All aboard! Manannan fast-craft to resume service from tomorrow

The Isle of Man’s fast-craft Manannan is set to resume its sailing schedule tomorrow, with a number of improvements having been made to the vessel.

With it hopefully being better behaved and punctual than its sibling Manxman, the first sailing from Douglas to Liverpool is set to depart at 4pm on Friday, March 22.

The spring refurbishment has seen the introduction of a brand new children’s play area, so this is a warning to all adults that you need to buy brand new noise-cancelling headphones as soon as possible.

It also includes upgraded pet kennels, a larger retail area and an enhanced crew area.

Passengers choosing to sit in the forward cabin on sailings to and from Liverpool will be able to relax in newly upholstered seating, while the forward lounge has also received new floor and wall coverings.

For those travelling with their labradors or border-collies, the Manannan has larger kennels with an increased number available to help cater for the demand.

From March 22 to March 28, Manannan will depart Douglas one hour later for its sailings. This is to allow time for Manannan to visit the new Isle of Man Ferry Terminal in the morning for berthing trials. Instead of leaving from Douglas at 3pm, sailings will depart at 4pm, while the return journey back from Liverpool will leave at 8pm instead of 7:15pm.

Brian Thomson, managing director at the Steam Packet, said: ‘Our crew and staff are proud to provide the highest level of service in the British Isles and our vessels are the envy of the Irish Sea.

‘We’re pleased to complete our renovations and invest in giving Manannan a modern and fresh overhaul to provide our passengers and crew with a higher quality and comfortable experience on board. We are looking forward to welcoming passengers on board for our first sailings to Liverpool for the summer season.’