This month will see a further boost to the Island’s visitor numbers with four visits from cruise vessels. This Tuesday 12th July and again on the 24th July, the ms Marina of Oceania Cruises will be anchoring in Douglas Bay while P & O ‘s newest addition to their fleet, the Adonia, will be visiting the Island’s capital on the 17th July. Both cruise ships will be making inaugural calls to the Island. The Marina, which at 66,000 tons enjoys the distinction, along with Holland America Line’s Rotterdam, of being the largest cruise vessels ever to visit the Isle of Man, is also one of the world’s newest cruise vessels, being delivered by the Italian builders to Oceania Cruises in January of this year. The 1,258 passenger and 800 crew ship is described by the owners at being ‘decidedly mid-size’ and ‘boasts a stunningly spacious design‘ which incorporates all the usual extensive facilities in addition to a ‘hands on Culinary Centre’ as well as an ‘Artist Loft Enrichment Centre’. Late May of this year marked the debut into the P & O fleet of the 30,277 ton Adonia. This 710 passenger capacity vessel was named in Southampton on the 21st May by Dame Shirley Bassey. It is reported that the Adonia will only carry adult passengers. Geoff Corkish MBE, MHK, the Department of Economic Development political member with responsibility for Tourism, said: ‘As with previous cruises, the majority of passengers will be exploring the many unique attractions the Island has to offer including various tours and travel on both the Steam and Electric railway systems. ‘With 13 cruise visits already confirmed for 2012, we are very pleased that the Island remains a popular cruise destination.’ The Department’s Chief Executive Colin Kniveton commented: ‘Our advance bookings for cruise calls in 2012 are promising which is pleasing as it indicates that our heightened marketing effort directed at the niche Cruise Tourism sector is proving to be effective.’ The fourth vessel to visit the Island this July was the small ‘expedition’ vessel the Clipper Odyssey which called into Port Erin on Friday 7th July. This popular vessel is becoming a regular caller to the Isle of Man having visited Port St Mary in June. It is due to make two further calls next month (August) to our shores. Ends