The 1949-built coastal excursion vessel Balmoral will once again return to the Island in July providing opportunities for passengers to sail along the Manx coast from Douglas on a classic ship – as well as bringing hundreds of day trippers from Whitehaven. She can carry up to 500 passengers and has lounges, a bar and self service restaurant.

Sailings from Douglas

For the first time in recent years, Balmoral will offer Isle of Man passengers an evening Jazz and Blues Cruise on Thursday 14th July - leaving Douglas at 7.00pm and back at 10.00pm. Live music will be provided by the Vanguards, a combination of the Embassy Jazz Club and Bus Pass Blues bands, performing afloat for the first time. The band will strike up and the bar will open as soon as MV Balmoral leaves the harbour.

On Friday 15th July afternoon there is an unusual opportunity to sail on one of Balmoral's positioning voyages - from Douglas to Whitehaven leaving at 3.30pm and arriving around 7.15pm. Passengers will need to make their own overnight arrangements in Whitehaven and could either book to return on Balmoral on Sunday morning 17th July (dep 09.30) or make their own arrangements. The local rail line through Whitehaven enables access to points between Carlisle and Barrow, including the popular Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway. Due to extra costs for pilotage and berthing incurred at Whitehaven, passengers can only be carried if sufficient bookings have been made by the end of June.

It is also possible to purchase single tickets on the public sailings to Whitehaven on Saturday and Sunday 16/17th July which leave Douglas at 6pm both evenings (arriving at 9.30pm).

Saturday and Sunday 16th/17th July will see Balmoral offering her usual non-landing afternoon cruises to the Calf of Man, with a call at Port St Mary on the way back to Douglas. Departure each day will be at 1.15pm with a return to Douglas at 5.30pm.

Bookings and tickets

Single tickets to/from Whitehaven should be booked by phone on 0117 325 6200 and cost ?25 adult or ?12.50 Child (5-15). Bicycles can be carried at a fare of ?7.50.

Tickets for the Jazz and Blues and Calf of Man cruises can be booked online at www.whitefunnel.co.uk or by phone 0117 325 6200. The Jazz and Blues Cruise can also be booked at Peter Norris Music, 54 Bucks Road, Douglas 01624 661794. The adult fare for these cruises is ?21 with children half price. There is a ?19 Senior fare for the Jazz and Blues Cruise and a family fare (2 adults+2 children) of ?57 on the Calf of Man cruises.

Subject to space availability tickets may be available on board on the day.

Party rates are available - contact the office balmoral@whitefunnel.co.uk or phone 0117 325 6200 to discuss your requirements.

Volunteer opportunities

There is a volunteer team who act as "Pier Hosts" in the Sea Terminal on sailing days. Anyone interested in joining the team or willing to help distribute posters in the Douglas and Peel areas please contact dick.balmoral@gmail.com.

Photo - Courtesy of Aled Wyn Jones.