Special Assistance

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company may be able to make special arrangements to help you, should you require assistance in any way.  In order to be able to make your journey with us as comfortable as possible, we ask that you inform us of your anticipated needs at the time of booking or at least 48 hours prior to your departure.  You can inform us by ticking the "Assistance*" box on page three of the online booking process (page entitled "Passengers") or you can inform us by calling our Reservations Team.on +44 (0)1624 661661.  If you have booked through a Travel Agent or Tour Operator, please advise them that you require assistance and ask them to pass this information to us.

Our Staff have undergone Disability Awareness Training to ensure a high standard of customer care and service excellence.

Assistance For Loading

On arrival at the port, please report to the check-in desk.  If you have requested lift access on the vehicle deck, please be aware that we cannot guarantee to place your vehicle beside the lift, as there is limited space in this area of the vessel.  There may also be a delay in loading dependent on the traffic levels/types for lift access. If any further assistance is required at this stage please inform a member of our shore based staff,  so that we may organise this for you. Without this information we cannot guarantee this service. 

Due to other passengers wishing to use the lift facility there may be a short delay to access the main Passenger Lounge areas, and also when disembarking for the main vehicle decks, although we will endeavour to keep this to a minimum.

On some occasions due to tidal/berth conditions or vehicle deck restrictions it may take longer to disembark passengers who require the courtesy bus to take them ashore, there may also be a longer walking distance to the Terminal Buildings.

You should note that, for those passengers unable to walk, we advise the use of collapsible wheelchairs.  For safety and evacuation purposes, we are obliged to monitor the number of wheelchair dependent passengers on any particular sailing.

Facilities On Board Our Vessels

Upon boarding the vessel, please make yourself known to the PSO (Passenger Services Officer) if any further assistance is required.

BEN-MY-CHREE

There is lift access to the passenger accommodation deck from the car deck for passengers boarding in a vehicle.  Arrangements can be made for passengers not travelling in vehicles to access the vessel by courtesy bus if requested.  We are pleased to offer 2 cabins which are suitable for wheelchair access as well as full disability access to all the main cabin areas.

Please note that the lift will not be operational while at sea so access between the cabins and other lounges will not be possible.

MANANNAN

Manannan has access for our disabled or reduced mobility passengers via a forward ramp and a lift at the stern door to the main passenger area. The main lounge has two tables designated for wheel chair users. There is a second lift to the reserved seating lounges from the main passenger deck. Please note that the lift will not be operational while at sea so access between the lounges will not be possible.

Port Access

HEYSHAM

A ramp is provided for disabled access to the Terminal Building.  Disabled toilet facilities are available inside the Terminal Buildings and this area is painted in accordance with the guidelines of the visibly impaired.  Foot passengers may access the ship by courtesy bus (where available).  If assistance is required a member of staff will be happy to assist you whenever possible.  Please note that on busier sailings check in normally opens at 1130 for the 1415 sailing and 2230 for the 0215 sailing, it is advisable to arrive as early as possible in these instances.

DOUGLAS

Douglas Terminal offers very easy access to all facilities; it complies fully in accordance with the guidelines required for disabled access.  Again we offer a courtesy bus (where available) for foot passengers in need of assistance to the vehicle deck of the ship, or a member of our shore based crew wherever possible to assist you.

LIVERPOOL

Access to the Port for foot passengers who require assistance will be via the car marshalling area.  Please speak to a member of the shore based staff at the car check in desk and they will be happy to arrange assistance by courtesy bus to the Terminal Building.  Once inside the Terminal Building disabled facilities are available.  Access to the ship will then be via our courtesy bus.  If the bus isn’t available our staff will be happy to assist.

BELFAST

A ramp is provided for disabled access to the Terminal Building.  Disabled toilet facilities are also located inside the Terminal Buildings.  Please see a member of staff if assistance is required for boarding.

DUBLIN

Dublin Terminal complies fully in accordance with the guidelines for disabled access.  Please see a member of staff if assistance is required for boarding.

Important Information

Please indicate if assistance is required when making your booking online, there is a drop down box next to the section where you input your name which allows you to do this, if you do forget then please contact one of our telephone agents, who will be happy to assist in any way they can.  Please remember if we are not aware of your needs we may not be able to guarantee this service.