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The Isle of Man is an important cruise destination and its capital, the port city of Douglas provides quay-side mooring for vessels up to 120 meters. Larger vessels are anchored at the sheltered Douglas bay anchorage. |
Passengers can disembark directly to jetty steps in the inner harbor. There are 3 good deep water anchorages to the East, West and South of Isle of Man, most of which border easy passenger landing amenities. The National Museum which is a stone's throw from the Douglas harbor, showcases many unique exhibits covering Manx history.
The cathedral city of Peel provides a special anchorage with easy access to the city's inner harbor. The adjoining area leads to the historic Peel Castle that houses the replica of Viking longboat that sailed from Norway in 1979 to celebrate the island's millennium. For visiting cruise passengers, there are special shows with Victorian period costume and presentation of honorary certificate of citizenship to those making landfall. The two smaller fishing ports of St Mary and Erin are both traditional Manx fishing harbors with leisure yachting presence.
The cruise ships departing Douglas usually proceed toward Castletown, a picturesque settlement. Upon arrival at Castletown, the visitors are guided to the Medieval castle Rushen. A Victorian steam railway takes them to Port St Mary where they are shown how Manx crofters lived centuries ago. The coach then returns to Douglas through the famous Fairy Bridge.
Coach tours
A special train can be hired from Douglas to Castletown. With Quayside coach pick-up, visitors are led to the Douglas Railway Station, straight to the 125-year old Victorian railway. The railway still uses the original engines that first worked the line in the 1890’s. On the way passengers can enjoy the best view of the country side, the Castle Rushen and the Cregneash Village Folk Museum.
Another option is, on a trip to 100 year Manx Electric Railway, you can visit the famous Laxey Wheel and journey to Laxey on a special MER tram. Visitors could purchase souvenirs from a wide selection of Manx gifts. The tour proceeds to the City of Peel to view the peel castle and the fishing port. You could return to Douglas on a horse-drawn tram.
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