The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company and 12 other ferry operators have joined together for a two-week celebration of ferry travel; a collaboration which sees more than 600 free ferry tickets up for grabs on routes across the British Isles, Ireland and Europe.
Big Ferry Fortnight 2020, which launches tomorrow (Thursday 27th February) and runs until Thursday 12th March, is a campaign organised by Discover Ferries, the industry body for the ferry sector that represents 13 ferry operators in the British Isles.
It aims to inspire more people to discover or re-discover the joy, comfort and convenience of travelling by sea and showcase the wide array of destinations that can be reached by ferry.
Tomorrow will see the launch of the public ballot where more than £80,000 worth of ferry tickets, which have been contributed by Discover Ferries’ members, are available. Residents living in Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man are invited to apply for tickets on any route of their choice, with the winners selected at random once the ballot has closed.
The Steam Packet Company has contributed a number of tickets for two people travelling with either a car or motorcycle in addition to pairs of foot passenger tickets. These are available for use on any route and hope to encourage more people to come and discover the Isle of Man’s beautiful shores in 2020.
Just 33 miles by 13 miles, the Isle of Man is a holiday destination perfect for everyone from families and friends to couples or solo travellers. Visitors can uncover spectacular natural scenery, discover a unique history with Celtic and Viking heritage, and enjoy a wide array of unique activities, events and attractions.
With rugged trails, miles-upon-miles of coastline and stunning greenery around every corner, the Island is also ideal for walking, hiking, road and mountain biking, with short, mid and long-distance footpaths and cycling routes to suit all ages and abilities. Plus you can bring your bicycle with you free of charge when you travel by ferry.
No trip to the Isle of Man is complete without an evening spent gazing at the dazzling stars. With 26 Dark Sky Discovery Sites dotted around the Island, it offers the perfect opportunity to wrap up warm and head outside to see what astronomical delights are on display.
Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: ‘Throughout Big Ferry Fortnight 2019 we saw a huge amount of interest in the Isle of Man, with thousands of people bidding to win ferry travel with the Steam Packet Company. We hope UK residents take the opportunity again this year to enter the ballot for their chance to win and experience everything the Isle of Man has to offer in 2020.
‘We’re also keen to encourage ferry travel and help people to discover the joy and freedom it can bring. Travellers can enjoy the convenience of bringing their car, relax with food and drink as they sail, stretch their legs around the vessel, take in the sweeping sea views, look out for wildlife on the outside deck and bring everything they need for their getaway, with no need to worry about luggage fees.
‘We’re excited to be part of this campaign for the second consecutive year and are very much looking forward to welcoming the winning ticket holders to the Isle of Man as they explore our special Island.’
Ferry operators taking part in the Big Ferry Fortnight ballot include the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, Brittany Ferries, Caledonian MacBrayne, Condor Ferries, DFDS, Hovertravel, Irish Ferries, Isles of Scilly Travel, MBNA Thames Clippers, P&O Ferries, Red Funnel, Stena Line and Wightlink.
To enter the Big Ferry Fortnight ballot and keep up to date with the latest news, head to www.bigferryfortnight.com.
