Explored the castle and had tea Read Less

Heard history of the Royal Mile on the way to the Britannia Read Less

Thursday was the final stop in Scotland at Edinburgh. The ship did not dock and used its lifeboats to shuttle people into the Queensferry port – the tender boat time and a 40 minute shuttle bus ride into town significantly delayed enjoyment of Edinburgh. Ray had obtained online tickets for Edinburgh Castle so they walked from St. Andrews square to Edinburgh Castle, built on top of a hill. Arriving shortly after 10am, Ray and Traci were fortunate to miss the huge crowds which later appeared even on a weekday off season visit. They joined one of the walking tours and learned about its rich history. The oldest existing structure at the castle – St. Margaret’s Chapel was originally built in the 1100s. Over the years, the castle expanded, parts demolished, and extensive renovations took place. Even today, the Royal Regiment of Scotland is garrisoned at the castle. A small cemetery for pets of soldiers is found within the walls. The large complex contains several museums housing the Crown Jewels of Scotland, War Memorial, and detailed exhibits of castle inhabitants and areas used as prisons for captured soldiers. While the complex has many replica cannons, a modern Howitzer is used to fire a 1pm charge daily. The crowds continued to grow as Ray and Traci left the castle and headed east on the Royal Mile. Nearby, they decided to stop at Camera Obscura – a tall building housing many types of illusions. On the top floor, a special periscope displays a 360 view of surrounding Edinburgh. Outside, balconies allowed visitors to appreciate the beautiful landscape on a sunny day. On the next four floors, tourists were treated to all sorts of optical illusions, electronic images, a disorienting light tunnel, and a maze built of mirrors. Camera Obscura was a nice diversion from the mostly historical sites visited during this trip. Ray and Traci walked further down the Royal Mile, stopping at Café Nero, Europe’s answer to Starbucks, and shared a toasted ham and cheese sandwich. Their last stop in Edinburgh was at Holyrood, the Queen’s official residence while in Scotland. Fortunately, crowds were light at the end of the day, so Ray and Traci could appreciate the history and beauty of Holyrood. The tour featured great reception halls, offices, and dining areas used today for official visits but unfortunately no photos were allowed. This policy was sternly explained to Ray after he inadvertently photographed the elegant dining room! The surrounding grounds were immaculately maintained. Traci especially enjoyed the special exhibition of Harry and Meghan’s Royal wedding which displayed the wedding gown, veil and tiara. As is the case with many ship stops, time grew short and Ray and Traci had to take the reverse route on the bus and tender boat back to the Crown Princess. A Scottish band provided music for the ship's departure. Read Less

Gorgeous scenery - took the x99 bus at the port for 9 pounds round trip. Had prebooked the castle tickets. We walked up to the castle - if you can’t walk there are buses and taxis. Read Less

Too hard to really see much of the city in a short time on a general tour. We should have picked a specific point of interest and taken that tour. Read Less

Great tour. Tour guide was Lettia and she was super. Timing was just right for tour of Castle and a little shopping in Old Town. Edinburgh is beautiful. Read Less

Wold have preferred two day at this port vs Dublin, on our own we toured Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace and walked the Royal Mile Read Less

Used the shuttle x99 out of the Port and spent the day in Edinburgh and two went to St Andrews to golf... fantastic Read Less

Seemed like a great city, but the Fringe Festival was in effect, bringing 800,000 extra tourists into the city. Could not take a cab anywhere near the castle. walked three miles uphill to get close enough for pictures. Unless you love being shoved around by crowds, do not go during the fringe festival. I would go back to see the many places we missed. I think that you could spend 3-4 days enjoying the city. Read Less

I enjoyed my tour of Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Yacht. The ship was especially interesting. Read Less

I especially enjoyed the Military Tattoo-highlight of the trip! Read Less

Took shuttle into city on on our own. Read Less

Tour of City. Read Less

Took bus to Edinburgh Castle was enjoyable Read Less

Tour guide was fabulous and so informative. Read Less

We hit most of the interesting places in the city. Wished we had more time to spend in Edinburgh. There is a lot to see. Read Less

Seeing history come to life was a dream come true! Read Less

Ok just a bus ride. They drove you all around and narrated. More info than you will ever remember. Read Less

Wonderful city....great architecture. Easily walkable once dropped off by shuttle. $10 for adults and $5 for kids under 12. Read Less

Hop on hop iff bus was good. Miserable weather affected pur view Read Less

Went to the Edinburgh Castle and walked around Edinburgh---great city to do on your own. Hop on the X99 and you'll be fine!!! Read Less

Enjoyed and Rosslyn Chapel. Anytime my husband gets whisky on a tour it deserves 5 Stars! Read Less

Very crowded, spent too much time out of city center by castle, offer castle tours Read Less

Edinburgh is an awesome city with a wealth of history...so much to see but little time. Walking the Royal Mile is a must. Read Less

Good tour guide with a huge knowledge of Stirling Castle and its history. Tour a bit rushed and bus OK. Read Less