Nightmare Before Christmas

The Steam Packet is advising that sailings right up until Christmas Eve are at risk.

A band of low pressure is due to bring some horrid weather across the north of the British Isles and the island in coming days.

Due to the rapid deterioration of the latest forecast for tonight, the Steam Packet said a decision will be made on the 8.45pm sailing to Heysham by 5.30pm with the decision also impacting on the return sailing.

Going forward

Right, it’s very simple.

Every sailing is at risk of cancellation or disruption:

If your sailing is going out of Douglas to Heysham in the mornings, a decision will be made by 6.30am or 7am at the latest. This will also impact on the return 2.15pm sailing from Lancashire.

If your sailing is an evening sailing from Douglas to Heysham (about 8pm) then a decision will be made by 5.30pm on the day. This will also impact on return sailings at 2.15am on the subsequent morning.

The only exceptions to this, at this point, is Wednesday morning’s sailing to Heysham and the 2.15pm return, which are unaffected by the weather.

Additionally, the Thursday December 21 2.15am sailing from Heysham if it sails, has been brought forward to 1.15am, with passengers asked to check in by 12.30am at the latest.

Meanwhile the Belfast sailing on Christmas Eve is also subject to disruption, with a decision due at 5.30am on that day.