Manxman drives increase in passengers travelling by ferry

Have you enjoyed a ferry trip with us this year? Or are you booked on board the Manxman or Manannan this TT?  You, along with thousands of island residents and tourists, have helped contribute to an increase in passengers travelling with the Isle of Man Steam Packet, with almost 70,000 travelling in the first quarter of this year.

The new figures reveal the flagship Manxman is driving an increase in passengers travelling by ferry.  Almost 70,000 passengers (68, 971) travelled in the first quarter (Week 1 to Week 13) of this year, in comparison to almost 57,000 (56,835) passengers that travelled over the same time period last year.

That’s an increase of 21% (12,000), partially helped by Easter falling earlier in the year, but also driven by increased use of the Heysham route and the high-quality facilities and level of comfort provided by Manxman.

The transportation of essential freight to the island in Q1 also saw a 7% increase, with almost 104,000 (103,973) meters of freight being carried versus over 96,000 (96,508) last year.

With the motorcycle event of the year, the TT, racing towards the island in just a few weeks, we are looking forward to another strong year, with more passengers booked to travel over this year’s TT period compared to the same time last year. With over 45% of passengers traveling via Heysham on Manxman, the new ferry is again proving a popular option.

Manxman, as well offering over three hundred more seats than Ben-my-Chree, boasts free on board infotainment and Wi-Fi, a range of upgraded lounges, large restaurant and bar areas, and a comfortable café at the bow of the vessel.

Manxman has elevated our service and set a new standard for passenger ferries, and we’re proud it is the flagship vessel in our fleet. It’s fantastic to see residents and tourists excited to travel on board Manxman, and with TT just around the corner, it will be Manxman’s inaugural TT service. We’re ready to welcome our valued TT visitors and showcase Manxman’s fantastic facilities, which focus on passenger comfort, satisfaction, and safety.