A great improvement and hopefully a first step towards further developments for the Isle of Man as a cruise destination.
That's how industry consultant Terry Toohey has described the new pontoon and walkway in the outer harbour at Douglas.
It means tenders from visiting cruise ships will no longer be constrained by the tides, and passengers will be able to access the accompanying walkway at any time.
Mr Toohey (pictured) says further improvements could see the Island steal a march on all but the major British ports, and attract much larger vessels:
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