News

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is pleased to confirm that bookings for TT 2009 show an increase on 2008.

The number of bikes booked to travel to the Island has increased by 5.7 per cent to more than 9,050, compared to around 8,550 last year. Overall passenger bookings show an increase of 2 per cent.

In order to transport the racing enthusiasts to the Island, the Company will have operated 104 sailings during the nine-day run-up to race week. This is a substantial increase of 44 per cent on the normal schedule at this time of year. The arrival of Manannan and the extra capacity she brings has enabled the Company to meet demand at TT without the need to charter additional vessels.

For fans who wish to ensure they can relive the TT experience next year, provisional ferry bookings for TT 2010 can be made by visiting the Company’s website at steam-packet.com. Passengers can make provisional bookings by paying a non-refundable deposit of £20 for any vehicle type or £10 for foot passenger travel.  Sailing times and the total fare will be confirmed to each passenger by 31 January 2010, with the final balance due by 26 February 2010.

Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Chief Executive, Mark Woodward, said: “I am delighted with this year’s TT bookings which show an increase on 2008, especially taking into account the economic climate we are all experiencing at the moment. Our ability to deliver a sailing schedule that is far outside our normal schedule, with the resulting operational considerations and complexities, demonstrates the continuing commitment of the Company and our staff to the TT and the Isle of Man. The Steam Packet Company is now open for TT 2010 and we are pleased with the encouraging volumes of bookings and enquiries we have received already. I wish everyone an enjoyable and successful TT.”