The next cruise ship to visit the Isle of Man, the ‘Azamara Quest’, will have a Manxman at the helm when it visits this Saturday (13th). Captain Carl Smith was born in the Isle of Man and lived in Peel before beginning his career at sea. He is the only Manxman who is currently the Master of a modern cruise vessel.

Laurence Skelly MHK, the Department of Economic Development’s member with responsibility for Tourism commented:

‘The Azamara Quest is one of 18 cruise liners booked to visit the Island in 2013 which represents an increase of 50% on 2012.  In line with the current tourism strategy which was launched last year the Department has been working hard to develop the cruise market and it is encouraging that there are already 11 cruise liner visits booked for 2014.’ 

‘A number of shore excursions have been scheduled for the passengers of the Azamara Quest, some of which will in part be accompanied by Manxman Captain Carl Smith as he introduces his passengers to his former home.

‘In fact this cruise is being marketed by Azamara Club Cruises as “Captain Carl’s Homecoming Cruise” and with this in mind a number of activities have been arranged which will further highlight his Manx roots.

‘It is hoped that Western Vikings Rugby Club will be rowing a Viking boat out to the vessel when it arrives in Douglas Bay. In keeping with the nautical theme, Carl and some of his crew members will be taking part in the World Tin Bath Championships as well as the Snake Race cheered on by a party of passengers from the cruise ship. They are being taken down to Castletown by on a specially chartered steam train.

‘Additionally, passengers on board the Azamara Quest will be served Manx lamb, Queenies, Davison’s Ice Cream and a range of Manx cheeses during its stay.’

The vessel’s previous port of call on the cruise prior to Douglas is Reykjavik in Iceland and following its visit to the Isle of Man will be heading for Dublin.