Sail to the Isle of Man for adventure, culture and discovery during 2020.
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has released its 2020 timetable, with more than 900,000 offer seats available to book during the year.
Nestled in the heart of the Irish Sea, the Island, which is only 33 miles long by 13 miles wide, boasts breathtaking scenery, adrenaline-fuelled experiences, a captivating historic past, rolling coastlines and long stretches of golden beaches – and that’s just some of the reasons why so many holidaymakers explore its beautiful shores each year.
A perfectly balanced microcosm, it encapsulates the very best of the British Isles in one destination with quaint countryside, bustling seaside towns, small fishing ports and plenty of things to see and do. Getting around is easy on the small isle too, especially when bringing bicycles, motorbikes and cars on the ferry, so visitors can experience a little bit of everything.
With the release of all Steam Packet Company bookings for 2020, now is the perfect time to start planning a break to the beautiful Isle of Man. Here are just some of the great special offers available during 2020:
- 5 Day Short Break Offer for two adults travelling with a car from £79 each way
- Any length Special Offer for two adults travelling with a car from £99 each way
- 5 Day Short Break Offer for a motorbike and one rider from £41 each way
- Kids Go Free Summer Special (1st July – 27th August), two adults travelling midweek with a car can take up to three kids for free from £135 each way
- Adult Foot Passenger from £19.25 each way, Child Foot Passenger from £10.25 each way (infants under four continue to travel for free)
To see all available offers in 2020 and full terms and conditions, visit: www.steam-packet.com/offers
As of 2020, there will be no weekend supplements for passengers travelling between October and March. This means passengers travelling with their car can save up to £25 each way when sailing over the weekend during these months.
The Steam Packet Company provides fast, comfortable and convenient ferry travel to the Island’s capital of Douglas from four easy-to-reach ports via its two vessels.
Fast craft Manannan, which operates between March and November, sails to and from Liverpool and the Isle of Man, with a crossing time of 2 hours and 45 minutes. Manannan also provides regular return ferry travel from the Company’s two Irish ports, Belfast and Dublin.
Offering bright, spacious accommodation, comfortable seating and two on-board cinema lounges, passengers can relax from the moment they step on board the fast craft.
Conventional ferry Ben-my-Chree sails all-year-round with daily return sailings from Heysham. With a crossing time of 3 hours and 45 minutes, travellers can enjoy a more leisurely voyage across the Irish Sea. Passengers also have the option to book a four-berth cabin to enjoy additional comfort, privacy and the chance to lay down their heads before their onward journey.
Travelling by sea is the perfect start to any break to the Isle of Man. Passengers can sit back and relax in one of the spacious lounges or stretch their legs throughout the sailing, taking in the sea views on the outside deck. They can also refuel before their onward journey at the Coast to Coast Café and enjoy a spot of on-board shopping at Ocean Avenue.
Both vessels also offer the option to reserve a seat in the Niarbyl Reserved Lounge for £5 per person per journey or, for a higher level of comfort and service, the Premium Lounge can be booked for £18 per person per single crossing.
There is also the added bonus of being able to bring along pets when travelling with the Steam Packet Company, with a pet-friendly lounge and cabins on-board Ben-my-Chree, and kennels on Manannan for foot passengers travelling with pets.
Upon arrival in the Isle of Man, the journey of discovery can truly begin. An extraordinary destination steeped in history, there are thousands of years of Celtic and Viking heritage to unearth in remarkable historical sites around the Island including Tynwald Hill - a distinctive landmark which marks the Island’s independence as a self-governing crown dependency - the medieval monastery Rushen Abbey and the captivating ruins of Peel Castle.
The Island is known for its striking natural beauty with plenty of hidden treasures to discover. Visitors can enjoy a hike over the rolling hills, meander through one of the enchanting glens and plantations or walk the length of the idyllic Manx coastline.
The Isle of Man is also popular with cyclists, with tough terrain for the serious mountain biker and plenty of easy, flat routes for those who prefer to enjoy the views and take it slow. Bicycles are free to take on the ferry and it is simple to do when travelling by foot or bringing a car.
For thrill seekers, the Isle of Man is an adventure playground with activities like coasteering, gorge scrambling, indoor rock climbing, paintballing and kayaking available.
Whatever the days have in store, each one can be rounded off in style with a taste of local produce at one of the many wonderful restaurants. The award-winning locally-caught fresh seafood, delicious Loaghtan lamb, traditionally-brewed Manx beer or botanical gin are not to be missed.
Those that sail with the Steam Packet Company have the option to take their car, motorbike or bicycle and, with no luggage fees, pack everything they might need for their stay with room to spare to take home some Manx treats.
Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: ‘As we enter the final few months of 2019, we’re excited to be looking ahead to the new year with the release of our full 2020 schedule.
‘Every year we have the pleasure of welcoming thousands of visitors to our beautiful shores to discover the magical place we’re lucky enough to call home. With so much to see, do and experience, and so many great offers available when you travel by ferry, it’s no wonder the Isle of Man is a popular destination.’
Start planning your 2020 trip to the Isle of Man now at www.steam-packet.com
