A LUXURY cruise ship used in 2010 by the Queen for a private 10-day tour of the Western Isles was in Peel during August.

The Hebridean Princess berthed in Peel just a week after the ship had been leased by the Queen for her family's cruise which included Prince Philip, Prince Charles, Princess Anne and Prince Andrew and his daughters.

The cruise was to celebrate "a private family occasion" - Princess Anne's 60th birthday and Prince Andrew's 50th birthday.

It has been used on a number of occasions by the Royal family for family celebrations.

The Hebridean Princess visited the Isle of Man as part of its cruise "Gaelic Trilogy" which also took in visits to Scotland and Ireland.

The ship boasts a lounge complete with inglenook fireplace, a classic restaurant famed for its haggis and large, luxurious cabins.

The ship has 30 cabins and carries just 50 guests and has a reputation for exceptional service, fine food and wine. Its annual cruise programme concentrates on the British Isles and France and the Channel Islands.

Guests on board spent their day in Peel and the west of the Island. 

Tours of Peel Castle, the House of Manannan and a trip to Tynwald Hill in St John's were top of the agenda and many were happy to enjoy one of the Breakwater Cafe's famous crab baps and a cup of tea sitting on the quay enjoying the unique peace of Peel and the Isle of Man.