Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Information

As stated in the brochure for the 2016 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, “The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is one of the great shows on earth.  It showcases music, dance and precision display against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.” Click here for a YouTube video of the 2015 Tattoo!  Here's a photo of the Tattoo brochure that I just received! 

For those of you who are interested in attending the Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the evening of August 16^th, (our overnight evening in Edinburgh), here is some information that should be helpful.  The Tattoo event begins at 9 pm and lasts approximately 1 ½-2 hours.  FYI, the Celebrity Silhouette is scheduled to anchor at 11:00 am.

Celebrity Cruises is offering two excursion options to the Tattoo (subject to availability). The excursions are for "Front Stands" at a cost of $329 per person and for "Side Stands" for $229 per person.  According to the excursion description, the tour will depart at 6:30 pm and is 5 hours 30 minutes duration. 

You can also order tickets direction online at the official Edinburgh Military Tattoo website, www.edintattoo.co.uk 
I booked tickets online for section 8.  You pay with your credit card and tickets will be dispatched beginning in April. 

Direct ticket prices through the official Tattoo website:

Side stands (center) £46 (US Dollars today’s conversion would be about 69)

Premier seats (front & higher with padded seats, seat backs and arm rests) £120 (US Dollars today’s conversion would be about $180) and more sections are available, priced lower and higher.  Hospitality packages are also available. 
Here’s a link to the seating chart and pricing http://www.edintattoo.co.uk/tickets/2016-seating-plan-and-prices

Risk/Benefit to ordering directly rather than going through Celebrity:

Benefit:  Better seats and lower prices

Risk:  Tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded

           Transfer from pier to event and back will be on your/our own 
  

Some other considerations:

Edinburgh is a tender port; as such there is a rare possibility that the ship won’t be able to anchor and we could miss the port on this day… if purchased through Celebrity, your excursion fare will be refunded; if purchased directly from the Tattoo, the tickets are nonrefundable.

The Tattoo has never been cancelled.  It goes on rain or shine.  You will need to be prepared for cool (or cold) and/or wet weather.  Be aware, too, that the taxis/buses can’t get too close to Edinburgh Castle, so there will be a bit of walking on cobblestone streets.  Wear layers, bring something waterproof (even a plastic sheet!); umbrellas are not allowed in the stands, and enjoy!