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INTRODUCTION
PHOTO TOUR - - ROOMS OF STATE
PHOTO TOUR - - ROYAL APARTMENTS
PHOTO TOUR - - OFFICERS
PHOTO TOUR - - CREW
PHOTO TOUR - - WORKING SHIP
GOING ASHORE EXPERIENCE:

VISITING THE ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA

CREW QUARTERS
Picture Royal Yacht Britannia, Warrant Officers and Chiefs' Mess
Britannia had a crew of 220 non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel.  (When the Royal Family was aboard, she also carried a platoon of Royal Marines).   Each crew member was picked by the commanding officer.  About half did two year tours of duty while the others were permanently assigned to Britannia.

The crew endeavored to meet the highest standards in all tasks.  In addition, they sought to do so while being as unobtrusive as possible.  Orders were often given by hand signal and soft-soled shoes were worn to avoid making noise that might disturb the Royal Family and/or visiting dignitaries.   
Royal Yacht Britannia, Warrant Officers and Chiefs' Mess

Warrant Officers and Chief Petty Officers' Mess

There was also a hierarchy among the enlisted personnel.  It  consisted of three classes, each of which had its own recreational/dining area called a "mess".

At the top were the pyramid were the warrant officers and chief petty officers.  Their mess resembles an upscale pub or club bar.    
Royal Yacht Britannia, Petty Officers Mess

Petty Officers and Royal Marines Sergeants' Mess

Just as on land each bar has its own ambiance, this pub-like room was known for its convivial atmosphere.
Petty Officers Mess Royal Yacht Britannia

Seamen's Mess

Junior ratings from all departments could relax together in their own mess known as the "Unwinding Room". 
Royal Yacht Britannia, Petty Officers and Sergeants Mess
Royal Yacht Britannia, Seamen's Mess
Royal Yacht Britannia

Sleeping Quarters

The sleeping quarters also reflect the hierarchy.  However, even for NCOs, the accommodations could not be described as spacious.

Until 1973, ratings on Britannia slept in hammocks.  The yacht was the last ship in the Royal Navy to abandon such arrangements. 
Royal Yacht Britannia
Royal Yacht Britannia, Yachtsmen's quarters
Marines barracks, Royal Yacht Britannia
Enlisted bathroom, Royal Yacht Britannia
Click here to go to continue our photo tour of Britannia
Click here for our article on the Palace of Holyrood House
Click here for our article on Windsor Castle
Click here for our article on Stirling Castle 
Cruise article - Visiting The Royal Yacht Britannia - Edinburgh, Scotland - Crew Quarters
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