The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is inviting travellers to start turning daydreams into reality by planning a blissful break to the Isle of Man, as it launches ferry sailings for 2021.
Although the Manx borders remain closed to non-Island residents for now, the Isle of Man Government is progressing a five-stage plan to relax restrictions which will gradually see the Island open up to visitors again. The Company is inspiring people to look ahead and start to plan a future getaway to the spectacular Manx shores, ready for when the time is right and regular travel has resumed.
To help make travel as flexible as possible and give customers peace of mind when booking, the Steam Packet Company has introduced its ‘Book with Confidence Commitment’. Amendment fees will be waived if passengers choose to make changes along with the promise of a full refund if travel is affected by Government imposed COVID-19 travel restrictions.
The Steam Packet Company has released all sailings for 2021 and confirmed it will have more than 900,000 Offer Seats available to book during the year, with offers such as:
- Spring 5 Day Short Break Offer for two adults travelling with a car from £98/ €117 each way
- Spring 5 Day Short Break Offer for a motorbike and a rider from £52/€62.25 each way
- Kids Go Free Summer Special (30th June – 26th August 2021), two adults travelling midweek with a car can take up to three kids for free from £135/ €161 each way
- Adult Foot Passenger from £18.75/€22.75 each way, Child Foot Passenger from £9.75/€11.75 each way (infants under four continue to travel for free)
To see all available offers in 2021 including full terms and conditions, visit: www.steam-packet.com/offers
The Steam Packet Company provides fast, comfortable and convenient ferry travel to the Island’s capital of Douglas via its two vessels, fast craft Manannan and conventional ferry Ben-my-Chree.
Between March and September, Manannan provides return ferry travel from Belfast and Dublin. Offering bright, spacious accommodation, comfortable seating and two on-board cinema lounges, it is the perfect start to any break to the Isle of Man.
Year-round, the Company also offers return ferry crossings on Ben-my-Chree from its English-based port Heysham.
The ‘Gem of God’s Earth’, as the unique Island nation is referred to in its National Anthem, has something to offer everyone. With mountainous landscapes, staggering panoramas and stunning coastline knitted together with plenty of welcoming and characterful towns and villages, there is plenty to discover.
The Isle of Man has long been the number one destination for motorbike fans during racing events, but when the racing isn’t on, motorsport fanatics can drive or ride the TT course at a more leisurely pace to experience the renowned sections and corners and get a taste of the world-famous roads for themselves, or even take a guided tour on a trike!
There’s fresh air and outdoor pursuits in abundance, with thrilling treetop climbing courses and zipwires, coasteering, golfing, kayaking, basking shark spotting, quad-biking and paddleboarding. And with no luggage fees, you could even bring your own equipment – including bicycles which can be transported at no extra cost when travelling by ferry.
The Isle has no shortage of authentic cafes and restaurants, many of which use as much local produce from the land and sea as possible. Watch the tide lap the shore on Laxey Beach with a home-made pie, feast on a delicious locally-churned ice cream in the seaside town of Peel (also aptly known as Sunset City) or enjoy a tipple while watching the sun go down at Port Erin Bay. The Manx way of life is beautifully laid back.
The Isle of Man is also very child-friendly with activities such as hover karting, laser-blasting and bowling. But not much can beat a day spent at the seaside on a summer’s day, running in and out of the crystal clear sea, building sandcastles and rounding the day off with some fish and chips on the promenade. Ferry travel is ideal for families too, with spacious areas for groups to settle down and play games, dedicated children’s areas, opportunities to spot sea and birdlife on deck, as well as two cinema lounges on Manannan.
Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: ‘By releasing the 2021 timetable early, we hope to give travellers who are eager to experience some of the Isle of Man’s magic the opportunity to start planning ahead for when it is safe to do so.
‘We understand that it can be worrying to book travel and that there is a lot of uncertainty around what may or may not happen right now. This is why our Book with Confidence Commitment is there - to give customers the reassurance to book ferry travel with the Steam Packet Company and know their booking is safe and fully flexible if there are changes.’
About the current safety measures in place for passengers, Mark continued: ‘The safety and welfare of our passengers and crew remains our top priority. We have introduced a number of important measures to reduce risks on our vessels and at our ports, and are doing all we can to ease anxieties and make travelling as safe as possible. This means that everyone can enjoy the ease, comfort and convenience that ferry travel brings when they opt to travel to the Isle of Man with us in 2021 and beyond.’
For full schedule details and fares, visit: www.steam-packet.com
