The Steam Packet’s marking the start of summer with the first 2015 voyage of the Manannan today.

Her first scheduled crossing of the year comes after days of last-minute preparations by staff and crew in Douglas.

She’ll depart for Liverpool at 3pm, with a return voyage due to leave Merseyside at 7.15pm.

The Steam Packet Company says it expects today's poor weather to ease slightly allowing her to set off on time.

This morning, the Ben my Chree set off half an hour early to avoid gales in the Irish Sea.