The 50,000th cruise passenger to visit the Island’s shores since 2005 was welcomed on Monday (12th June) with the arrival of Hebridean Sky, which is on charter to Australian tour operator, Captain’s Choice.

Passenger Nancy Denison, of the United States, and Joanne Taylor, one of the Tour Directors with Captain’s Choice, was presented with champagne and a commemorative certificate designed and produced by Isle of Man Post Office, from Rob Callister MHK, Member of Economic Development with responsibility for Tourism.

The presentation took place on Victoria Pier, where Hebridean Sky was berthed, after the passengers returned from a day exploring the Island’s heritage railways and the Laxey Wheel.

The cruise season is on track to be a record year for the Island’s cruise business with both cruise ship and passenger numbers up by 75% on last year. The Department of Economic Development’s tourism strategy, set out in the Destination Management Plan, identifies the cruise market as providing one of the best opportunities for growth in the industry.

For further information about the Island’s cruise season, please see this press release issued at the start of the season.

Photo - The 50,000th cruise passenger to visit the Isle of Man, Nancy Denison of the United States, is presented with a commemorative certificate from Rob Callister MHK, Economic Development Member with responsibility for Tourism. Also pictured is the Captain of the Hebridean Sky, Andrey Rudenko.