THE Isle of Man is set to welcome no less than 14 cruise calls this year with a further nine calls already booked for 2013, providing a welcome economic boost to the local economy. Of the current total, 13 vessels will be making an inaugural visit including the magnificent 68,870 ton CRYSTAL SERENTIY, the largest cruise vessel ever to grace Douglas Bay.
A further distinctive caller is one of the world’s largest sail-cruisers. With five huge masts and the sails controlled by computer from the bridge of the vessel, the WIND SURF will present a distinctive sight during the two calls it is scheduled to make in 2013. This vessel accommodates 327 passengers along with 163 crew members.
The AZAMARA QUEST, which is due to call at Douglas on July 13th in 2013, currently has a unique Isle of Man connection as the Master of the vessel, Captain Carl Smith is from Peel. It is anticipated he will be on board for the Isle of Man call which could then be promoted to the Cruise Lines repeat passenger base as ‘Captain Carl’s Homecoming Cruise!’.
Silversea Cruises have scheduled two of their vessels to incorporate the Isle of Man within itineraries this year. They are the SILVER CLOUD, which has been a fairly frequent caller to our shores in the past, and the SILVER EXPLORER which is the company’s recently acquired ‘Expedition’ vessel and will be visiting the Island for the first time.
Other distinctive inaugural callers in 2012 include the SEVEN SEAS VOYAGER. This Berlitz Guide rated luxury/premium class vessel is also scheduled to visit Douglas again the following year. The list continues with the THOMSON SPIRIT due to call on September 5th, a vessel with a 1,250 passenger capability.
Geoff Corkish MBE MHK, Political member for the Isle of Man Department of Economic Development with responsibility for Tourism, said: ‘In the expanding world of cruise destinations, our competition is growing as ports and their hinterland are rapidly awakening to the positive economic benefits of attracting visits from cruise liners.
‘Isle of Man Tourism has been working hard to encourage more cruise visits during the last two years and it is pleasing that we continue to see further success for the Island. Organised tours will be arranged for passengers, including visits to our unique heritage attractions. As the Isle of Man continues to feature as a popular port of call, our Island’s restaurants, cafes and local businesses will have the opportunity to offer a truly Manx warm welcome.’
Colin Kniveton, Chief Executive Officer, the Department of Economic Development said: ‘Forward bookings of scheduled cruise calls in 2012 and 2013 have revealed a promising and healthy upward trend as the Isle of Man continues to prove itself to be an attractive hub for cruise visitors. It is certainly a confidence boost for the Island’s economy that so many cruise operators are considering the Isle of Man and we will continue to attract new visitors to help raise our profile as a successful cruise destination.’
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