Bookings for Isle of Man Steam Packet Company sailings during 2018 are now open, with more than 900,000 offer seats available during the year.

The ferry operator has confirmed its schedules and details of special offer fares for the coming year, with Ben-my-Chree operating daily sailings between Heysham and Douglas, as well as weekend winter services between Douglas and Birkenhead. Mannanan will resume its schedule on 25th March with regular services to Liverpool. Details of schedules for Dublin and Belfast have also been confirmed.

The Steam Packet Company has also removed credit card charges for bookings ahead of the planned changes in legislation in early 2018.

The popular offer fares for two people travelling with a car return for 2018, with choices of three-day, five-day and any length of stay options, and prices starting from just ?65 each way. There are also special offers for up to four people travelling with a car with the return of the Starlight and Day Trip offers.

Foot passenger prices start from just ?18.50 each way for adults and ?9.50 each way for children. Infants aged under four continue to travel for free.

For families planning ahead for their 2018 summer getaway, the Steam Packet Company has confirmed the Kids Go Free offer will return. Two people travelling midweek with a car between 3rd July 2018 and 30th August 2018 will be able to take up to three children for free.

Also returning for 2018 is the Student Foot Passenger offer, assisting students in full time off-island Further or Higher Education when traveling to and from the Island. These students can book foot passenger fares at the lowest prices and benefit from the flexibility of not paying amendment fees if their travel plans change and there are no weekend supplements.

Despite deposits for next year’s TT, which opened in May, once again proving extremely popular, there is still limited availability on some TT sailings. This includes the return of the TT Taster offer, giving visitors a chance to sample the festival atmosphere during Practice Week, and the TT Escape offer for Island residents who would prefer to avoid the hustle and bustle of TT with a relaxing getaway.

Visitors are now also able to book for the 2018 Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling.

Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: ‘We are pleased to be confirming our schedules and opening bookings now as we know people like to start planning their holidays as early as possible.

‘Once again, we have more than 900,000 offer seats available during 2018, ensuring there are plenty of opportunities to secure our lowest prices, especially if you book early. We have tried to make sure we have offers for Island residents wanting to get away, as well as making the Isle of Man an attractive destination for visitors.

‘We have also chosen to act ahead of the planned changes to legislation next year, and have removed credit card charges from all bookings.

‘One thing for travellers to note is that Ben-my-Chree will have its statutory dry dock for three weeks, from mid-April. This is carried out every two years to allow for maintenance.’

To make your booking, visit www.steam-packet.com where you will also find details of all special offers, including full terms and conditions.