In a word, yes. Next question. I’m guessing you would probably like a slightly more complete answer though as to what cruises visit the Isle of Man.
If there is one thing I find strange about the various cruise lines around the world it’s that so few even think about stopping in the Isle of Man. I’ve been fortunate enough to have been on several cruises in various places and to see people getting so excited about visiting ruins which, to be quite frank, are not a patch on what I can find within 20 minutes of our house. This may sound tongue in cheek but I’m being serious, the Isle of Man is a stunning destination for a cruise visit.
Looking at things subjectively I think most people would agree that the island is even more suited as a cruise destination than to longer stays. The Isle of Man is a small island with many historical sites in close proximity to each other with easy access for those on a standard 8-9 hour cruise day. Like I said above I have been on cruises where 1500 people have bought excursions that mainly comprised of looking at a rather unimpressive pile of rocks which were “perhaps” once something and then being shipped off to a factory shop and pressured into buying something. To get so excited over so little I could only imagine how their faces would react to seeing Peel Castle, a trip around the almost complete ruins of Castle Rushen, topping the day off with a walk up the worlds largest working water wheel. We’ll ignore the actual natural beauty of the island for a moment.
Of course the Isle of Man doesn’t have the weather that can guarantee cruise guests shorts and t-shirts but I don’t think that matters. Cruises tend to fall into 2 categories, history & culture or sun and sand. I would love to see the Isle of Man pushed more as a destination for the first. The Isle of Man government needs to be more proactive in this, there are several good deep water moorings around the island besides Douglas. I would suggest cruise lines tender to shore in the more traditional parts of the island, Douglas IS NOT the Isle of Man. I was fortunate enough today to bump into several cruise guests who were wandering lost up and down Strand Street, the disappointment etched on their faces. My advice was to jump on a bus and get out of Douglas ASAP. Bad roads and squeeky buses are soon forgotten when you are greeted by the site of the central valley being kissed by the last embers of the morning cloud and Snaefell peaking through in the distance, all enjoyed from the number 4 bus. Yes I know it doesn’t sound much if you live here, trust me, we’re spoilt.
If this sounds like I’m preaching then I’ll apologise now, it’s only because I really do believe in this. Of all the ways the island could increase its income this for me is the best. The Isle of Man has a huge amount to offer, to the right people.
2010 Cruises To The Isle of Man
August 1st on the Cruise&Maritime Voyages ship Ocean Countess which leaves Leith on the 24th of July. Click Here to see the full list of destinations on this cruise and availability.
August 12th & 13th on Residensea’s The World. Click Here for more information.
August 23rd on the P&O Cruises ship Artemis which leaves Southampton on the 16th of August. Click Here to see the full list of destinations on this cruise and availability.
September 4th on the Cruise&Maritime Voyages ship Marco Polo which leaves London on the 29th of August. Click Here to see the full list of destinations on this cruise and availability.
2011 Cruises To The Isle of Man
July 12th on the Oceania Cruises ship Marina which leaves Copenhagen on the 1st of July. Click Here to see the full list of destinations on this cruise and availability.
July 24th on the Oceania Cruises ship Marina which leaves Dover on the 15th of July. Click Here to see the full list of destinations on this cruise and availability.
Have You Been On A Cruise That Visited The Isle of Man? If so why not leave a comment and let us know how it was for you. All feedback will be forwarded on to Isle of Man tourism.