It was an easy decision to take the new Manxman ferry from Heysham to Douglas on the Isle of Man. Run by the Steam Packet Company and built in South Korea, this new ferry complements the completely refurbished Ben-my-Chree Catamaran that joined the fleet in 1998.
The nine-deck Manxman has a passenger capacity of 949 and can transport up to 300 cars.
This vessel is operated by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company departing from the Port of Heysham. It is a four-hour crossing to the Port of Douglas and for hours back. The return trip operates twice every 24 hours. I booked myself as a foot passenger.
THE CHECK-IN: The check-in experience at Port of Heysham was quite well organised. Foot passengers had to present themselves 10 minutes before boarding began and staff at the check-in windows were very friendly.
Either paper or phone apps were accepted for boarding as long as the QR code was visible. The terminal building was well appointed with clean and accessible facilities. It was a relaxed experience with no in-depth security process before embarking. Baggage was taken to the conveyor by passengers and boarding was quite easy.
BOARDING: Boarding was slightly different when departing from the Port of Douglas with security much tighter – due to regulations in Heysham, I assume. However, though I had a complete frisk down when my watch set off the scanner; the person travelling with me noted that several passengers then simply skipped the queue – as the security officer was distracted – and went straight onto the ferry.
Once on board, there was a shop for purchasing souvenirs and snacks and plenty of toilet facilities. I made my way through the attractive walkways to the lounge so I could settle in for the voyage.
THE SEAT: It was not necessary to reserve seats in the Barrule Lounge, though a few had as the flight-style seating next to the large windows was a popular choice. Other seating options were varied and included tables with chairs, couches and high-backed upholstered seats. There was a tea and coffee machine, which was free of charge, as well as fruit and a selection of newspapers and magazines. A café with helpful staff served hot meals and bar drinks, though there was a charge for these.
Staff members were quite helpful and I felt very comfortable during the crossing. The reading materials available onboard kept me occupied during the sailing. There was Wi-Fi, for a fee, which was of a decent standard.
For those seeking privacy, there were also forty cabins which could be booked for the crossing which ranged from inside twin berths to outside cabins with balconies and double beds.
The bonus was that we arrived on time, though it was a bit confusing leaving the vessel as a foot passenger as no one was around to offer directions. Once in the staircases, it seemed that the only exit was via the vessel decks. I discovered, on my return, that this was not the case.
THE VERDICT: Sailing on the Manxman was a pleasant experience and it was hardly noticeable that the seas was a bit rough. Particularly for those looking for sustainable options for travel, I would certainly recommend this mode of transport over flying.
