THE Isle of Man has proved itself as an "attractive hub for cruise visitors" according to the Department of Economic Development.
14 cruise ships will visit the Island's shores this year and a further nine will visit in 2013.
Of the total number of cruise ships visiting 13 of them will be making their inaugural call to the Island.
Colin Kniveton, the chief executive officer of 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."
This year's cruise callers will visit the Island between May and September with one vessel, the Marco Polo, making two visits – one in June and one in July.
Silversea Cruises has scheduled for two of its vessels to incorporate the Isle of Man in their itineraries this year with the Silver Cloud, a frequent caller to Manx shores, visiting in June and the Silver Explorer, making its inaugural visit, in
May.
The Seven Seas Voyager, which is rated as a luxury/premium class vessel will visit the Island in June this year and return again in June 2013.
One of the ships due to visit in 2013 has a special connection to the Isle of Man.
Captain Carl Smith, the master of the Azamara Quest vessel, which is due to call at Douglas on July 13, is originally from Peel.
Other ships scheduled to visit the Island in 2013 include the Chrystal Serenity in August which will be the largest cruise vessel to ever grace Manx waters and one of the world’s largest sail-cruisers the Wind Surf.
The Wind Surf will visit the Island twice in July and August and can accommodate 327 passengers and 163 crew.
Geoff Corkish MHK, political member for the Department of Economic Development, 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."
Cruise call timetable:
Cruise visits 2012:
Quest for Adventure: May 8
Arion: May 26
Discovery: May 28
Silver Explorer: May 31
Marco Polo: June 4
Ocean Countess: June 5
Seven Seas Voyager: June 7
Silver Cloud: June 8
Saga Sapphire: July 4
Quest for Adventure: July 9
Marco Polo: July 16
Deutschland: July 20
Hebridean Princess: August 21
Thomson Spirit: September 6
Cruise visits 2013 to date:
Seven Seas Voyager: June 6
Nautica: June 29
Azamara Quest: July 13
Wind Surf: July 21
Columbus 2: August 19
Pacific Star Princess: August 20
Crystal Serenity: August 25
Wind Surf: August 30
Seabourn Pride: September 13
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