Martin Lister, Port Operations Coordinator for Fred Olsen Cruise Lines,has been impressed by what the Island has to offer, even in the depth of winter.

He was shown round the Island , seeing, amongst other sites the House of Manannan, Laxey, Cregneash, The Calf Sound and Castletown.
He commented that there were a number of places he would like to see on the " to see" list for Olsen passengers calling here, but of course that will be subject to negotiations, back at base.

Their ship, the Black Prince, is scheduled to visit the Douglas on 29 December 2007. Black Prince carries 600 passengers and crew and has previously called in 1994, 1997, 2000 and 2002, Fred Olsen’s last visit to the Island was the Braemar in 2005.

The Black Prince has now been scheduled to visit in both April and September 2008 and their new ship, not to be confused with the paddle steamer, Balmoral, carrying up to 1500 passengers and crew, is expected in August 2008.

During his visit, Martin met with Mr Geoff Corkish MBE, MHK, political member of the Department of Tourism and Leisure, with responsibility for cruises. He said: ‘I am delighted that the Isle of Man has been chosen as one of the ports of call on the cruises of these handsome vessels. Cruising is a huge growth market and we hope to attract more ships to our ports in the next few years. I hope the passengers enjoy their stop in the Isle of Man and that their initial visit will encourage them to return.’

PIctured. Geoff Corkish MHK and Martin Lister, Fred Olsen Lines.