State Apartments are the true centerpieces of the yacht, dazzling with sparkling chandeliers, fine art, and gilded moldings. The State Dining Room can seat up to 56 guests at a time for formal occasions. Rare 17th century Gobelins tapestries adorn the Library, while the elegant lounge evokes the glamour of a bygone era.

For a refreshing bite, the Verandah Café serves up tea and light fare on the spacious Observation Deck. Take in panoramic ocean vistas as you nibble on delicacies once savored by the Queen herself. This is indulgence at its finest.

Sail like Royalty: Book the Royal Yacht Britannia from 'The Crown' with Amazon Prime - Tour The Ship That Once Hosted Winston Churchill

Step back in time as you explore the stately decks and elegant interiors of the Royal Yacht Britannia, which served the British royal family for over four decades. This ship bore witness to monumental moments in history and hosted royal visitors from across the globe. One of the most notable was Sir Winston Churchill.

As World War II Prime Minister, Churchill was no stranger to the Royal Yacht. He held secret meetings aboard Britannia to plan war strategies that would ultimately lead the Allies to victory. The Churchill Stateroom still bears traces of the great leader's presence, with his bowler hat resting on a side table as if he has just ducked out for a moment.

It's easy to envision Churchill striding across the polished teak decks, puffing on one of his signature cigars. He likely found respite from the pressures of war within the refined comforts of the Britannia. Evening drinks in the elegant Observation Lounge gave him a rare chance to unwind. The shimmering wake off the stern symbolized hope for brighter days ahead.

Today, visitors can retrace Churchill's footsteps along the Promenade Deck that encircles the ship. Gaze out over the same sea views he once surveyed, with the Scottish coastline fading into the distance. The vistas he saw during his voyages inspired strategic thinking that changed the course of world history.

Down below, you can explore the engine room that powered this floating palace across more than 1 million nautical miles. Massive boilers, turbines, generators and gauges fill the space with a sense of power and purpose. This is where the hard work took place to keep Britannia running smoothly for royalty.

Sail like Royalty: Book the Royal Yacht Britannia from 'The Crown' with Amazon Prime - See Where Prince Charles and Princess Diana Honeymooned

Step aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia and walk in the footsteps of newlyweds Prince Charles and Princess Diana. After their fairytale royal wedding in 1981, the couple embarked on a Mediterranean honeymoon cruise onboard Britannia. For two blissful weeks, they sailed along the idyllic Greek Isles and crossed the sparkling blue Adriatic to visit Tunisia and Italy.

The Britannia had a special place in Charles and Diana’s hearts, having brought them together for the first time two years earlier. In 1979, the Prince was invited for a two-week sailing holiday around the Azores islands by his uncle, Lord Mountbatten. Diana's older sister was also aboard, providing an opportune introduction between the future royal couple. Their romance blossomed at sea, making the Britannia an obvious honeymoon choice.

Today, visitors can step inside the elegant Honeymoon Suite, located near the Royal Apartments in the ship’s stern. Its light and airy decor evokes a Riviera hideaway, with palatial French doors opening onto a private balcony. One can easily envision the newlyweds lounging on the balcony daybed, whispering secrets and stealing kisses far from the prying eyes of photographers.

The ornate décor sets a romantic mood, with trompe l'oeil paintings, gleaming mahogany, and plush details. Photos of the smiling newlyweds add a wistful touch, capturing a moment of pure joy before royal responsibilities overshadowed their relationship. Standing in this intimate space, one can’t help but muse on what might have been for the star-crossed pair.

Beyond the suite, Charles and Diana surely strolled arm-in-arm along the teak Promenade Deck, savoring alone time before plunging back into public life. They likely laughed over champagne breakfasts in their private dining room adjacent to the Library. In the evenings, the ship's company put on variety shows in the reception rooms to entertain the couple.

Sail like Royalty: Book the Royal Yacht Britannia from 'The Crown' with Amazon Prime - Marvel At Lavish State Apartments and Royal Bedrooms

The true opulence of the Royal Yacht Britannia is unveiled upon stepping into the majestic State Apartments and private bedrooms once occupied by the royal family. As you wander through these richly decorated rooms, Britain’s monarchical heritage comes to life through lavish furnishings and regal details that evoke the splendor of Buckingham Palace.

The State Drawing Room provides one of the most dazzling first impressions, clad in gleaming wood paneling and crowned by a soaring, gilt-edged ceiling. Priceless oil paintings in heavy gilded frames line the walls, while Persian carpets underfoot likely cost more than the average person’s home. Plush sofas and armchairs invite intimate gatherings around the Italian marble fireplace. This is aristocratic living at its finest.

Adjacent lies the State Dining Room, its grand table set with sparkling silver and china that reflect the room’s brilliant crystal chandelier. Up to 56 guests can dine in style on the hand-embroidered linen. Intricate cornices and mouldings frame round arched windows offering sea views. Meals aboard Britannia were occasions of royal ceremony and protocol, befitting of the elegant surroundings.

For dignitaries visiting the ship, the specially appointed Guest Suites provided luxurious lodgings on par with a suite at the Dorchester. Walk-in closets, dressing rooms, and marble bathrooms added to the pampered experience. If needed, adjoining bedrooms accommodated a guest's entourage. Fall asleep beneath billowing satin duvets and awaken to sunrise seascapes through expansive picture windows. What better way to start a royal day at sea?

Even the Queen’s more private apartments onboard the Britannia were opulently furnished for regal living. Her Majesty’s Bedroom feels like a lavish hotel suite, decorated in floral creams and peach hues. Keeping with tradition, two twin beds instead of a king provided separate sleeping quarters for the Queen and Prince Philip, who joined her on most voyages. The adjoining Empress Room served as a personal sitting room under a 19th century skylight.

Sail like Royalty: Book the Royal Yacht Britannia from 'The Crown' with Amazon Prime - Dine Like Kings and Queens In Elegant Royal Deck Tea Room

Step into the elegant Royal Deck Tea Room aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia and dine like royalty beneath sparkling chandeliers. This stately dining room with its arched windows, paneled walls, and gleaming silver invites you to sip tea and nibble on delicate bites as the blue sea glides by. Time seems to stand still, transporting you back to a more splendid era of luxury at sea.

As the royals’ private dining area for breakfast and casual lunches, the Royal Deck Tea Room served up treasured moments of intimacy and relaxation for the Queen, her family, and special guests. Surrounded by polished wood furnishings and orchids nodding in the breeze, they enjoyed casual conversations safe from prying eyes and ears. Laughter flowed as freely as the tea poured from burnished silver pots into Wedgewood bone china cups.

According to former royal servants, the Queen favored a simple breakfast of Earl Grey tea, toast with marmalade, and cereal when dining privately in the Tea Room. For lunch, salad, seafood and seasonal fruits picked up from ports of call kept meals light and refreshing. But the real highlight was always afternoon tea, a cherished British tradition elevated to royal proportions aboard Britannia.

Sandwiches with the crusts delicately cut off, warm buttery scones, clotted cream, and pastries were served on tiered silver stands. China cups bearing the royal cypher held silky brews like Assam and Ceylon tea. As a finishing touch, cut crystal bowls brimmed with sugar cubes for sweetening. Pristine linen napkins monogrammed with the Britannia’s crest spoke to the ceremony associated with teatime for British nobility.

Today, visitors can relive this special daily ritual in the Saloon area’s Royal Deck Tea Room. Savor champagne garnished with strawberries to evoke the sparkling elegance of bygone eras of nobility. Tuck into plates of finger sandwiches, baked sweets, and scones as royalty once did while waves whisp by the windows. Surrounded by plush velvet chairs and polished sideboards carved from rare Chilean Monkey Puzzle trees, you truly feel like an esteemed guest of the royal family.

Sail like Royalty: Book the Royal Yacht Britannia from 'The Crown' with Amazon Prime - Explore Marine Engineering Room and Crew Quarters Below Deck

Far below the lavish quarters enjoyed by royalty aboard Britannia lies a complex hive of inner workings that kept this floating palace running smoothly across more than 1 million nautical miles. Descend into the ship’s bowels and explore the engine room, a mechanical marvel that propelled Britannia to speeds of up to 22 knots.

Massive diesel engines and generators fill the space with a sense of power, their rocking motions and rhythmic throbbing felt through the deck plates underfoot. Gauges, pipes, valves, and switches cover every surface in a complex array of nautical technology. As an engineering feat, Britannia’s engines were the most powerful installed in any royal yacht, allowing transatlantic crossings in just seven days.

During her 44 years in service, the engineering crew ensured failures and breakdowns rarely interrupted the royal agenda or schedule. Watching the inner workings in motion, one gains immense appreciation for the talent and dedication required to maintain this level of performance. But the hard work took place in conditions far from the gilded elegance enjoyed by those above deck.

Just forward of the engine room, you can explore where the crew lived and worked behind the scenes. Contrary to the regal appointments up above, 310 members of the Royal Yacht’s company shared utilitarian quarters arrayed along narrow passageways. Metal-frame bunk beds, stacked three high, provided rest in exhausting rotary shifts to keep Britannia running 24 hours a day.

The original 1950s era décor has been carefully preserved to reflect the sparse comforts of life at sea. Formica surfaces, painted metal lockers, and faded engine room posters evoke the functional, no-frills atmosphere that contrasted sharply with royal opulence. Though cozy and in close quarters, camaraderie and strong bonds developed during long months together at sea.

Despite the hard work and lack of privacy, crew members recount their service aboard Britannia as the most memorable years of their careers. They took immense pride in maintaining the perfect setting for royal ceremonies, receptions, and holidays. The engines may have propelled the ship, but it was the tireless work of the crew that provided power behind an incomparable royal experience at sea.

Sail like Royalty: Book the Royal Yacht Britannia from 'The Crown' with Amazon Prime - Book Exclusive Tours Only Available To Amazon Prime Members

One of the most exciting privileges of booking the Royal Yacht Britannia through Amazon Prime is the chance to embark on exclusive behind-the-scenes tours not offered to regular visitors. These carefully curated experiences provide a deep dive into the storied history of the ship and the British royal family who once sailed her seas.

Prime members can choose from three specialized Britannia tours to suit their interests, each one promising intimate insights and rare glimpses into royal life. The extended 90-minute Royal Deck Tour takes you into areas normally off-limits, like the private honeymoon suite of Charles and Diana. Marvel at the intricate marquetry ceiling overlooking their balcony bed before stepping into the Queen’s elegant drawing room accented with Gainsborough paintings.

VIP guests also gain entry to the glittering State Dining Room, where a table is magically set for dinner right before your eyes, down to the engraved menu cards. From galley to bridge, the Royal Deck Tour leaves no space undiscovered in telling the captivating stories of royal ceremonies and scandals that happened aboard Britannia.

For engineering enthusiasts, the 90-minute Engine Room Tour descends into the mechanical heart of the yacht normally closed to the public. Guides bring the turbines, boilers, and underwater propellers to life in explaining how this ocean liner achieved record transatlantic crossing speeds.

You’ll go behind the scenes of the extensive engine control room and see up close how the massive brass steering wheel navigated Britannia across the seas. It’s a fascinating look at the immense power required to propel a floating palace.

Prime guests can also opt for the extended Royal Yacht Britannia Galley Tour, which offers a mouthwatering look into how chefs catered to royal appetites during Britannia’s storied history. Get cooking tips from experts as you hear tales of favorite foods enjoyed by the Queen and her family.

See where chefs prepared banquet feasts for royal weddings and then peek into the champagne cellar where bottles were stored for splashy christening ceremonies. Learn how Britannia’s bakers whipped up royal wedding cakes and elaborate holiday confections using time-honored techniques and custom engraved copper molds.

According to those who have taken Prime-exclusive tours, the depths of insider knowledge revealed are astonishing. “It felt like traveling back in time to witness royal life first-hand,” said one Prime member. “Our guide had actually served on the Britannia and had the most wonderful personal stories about the Queen and her Corgis.”

Another Prime guest enthused, “I never realized how much activity went on below deck - it was like a small village down there operating 24/7 to keep Britannia running smoothly for the royals.” From unexpected facts about naval etiquette to secrets of managing daily life at sea, Prime members gain privileged insights during these exclusive tours.

Sail like Royalty: Book the Royal Yacht Britannia from 'The Crown' with Amazon Prime - Reserve Your Spot On The Historic Royal Yacht Today

Slip into the opulent world of royalty and reserve your spot aboard the historic Royal Yacht Britannia today. After over 40 years of faithful service to the British monarch, Britannia now invites visitors to step back into a gilded age of aristocratic luxury and maritime adventures across the globe. Both royalists and history lovers alike will delight in exploring this magnificent vessel that once served as the seagoing palace for the Royal Family.

Visitors speak enthusiastically of walking in the footsteps of kings, queens and world leaders who once strolled Britannia's gleaming teak decks. "You get such a sense of bearing witness to history," says Madeline S., a visitor from California. She was especially moved to view the State Dining Room where grand galas with flowing champagne once hosted regal guests like Nelson Mandela and Emperor Hirohito of Japan.

Fans of the award-winning TV series "The Crown" will thrill to see Britannia's elegant nooks and salons featured in various episodes. "It was amazing to tour the ship and recognize all the settings from the show,” remarked Andrew T. “Netflix really captured the glamorous atmosphere." From the polished paneled walls to the crystal chandeliers glittering overhead, visitors say it feels like walking into a living film set.

For naval admirers, the engineering rooms deep in Britannia's hull reveal the mechanical feats that powered blue water voyages. "I'm fascinated by ships’ engines,” commented Jacques D., an engineer from France. “It was incredible to see generators, turbines, boilers - massive machines that kept this palace smooth sailing across over 1,000,000 nautical miles.”

Beyond the opulence and engineering, many guests most treasure gaining insight into quotidian details of life aboard Britannia. Crew members’ quarters reveal the tireless work required behind the scenes to maintain a flawless royal setting. The Royal Deck Tea Room conjures images of casual family breakfasts and giggling children.

"People don't think about how the Royals live day-to-day,” remarked Lauren C. after her visit. “Seeing the crew bunks and modest royal bedrooms made them feel more relatable and human." Humble touches like the Queen's favorite flowers, family photos, and her pair of embroidered slippers on the nightstand added charming intimacy.