10 CRUISE ships are set to visit Isle of Man waters this year - including the world's only five star plus rated vessel.

The MS Europa, owned and operated by Hapag-Lloyd, will visit the Island in July after previously visiting in 2006.

Economic Development Minister Allan Bell MHK said: "I am delighted that the prestigious MS Europa will be visiting the Isle of Man again and look forward to welcoming her and all the cruise ships due to call this year. 

"Another impressive caller bound to make an impression when it anchors in Douglas Bay is Oceania Cruises 66,000 ton new build the MS Marina. The vessel is able to accommodate 1,252 passengers in addition to its crew complement which totals 660.

"This is currently the world's newest cruise liner and we are pleased to play host not once but twice to this luxury vessel as the agent has just this week booked a second call of the Marina."

In May P&O will acquire the Royal Princess from Princess Cruises and will be renaming her as the Adonia. This 30,000 ton liner will also visit this year and has a combined passenger and crew tally of over 1,000.

Other ships visiting include The Clipper Odyssey, which will be calling on three occasions – twice in Port St Mary and once in Douglas, The Discovery and the Ocean Majesty which will call at Douglas and the Hebridean Princess which will call at Peel in TT week.

Geoff Corkish MHK, department member with responsibility for tourism, said: "We are pleased that in a very competitive market place the Isle of Man remains an attractive cruise destination.

"The contribution of cruise ships to our economy is significant and the Department of Economic Development is committed to developing this market for the benefit of the Isle of Man."