The chairman of the Island's travel watchdog has given a mixed reaction to the news there will be fewer Steam Packet sailings to Ireland this summer.
The company is taking the fastcraft Snaefell out of service as it reviews its passenger options in the wake of the rival freight service set up by Mezeron.
Snaefell was first used by the Steam Packet in 1994 and the Dublin and Belfast routes will now be covered by the larger Manannan.
Although there will be eleven fewer return sailings on the Irish routes this summer, passenger capacity will increase by around 33 per cent, because of Manannan's size.
Brendan O'Friel of TravelWatch has concerns, but says it's not all bad news:
Researching your Manx family history can be a very interesting and rewarding hobby. Trace your roots in the Isle of Man with our helpful of guide.
