Difficulties in Seeing the Tattoo

We are looking at a cruise on Holland for August, 2019, with the one reason being to see the Edinburgh Tattoo. Current schedule is for the ship to arrive at Queensferry 8:00, and depart the next morning at 1:00. I believe the Tattoo will begin at 21:00. Is this doable if we buy our own Tattoo tickets and do not take the ship tour? I would be VERY concerned about getting transportation back to the tenders.

Also, we are "elderly" but in decent physical condition. When looking at the official Tattoo web site it mentions only one way into the Tattoo and points out the steepness of the hill climb and seating arrangements. Is it that bad? Any advice/information is welcome. Thank you.

The ship tours are not the only option. Here's the review of the one that we did, from my trip report I posted last year:

Greenock/Glasgow

 

Our ship was scheduled to be in port until 2 am so that those who wished to see the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo could do so. (It's about a 90 minute drive.) We wanted to see if it lived up to the hype, and indeed, it was a very good show.

 

But as we wanted to do more than just visit the Tattoo, we booked a tour with Clyde Coast Tourism that would take us to Luss (Loch Lomond) and the Trossachs National Park and then Stirling Castle on the way to Edinburgh:

http://clydecoasttourism.co.uk/scotl...ttoo-tour.html

 

This trip . . . had some hiccups.First, the bus that we were on had a problem with its heating system:it would not turn off. And it was an unusually hot day. (We had a lovely evening for the Tattoo.) Our guide Catriona had to make a few phone calls and find us a new bus, which turned up when we stopped for lunch. So our drive through the Trossachs was scenic but warm. (Lunch, incidentally, was at the very old Drovers' Inn. They were quick and the food was okay, but be warned that the decor includes a lot of vintage taxidermy.)

 

We stopped to take some photos of some highland cows below Stirling Castle and then had some time to visit the castle itself. My one quibble with the tour was not the hot bus, which was eventually solved, but Catriona's narration, which was sometimes good and informative but sometimes fell short. For example, we didn't hear anything of the history of Stirling Castle on the way. (Fortunately,my daughter and I had watched the Great British Castles series on Netflix and knew its story.) Maybe she was flustered by having to solve the buses issue?

 

We arrived in Edinburgh around 6:30 pm in time to have dinner before the Tattoo, although be warned that the Royal Mile is very crowded with Festival-goers (and buskers) in August. The Tattoo itself is very well-run and an engaging spectacle. There is no bad seat: yes, if you sit in the pricier seats (sections 6-11), you will have the projections on the castle as a backdrop to the performers without having to glance between the projections and performers. But the performers themselves are typically closest to sections 3, 4, 13, and 14. (We were in section 12 and had no complaints.)

 

It's a little chaotic leaving the Tattoo, but we found our guide in the pre-arranged spot and she led us to the bus parking. However, we lost four people on the way there.Our guide panicked we waited while she ran up and down the Mile looking for them before we finally had to leave to get back to the ship. (She eventually contacted them by phone and arranged for them to take an Uber back.) I was a little worried about getting back to the ship especially as there was road construction and detours and we only made it back at 1:30 am for an all-aboard time of 1:30 am . . . but really, I shouldn't have worried. There was a line when we got there and people were still coming back with Princess and the ship didn't leave for more than an hour after that. (Incidentally, they had the buffet on Lidodeck open for everyone coming back.)

Yes, our stray tour passengers coming back in the Uber still made it.

So I don't know that I'd whole-heartedly recommend Clyde Coast specifically (I don't know if they even run from near Edinburgh), but there are a number of companies that will run tours that will also give you some sight-seeing time. A quick Google search turns up Go Scotland Tours, Scottish Terrier Tours, etc. offering Tattoo tours from Greenock (our port), and I'm sure there are even more from Queensferry. Timberbush, perhaps?

The Tattoo was a fun spectacle, and I didn't think the slope into the castle or the stairs up into the stands unmanageable. If you can handle standard stadium seating, you should be fine?

We are looking at a cruise on Holland for August, 2019, with the one reason being to see the Edinburgh Tattoo. Current schedule is for the ship to arrive at Queensferry 8:00, and depart the next morning at 1:00. I believe the Tattoo will begin at 21:00. Is this doable if we buy our own Tattoo tickets and do not take the ship tour? I would be VERY concerned about getting transportation back to the tenders.

 

Also, we are "elderly" but in decent physical condition. When looking at the official Tattoo web site it mentions only one way into the Tattoo and points out the steepness of the hill climb and seating arrangements. Is it that bad? Any advice/information is welcome. Thank you.

Don't panic teacherman! Holland America knows the timing of the Tattoo and their sailaway timings are no different to other cruise lines. Go ahead and buy your tickets when bookings open and check out about priority booking here https://www.edintattoo.co.uk/the-experience/friends-of-the-tattoo/

You should then book a private transfer back to SQ as soon as possible after the tattoo. Would you like me to suggest companies you can contact to arrange this transfer and possible pick up points in Edinburgh? It is definitely doable

Yes, please recommend companies. We are scheduled to take a HAL cruise of the British Isles August 2019 and are looking forward to the tattoo and are interested in private transfer to/from the ship.

I would recommend doing the ships tour.

You will pay more no doubt about that.

But the ships tours are very well organized and for that and the convenience of knowing you will be escorted in and out of there I think it is worth it.

Keith

I would recommend doing the ships tour.

 

You will pay more no doubt about that.

 

But the ships tours are very well organized and for that and the convenience of knowing you will be escorted in and out of there I think it is worth it.

 

Keith

I think the Tattoo is easy enough to do on your own but certainly if anybody feels anxious about the timings then a ship's organised tour will be the best thing to do.

If anybody wants to organise transport on their own, there are 2 large mini-cab companies which can be booked in advance. There's also lots of black cabs usually hailed on the street or called by phone but I believe that these can also be booked in advance. I wold NOT wait till you left the Tattoo to try to hail a taxi.

I would suggest that St Giles Street would be a good place as a meeting point (it's where our taxi driver suggested last year and it worked well). It is just a short walk down the Royal Mile from the Castle Esplanade. Try googling it.

I think the Tattoo is easy enough to do on your own but certainly if anybody feels anxious about the timings then a ship's organised tour will be the best thing to do.

 

If anybody wants to organise transport on their own, there are 2 large mini-cab companies which can be booked in advance. There's also lots of black cabs usually hailed on the street or called by phone but I believe that these can also be booked in advance. I wold NOT wait till you left the Tattoo to try to hail a taxi.

 

I would suggest that St Giles Street would be a good place as a meeting point (it's where our taxi driver suggested last year and it worked well). It is just a short walk down the Royal Mile from the Castle Esplanade. Try googling it.

I will tell you that many cruisers we have sailed with would not feel comfortable doing this on their own. It all comes down to each person, and the timing of when their ship leaves and how they get back to the ship.

I am pretty savvy and independent and I would not do it on my own unless I had a private vehicle in place and even then I am not sure I would do that. Again it depends where the ship is located and the timing.

I've done this event one time and while I knew I could do it for less money I was happy that my wife and I did this through the cruise line and most of what we normally do is on our own.

To each his/her own.

Keith

I will tell you that many cruisers we have sailed with would not feel comfortable doing this on their own. It all comes down to each person, and the timing of when their ship leaves and how they get back to the ship.

 

I am pretty savvy and independent and I would not do it on my own unless I had a private vehicle in place and even then I am not sure I would do that. Again it depends where the ship is located and the timing.

 

I've done this event one time and while I knew I could do it for less money I was happy that my wife and I did this through the cruise line and most of what we normally do is on our own.

 

To each his/her own.

 

Keith

I have been to the Tattoo numerous times, I travel by the companies I have recommended, I know the city very well in all seasons, I am a volunteer at the cruise port and I assure you I would NEVER suggest something that wasn't entirely do-able in my city and used by a huge number of cruisers. To each their own as you said. If the OP chooses to book a cruise excursion that's fine but I am answering their question.

We are looking at a cruise on Holland for August, 2019, with the one reason being to see the Edinburgh Tattoo. Current schedule is for the ship to arrive at Queensferry 8:00, and depart the next morning at 1:00. I believe the Tattoo will begin at 21:00. Is this doable if we buy our own Tattoo tickets and do not take the ship tour? I would be VERY concerned about getting transportation back to the tenders.

 

Also, we are "elderly" but in decent physical condition. When looking at the official Tattoo web site it mentions only one way into the Tattoo and points out the steepness of the hill climb and seating arrangements. Is it that bad? Any advice/information is welcome. Thank you.

We did this with private transportation but it was a little bit of a walk to where we met after tattoo and be warned everyone leaving at the same time might be overwhelming if you have any issues. Definitely have something reserved do not just think you will be able to catch a cab along wth the thousands exiting the venue with only one way out.

I agree.

I would either book a ships excursion or have something set up but be sure you know where they will meet you and know that it will be very crowded.

Could be raining.

Keith

I suggested St Giles Street which is opposite St Giles Cathedral. Easy to find, close to the Castle and ready for a getaway to Queensferry

I watched last year's entire Tattoo performance on YouTube. Different strokes and all that, but we have decided to book a different cruise that will not put us into Edinburgh at that time. Thank you to all who took the time to respond and offer information.

Yes, you can do it DIY....less expensive also...but if you are worried, do the ships....And yes, it is a LONG, STEEP walk up to the castle from where the busses let you off....probably different if you take a private driver...and the stands are fairly steep as well....ENJOY it is wonderful!!

I suggested St Giles Street which is opposite St Giles Cathedral. Easy to find, close to the Castle and ready for a getaway to Queensferry

Tartan... I have a question... HAL Prinsendam is to be docked in Rosyth. Do you still recommend St. Giles Street and can you suggest who to contact for transportation back to the pier? I bought a ticket directly from the Royal Tattoo before HAL started offering a tour.

Thanks in advance.

Toni

I attended the Tattoo last August and it certainly exceeded my expectations. It will be something to remember the rest of my life. It was absolutely wonderful. Scotland is worth an August visit just to see it.

I was on the Zuiderdam and we tendered at The terminal (can’t remember the name) closer to the city center and not South Queensferry. It was about 10 minutes from the castle to the ship. I think one consideration as to private or public transport would be at which terminal the ship will be tendered. The Koningsdam was in port the same day and because it was a larger ship they got South Queensferry and we got the smaller terminal closer to the city.

We got out seats through HAL and the seats were in a good location but very high up in the bleachers. Of course when the Tattoo ended we had to wait for everyone below to exit. That took some time. By the time we exited I would say 80 percent of the crowd had left the stadium. I was surprised that HAL would get tickets so high in the bleachers especially for us seniors.

With that in mind the Royal Mile thinned out rather quickly. By the time we descended and got to the HAL bus hardly anyone was on the street. I didn’t pass any hotels but I thought it probably would have been easy task to grab a cab if I found a hotel and booked the tattoo myself.

The walk up the hill was not that bad although mobbed with people. There were staff at the entrance to help people with mobility issues. My friend had a cane and they admitted her into the stadium without waiting in line. That was something I had not read about beforehand.

The above is just my observations from last summer. Sure wish I was going again.

teacherman, My husband and I also watched videos of the Tatoo and decided it was not our cup of tea. However we still sailed on the Silhouette cruise that overnighted in Edinburgh for the Tatoo. We loved visiting St. Andrews as well as Edinburgh. The Fringe Festival added extra fun to the Royal Mile. We pre-booked tickets for the castle and had a wonderful time seeing it. While most of the passengers were waiting for tenders after the Tatoo, we were on board eating dinner and preparing for the next day. It was a great trip.

We spent 2 days in Edinburgh last July. Enjoyed it. Was only scheduling this cruise for the Tattoo. But we have decided to do a cruise that visits Iceland and Greenland, 2 new adventures.

That sounds great! I hope you have a wonderful trip.

Tartan... I have a question... HAL Prinsendam is to be docked in Rosyth. Do you still recommend St. Giles Street and can you suggest who to contact for transportation back to the pier? I bought a ticket directly from the Royal Tattoo before HAL started offering a tour.

Thanks in advance.

Toni

Yes it's an ideal place for you too. We got a taxi back to just outside Rosyth and that's where we met the driver. Try these:

www.epch.cab- 0131-555-5555

www.capitalcarsscotland.co.uk 0131-777 7777

Black cabs

https://www.taxis-edinburgh.co.uk/bookings/

Yes it's an ideal place for you too. We got a taxi back to just outside Rosyth and that's where we met the driver. Try these:

www.epch.cab- 0131-555-5555

www.capitalcarsscotland.co.uk 0131-777 7777

 

Black cabs

https://www.taxis-edinburgh.co.uk/bookings/

Hello to all on this thread.

A big shout out of thanks to Tartanexile81 for his/her suggestions. I prearranged with EPCH for a cab in front of St. Giles. I admit I had a few sleepless nights before the Tattoo regarding missing the ship, but I told myself to buck up. I called the cab company to confirm numbers early in the afternoon and that night we did exchange phone calls because the Tattoo ran late (there was a medical emergency delaying the start of the Tattoo).

The Tattoo was indeed spectacular - one for the record books - and my worries were needless as my driver and I arrived back at the Prinsendam long before the HAL buses did.

Again, thank you!

Toni

Thank you so much for coming back to give this feedback Toni. I'm really glad everything worked out so well for you. I was actually on duty at the port that day and was on the free shuttle bus to and from Dunfermline!

I do sympathise with the people who are worried that the ship might sail without them, but I think that the Tatoo is a special case.

Everone leaves the castle at more or less the same time and those of us who have used ship's tours will be well aware that there is always one couple who keep the rest waiting.

When you are just a couple, there will be no one to hold you up and all you have to do is find your car and get to the dock. I bet most independents beat the tour buses back.

The next port of call is likely to also be in Scotland, so no huge disaster making it there to catch up if the worst does happen.

I do sympathise with the people who are worried that the ship might sail without them, but I think that the Tatoo is a special case.

 

Everone leaves the castle at more or less the same time and those of us who have used ship's tours will be well aware that there is always one couple who keep the rest waiting.

 

When you are just a couple, there will be no one to hold you up and all you have to do is find your car and get to the dock. I bet most independents beat the tour buses back.

 

The next port of call is likely to also be in Scotland, so no huge disaster making it there to catch up if the worst does happen.

In this case the next port was Dover :'):'). However most ships in Edinburgh will dock overnight for the Tattoo

In this case the next port was Dover :'):'). However most ships in Edinburgh will dock overnight for the Tattoo

Tartan, our next port of call was to be the day we disembarked in Amsterdam (with a sea day immediately following the Tattoo); hence my sleepless nights. But all worked out well.

Again, thank you for your input!

Regards,

Toni

We went to the tattoo two years ago but stayed in an airbnb apartment (across from the castle entrance) for three days so got a pretty good look at the logistics. If I had a mobility problem I would not want to go on a bus. Bus parking is on or near Johnston Terrace which winds behind the castle and can be a long, difficult uphill slog depending on how far down the hill your bus parks. And, believe me, there are a lot of buses so they are spread out a long way. Also, when the buses arrive it creates a mob scene that strings out for a long way down the hill. If you're alone, you can kill time until the crowd is in. After all, your seat's reserved so you won't lose it. Private transportation can drop you off somewhere near the Royal Mile, where traffic can be blocked much of the time during the festival. It's easier to walk three or four blocks on the fairly level Royal Mile than a climb up Johnston. The hill where the Royal Mile enters the castle isn't that bad. Also, groups tend to book the "cheap seats" which are high up on the sides, the higher, the cheaper. If you book yourself, you can choose your seats. The best are in the end zone as the tattoo is designed to play to those seats. People sitting on the sides are actually not seeing the show as it is designed to be seen.