Isle of man ferry question.

Ferry link is www.steam-packet.co.uk sailing from either Liverpool or Heysham.

Liverpool is a faster route but they pack you on like sardines and the ramp getting down to the quayside is extremely steep with the risk of grounding at the bottom. Managed to get my 355 on without any mishaps but you have to take it slowly.

I'm sure Dave will chime in later with further info

 

chaa ... the following is an extract from the IOM weekend thread .....

FERRY
There is just one ferry operator to the island ( www.steam-packet.com ). There is a more regular, seacat, fastcraft service to the island from liverpool (2.5 hours) but loading is a little iffy and the cars are jammed in like sardines - definitely not recommended !
The conventional ferry, the "Ben-my-Chree" sails twice daily from Heysham, nr Morecambe, Lancashire. Times are 02:15 and 14:15. There is a first class lounge on board, which i would recommend, (free drinks, newspapers, pastries and quiet) at £10 per sailing. The crossing time is 3.5 hours and there are the usual on board facilities.
There is plenty of room between the cars, the lads loading are sensible and every care will be given where necessary.
If the weather is not good you should ask not to be put on the upper (part open) vehicle deck.
Return times from douglas are 08:45 and 19:45 daily. The revised summer months costs per car and two passengers would equal aprox £178. I suggest each "car" organise their own bookings. Remember to fill up in uk as petrol is slightly more expensive here, but we do now have super unleaded.

HOTELS
The Sefton Hotel ( www.seftonhotel.co.im ) is on the sea front in the heart of Douglas. They are sure they are able to offer secure, reserved, underground, cctv covered parking, however vehicle crime on the island is not considered a problem.
Rooms would be in the better section of the hotel, in the Atrium, and at a cost of £95 per night, per room. (£47:50 each person per night).

The Mount Murray Hotel and Country Club lies just a two miles outside of Douglas ( www.mountmurray.com ). The hotel boasts a golf course, driving range, gym, pool etc.
It is considered not quite as "nice" as the sefton but still good. parking is outdoor but reception is manned 24 hours. (Apparently the Bentley club of GB stay there regularly)
The cost of a minibus into douglas for a beer or two would not break the bank.
Standard twin/double rooms would be £81-50 per night (£40-75 per person). King size bed rooms are available at a cost.
The rates at both hotels include breakfast.

COST SUMMARY (per each of two persons sharing one car)
return ferry..........£109 (incl. 1st class lounge)......departing 14:15 friday and returning 19:45 sunday.
hotel i)........£95 (two nights @ sefton)
hotel ii).......£81-50 (two nights at mt. murray)

One car with two persons, staying friday and satuirday nights at the Sefton Hotel, and inclusive of the ferry (first class lounge) would cost a total of £ 204:00.
There is obviously an option for those wishing to travel over on the saturday afternoon.

Again i suggest each car organise their own reservation.
CONTACTS
ferry reservations 01624 661661
Paul @ sefton hotel 01624 645500
Kim @ mt murray hotel 01624 695305
Me 07624 439992

For further info checkout www.gov.im/tourism.

Remember, we have the finest public race track in the world, no speed limits (out of towns and villages), no gatsos, great night life, fabulous scenery and most hospitable people.



Chaa / GrahamS if you book the ferry, you could do worse than book it in my name ... you do not need to pay 'til you arrive at the port ... also, if you need to alter your schedule, you will not pay penalty fees for booking changes.
I recommend the first class lounge ... you could eat/drink the £10, easily, then have the relative quiet for free.
cheers,d

 

Dave is red trousers allowed on the island as graham s is to shy to ask ??????