THE Isle of Man will welcome its first cruise liner of the year today (Saturday).
The Voyages of Discovery ship - mv Discovery - will anchor in Douglas Bay before allowing passengers to disembark to sample a taste of life in the Island.
Mv Discovery started life as the Pacific Princess and has eight passenger decks and 350 cabins.
The ship has a gross tonnage of 20,186 tonnes and measures 168.74 metres in length and 26.64 metres in beam. The ship has a cruising speed of 18 knots.
It has two pools, two jacuzzis, four lounges, five bars, a library and gymnasium, lecture theatre, cinema and two restaurants. The ship also has an on-board medical centre, shop and beauty salon. The vessel is equipped with four high speed purpose built passenger tenders.
Observers may recognise the ship from the American television series The Love Boat which was broadcast on the ABC channel from 1977 to 1986. The ship – operating then as the Pacific Princess – was the set for the popular sitcom.
Geoff Corkish MHK, political member for Isle of Man Tourism, said: "During the call of the 20,000 ton Discovery, the majority of the 623 passengers have the choice of a variety of shore excursions.
"These include coach trips to both the north and south of the Island, trips on our vintage transport system - including the Snaefell Railway - and for the garden enthusiasts onboard, a tour which will highlight Milntown and its award winning gardens.
"In addition there will be an opportunity to visit St Johns where details of the Island's wildflower project will be showcased.
"Those passengers not on excursions, and many of the 300 strong crew, will undoubtedly enjoy their visit to Douglas - both to experience our capital as well to indulgence in a little retail therapy."
It is believed that the mv Discovery will spend around seven hours in Manx waters before leaving for its next destination - Belfast in Northern Ireland.
Send us your pictures of the mv Discovery – simply e-mail them to newsroom@isleofman.com and we’ll publish the best ones.
