Since opening to the public in 1998, a reported 1.6 million people have visited Britannia, 60-percent more than what was originally expected. In 2003, the yacht was voted the second-best tourist attraction in Britain, according to a Scottish news source. However, many have voiced concern that she is falling into disrepair. As a result, all profits generated from ticket sales and corporate events onboard are being pooled into a trust, which will pay for long-term maintenance of the ship.

Interestingly, although she is over 400 feet LOA, Britannia features just one double berth, which was brought onboard by Prince Charles for his honeymoon with the late Princess of Wales. Both Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip each have their own separate staterooms with a single berth each; their staterooms were equipped with an intercom system so the married couple could communicate with one another. Also noteworthy is that it took more than three hours to set the formal dining room, which has entertained such famous guests as Bill and Hillary Clinton. Each placesetting was so meticulously arranged that attendants used a ruler to make sure the distance between each eating utensil and place setting was exactly the same.

Below are photos of Britannia’s tender, liferafts, exterior, and bell.

Click on a thumbnail to enlarge an image.