Manxman is coming home!

The Steam Packet’s new £78million flagship vessel will arrive in Douglas on Sunday morning.

The ferry operator has said the ship is expected arrive around 9am if all goes to plan after leaving Southampton, where it has been undergoing some final fitting, on Friday evening.

Ahead of going into service at the end of next month, the new vessel will also have to undergo berthing trials in Douglas and Heysham, as well as giving the masters an opportunity to update their Pilot Exemption Certificates for the new flagship.

Alongside that, crew training, staff familiarisation, stocking and all the myriad other items that need to be put in place before the boat needs.
It is anticipated that if all goes to plan, Manxman will begin limited service before the end of July.

A round the island cruise is being planned in order to give some customers a chance to sail on the new flagship without having to make a return crossing. Further details of this will be released shortly.

A welcome ceremony for Manxman is planned for Sunday, July 9, with further details to be released shortly.