Manannan returns to service on Friday, March 22 to launch the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company’s spring fast craft schedule.
Her first sailing of the season will be the 07.30 to Liverpool, with a return sailing at 11.15. Manannan will primarily service the Liverpool, Belfast and Dublin routes through to the end of the season on November 3, with one or two return sailings to Liverpool every day.
Manannan crew training has already commenced and she will arrive back in Manx waters on Wednesday, March 13 from dry dock in Birkenhead, where she has undergone her annual maintenance in preparation for the season ahead. A period of sea trials will follow ahead of her first scheduled sailing to Liverpool.
Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: ‘Our advance bookings for Manannan’s routes are looking encouraging for 2013 and we believe that’s down to our competitive offer fares and the convenience of our city centre routes, with no extra baggage charges.
‘Manannan has proved very popular for both Manx residents and visitor short breaks to and from the Isle of Man, but we also get large numbers booking shopping trips, attending a festival or going to watch a sporting event.
‘I am also pleased to report that Sail and Rail has been growing in recent years. Passengers can book their ferry ticket and an onward train journey throughout the UK rail network at the same time at our Ferry Travel Shop. This provides the widest possible choice of destinations at highly attractive fares.’
Foot passenger ferry fares on Manannan currently start at ?18.00 for a single journey. For further details, visit www.steam-packet.com.
