More than 8,000 people have visited the Isle of Man this year – on cruise ships.

The Island has received its highest number of cruise visits with 24 ships calling to the Island in 2018.

There was also a 20 per cent increase from 2017 in cruise passengers participating in an organised shore excursion.

MHK Rob Callister is the Political Member for Visit Isle of Man – he says: "I would like to thank the Cruise Isle of Man team, the ‘cruise welcomers’, volunteers and the network of local businesses who have worked extremely hard this year to ensure that the Isle of Man’s cruise tourism enjoyed another successful year and for their help in enhancing the Island’s reputation as a high quality destination for cruise ships.”

38 ships are due to visit in 2019 – with more than 12,000 people expected to visit next year.