Displaying items by tag: Round Island Cruise

29th June 2019

Excursionists Enjoy Round Isle of Man Cruise

IOM Steam-Packet's annual 'Round the Island' cruise took place last weekend when ropax Ben-My-Chree with 300 sightseers on board the four-hour cruise experienced stunning views to include Peel Castle. Afloat adds the 11th century castle is perched on St. Patrick's Isle located on the west Manx coastline.

Around 300 passengers enjoyed spectacular views of the Isle of Man’s coastline on this year’s Ben-my-Chree round-the-island cruise which was held last Saturday following Midsummer's day.

The ropax which the IOM Steam-Packet operates on the route to Heysham, England, departed Douglas at 19:00hrs on the special cruise which first went across the bay towards Onchan Head, swinging back around and continuing south. From there the cruise which included a meal as part of the fare offered further stunning views of Port Erin Bay followed by Peel and its castle.

The fine evening meant that the crew were able to open up Deck 5 to allow passengers to get a great look at the coastline from the vehicle deck. There was also a refurbished motorised horse tram on the deck which made a great vantage point and photo opportunity.

It was an enjoyable evening for all with stunning coastal views, delicious food and musical entertainment from Douglas Town Band’s oompah act, Baron Otto's Blaskapelle, who performed several sets in the ship’s bar throughout the cruise.

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Isle of Man Round-The-Island Cruise Rescheduled to Late April

#CruiseRescheduled – A Round-the-Island cruise of the Isle of Man planned for today has been rescheduled to the end of April.

Despite the clocks changing to mark summertime, the unfavourable weather conditions have led to the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company to instead set a new date for the cruise which is on Sunday, April 26th, departing Douglas at 11:30.

All passengers booked on the excursion will be automatically transferred and new tickets will be sent out. Full refunds will be given to those who cannot make the new date.

Commenting on the rescheduling, the company's Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: 'There are some choppy conditions forecast for this weekend, and potentially poor visibility during parts of the cruise, which may restrict views".

"While all of our other services are expected to run as scheduled this weekend, we felt that the forecast wouldn't make for an enjoyable round-the-Island experience for passengers and have therefore rescheduled to allow the trip to be completed in more favourable weather conditions."

All bookings will be automatically transferred or refunds are available on request. Tickets for the new date, cost £24 for adults and £12 for children (15 and under).

To make a booking, visit the Ferry Travel Shop, Sea Terminal, Douglas or call Reservations Team on 661661.

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Annual Mid-Summer Round Isle of Man Sunset Cruise

#IsleofManCruise- The annual Round the Island Sunset Cruise is to take place next Saturday (28 June) and operated by the Isle of Man Steam Packet's ro-pax Ben-my-Chree.

The main ship of the Manx ferry company, Ben-My-Chree which was featured in the ferry captain interviews series will depart Douglas at 1900 for a trip of around 4 hours. Tickets are on sale, priced at £26 for adults and £16 for children, including a main meal, non-alcoholic drink and ice cream.

The bar will not be open during the sailing as the vessel is not licenced to sell alcohol while it is in Manx waters. However, passengers are welcome to 'bring their own' to enjoy with their meal.

Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: 'These cruises are a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the Manx coastline and enjoy a relaxing evening in good company. They are always popular, so I'd recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.

'Once again this year, the very knowledgeable Captain Stephen Carter will be providing commentary during the journey, which provides a fascinating insight to go with the breathtaking views.

To book a place on the Ben-my-Chree round-the-Island cruise, call in person at the Ferry Travel Shop, Sea Terminal, Douglas or call the Reservations Team on 661661. For more information in general about island ferry connections visit: www.steam-packet.com

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Forty Foot Swimming Spot on Dublin Bay

The 'Forty Foot' is a rocky outcrop located at the southern tip of Dublin Bay at Sandycove, County Dublin from which people have been swimming in the Irish Sea all year round for 300 years or more. It is popular because it is one of few spots between Dublin city and Greystones in County Wicklow that allows for swimming at all stages of the tide, subject to the sea state.

Forty Foot History

Traditionally, the bathing spot was exclusively a men's bathing spot and the gentlemen's swimming club was established to help conserve the area.

Owing to its relative isolation and gender-specific nature it became a popular spot for nudists, but in the 1970s, during the women's liberation movement, a group of female equal-rights activists plunged into the waters and now it is also open to everyone and it is in the control of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council.

Many people believe that swimming in extremely cold water is healthy and good for the immune system.

Is it safe to swim at the Forty Foot?

The Forty-Foot is a great place to swim because there is always enough water to get a dip but like all sea swimming, there are always hazards you need to be aware of. For example, a lot of people like to dive into to the pool at the Forty-foot but there are submerged rocks that can be hazardous especially at low water. The Council have erected signs to warn people of the underwater dangers. Other hazards include slippy granite cut stone steps that can often be covered with seaweed and of course marine wildlife including jellyfish that make their presence felt in the summer months as do an inquisitive nearby Sandycove seal colony.