The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company will join other leading ferry operators in supporting National Ferry Fortnight 2015, a British Isles-wide initiative aimed at promoting travel by sea.
The annual campaign brings together ferry firms which operate from the UK, Ireland and the Isle of Man to encourage more people to enjoy the comfort, relaxation and convenience of sailing.
The Steam Packet Company is a long-standing supporter of National Ferry Fortnight and will once again be involved during 2015.
The Company has unveiled a special National Ferry Fortnight offer; with bookings for a car and two people on a midweek sailing made during the fortnight with the fare code DNFF, up to three people will be able to travel free. That’s a car plus five people for the price of a car plus two!
The offer is valid for bookings made online at www.steam-packet.com with the special fare code during National Ferry Fortnight, which runs from 2nd to 15th March.
The Steam Packet Company will also be highlighting the return of its ever-popular Kids Go Free summer offer and the recent reduction in children’s fares from £17 to £9, both aimed at encouraging families to travel by ferry.
The theme of National Ferry Fortnight 2015 is ‘Ferry Freedom’, which aims to encourage consumers and their families to experience the ease, value and flexibility of ferry travel – as well as the freedom offered by this way of transport.
Important for many travellers is the fact that the Steam Packet Company has no luggage fees, so you can bring as much as you need for a great getaway.
Another bonus of going by ferry is the freedom to stretch your legs during the journey, rather than being squeezed into a tiny seat, and enjoy the on board facilities. On the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company’s modern vessels you can enjoy a full meal or light snack, a drink in the bar and a visit to the Ocean Avenue Shop. There is a choice of comfortable seating, including the option of upgrading to the Premium Lounge or selecting reserved seating.
Ben-my-Chree also offers en-suite four-berth cabins with tea and coffee-making facilities and a TV, great for some privacy or catching 40 winks as you travel. Fastcraft Manannan has two cinema lounges showing family-friendly films during sailings.
The ferry is also great for kids, with the opportunity to enjoy the Steam Packet Company’s dedicated play areas and take in the sea air and stunning views from the outside decks. And ferry travel really is for the whole family – you can even bring your pet by sea!
Perhaps the greatest freedom comes with bringing your own transport on the ferry, whether it’s a car, motorhome, motorcycle or bicycle. Simply drive or ride on, enjoy a leisurely sailing, and then head off to explore your destination when you arrive. Bringing a car also means you can bring everything you need to make the most of the Isle of Man, from your golf clubs to your walking boots.
Your own two or four-wheeled transport allows you to explore from the picturesque beaches and coastal walks to the spectacular hills and many historic sites. There are great deals available for vehicles on Steam Packet Company sailings, and bicycles are free when accompanied by a fare-paying foot passenger or travelling with a vehicle.
One of the real benefits of travelling with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is the convenience of arriving where you want to be, not miles from your destination. From the centre of the city of Liverpool or the port of Heysham, with its excellent rail, bus and motorway connections, the vessels sail straight into the heart of Douglas, the capital of the Isle of Man. The Company also offers routes to the Isle of Man from Belfast and Dublin, serving both Northern Ireland and Eire with city-to-city connections.
Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: ‘National Ferry Fortnight is a great opportunity to remind people of the comfort and convenience of travelling by sea, and what a relaxing way to start and finish your holiday it is.
‘We are very proud of our services, and will be taking every opportunity to talk about them and why travellers should choose the ferry. Hopefully plenty of people will take advantage of our special ‘Three Go Free’ offer during the fortnight and come and explore the beautiful Isle of Man.’
National Ferry Fortnight special offer: Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability. Must be booked at www.steam-packet.com between 02.03.15 and 15.03.15 quoting special fare code DNFF. Valid for travel between 03.03.15 and 31.12.15 midweek (Tuesday to Thursday) excluding peak event periods 27.05.15 to 17.06.15 and 19.08.15 to 07.09.15. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. For payment by credit card, a fee of £3 applies per transaction, not per person.
