The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is joining other leading ferry operators to encourage more people to rediscover the joy of travelling by sea.
It is supporting National Ferry Fortnight 2017, a British Isles-wide initiative from the 6th to 20th May focused on promoting sea travel. The theme of this year’s campaign is ‘Ferry Together’, encouraging family and friends to spend more time together.
Research by National Ferry Fortnight organiser Discover Ferries has revealed that two thirds of parents say holidays and trips away are the only quality time their families spend together, due to the hectic nature of modern life and increasing use of digital gadgets.
That means every moment of a holiday is valuable time together, and when you travel by ferry you can start relaxing as soon as you step on board. You can explore the vessel together, take in the sea views together and enjoy a meal together.
The Isle of Man, conveniently located in the middle of the Irish Sea, is a wonderful place to spend time together, with spectacular scenery, family friendly activities, pretty towns and villages to explore and fascinating heritage sites to discover.
The Steam Packet Company has created an offer which is only available for bookings made during National Ferry Fortnight:
Ferry Together to the Isle of Man with a Car + 2 People, for any length of stay, from £85 each way and explore the Island's most fascinating heritage sites together for FREE with two Manx National Heritage Holiday Passes valued at £20 each with Fare Code: FERRY. For full details and terms and conditions visit www.steam-packet.com
The offer is valid for travel between 8th May 2017 and 23rd May 2017, and between 5th September 2017 and 4th January 2018.
The beautiful Isle of Man boasts many activities and attractions you can enjoy together, like hiking in the hills, cycling through the stunning countryside, riding on the Victorian steam railway or enjoying a freshly prepared meal made from locally produced ingredients.
It also has a fascinating history which can be explored at Manx National Heritage sites across the island. Thousands of years of Celtic and Viking heritage are explained at sites like the House of Manannan and sprawling Peel Castle, both wonderful places to discover together.
The island’s rural past is preserved at Cregneash village in the south, while at the Grove Museum in the north you can step back in time to discover life in the Victorian era. And you can learn about the Isle of Man’s proud maritime history at the Nautical Museum in Castletown, just a short walk from the imposing Castle Rushen, a magnificent medieval structure.
No visit to the island would be complete without climbing to the top of the Great Laxey Wheel, which at 22 metres in diameter it is thought to be the largest working waterwheel in the world.
With so much to do together, visitors will want to spend as much time as possible exploring the island so the Steam Packet Company has heavily discounted its ‘Any Length’ offer and teamed up with Manx National Heritage to provide access to its sites free of charge.
Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: ‘Each year National Ferry Fortnight is a wonderful opportunity for all ferry operators to promote the pleasure and benefits of sea travel. It is also a chance for us to share the wonders of our island home, and our services.
‘We have partnered with Manx National Heritage to create a special offer to encourage more people to discover the Isle of Man together and make the most of their time in the island. It not only represents superb value for money, but is a chance for families and friends to enjoy some real quality time together making new memories in an unforgettable destination.’
When you travel to the Isle of Man by ferry, there is plenty to do together onboard. On the 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 offers en-suite four-berth cabins with tea and coffee-making facilities and a TV, while fast craft Manannan has two cinema lounges showing family-friendly films during sailings. Ferry travel really does bring the whole family together – you can even bring your pet!
Travelling by sea means you can bring your own transport, whether it’s a car, motorhome, motorcycle or bicycle, giving you the freedom to explore the island’s picturesque beaches, coastal walks, spectacular hills and historic sites. Of course with no luggage fees, you can take everything you need to make the most of your time together, including, walking boots and golf clubs.
From the centre of the city of Liverpool or the port of Heysham, with their excellent rail, bus and motorway connections, Steam Packet Company vessels sail straight into the heart of Douglas, the island’s capital. 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.
