Isle of Man Steam Packet Company fastcraft Manannan will return to service on 26th March, beginning a new season of regular sailings to Liverpool as well as the return of the Dublin and Belfast services.

This year Manannan will operate an additional 48 Liverpool sailings as the Steam Packet Company responds to customer demands for more services. In addition to more sailings, the Steam Packet Company has cut the cost of child fares, which now start at just £9 each way, and confirmed that the ever-popular Kids Go Free offer will return this summer.

It is hoped that this will encourage more families to travel, including attracting more visitors to the Island.

The twice-daily services into the heart of the city gives travellers the opportunity to explore everything Liverpool has to offer. An increasingly popular destination, Liverpool is the perfect place for a getaway, whether it is to see your favourite band at the Echo Arena, visit the wonderful museums with the kids, sample the huge choice of international cuisines, take in a match at Anfield or Goodison Park or ‘shop-til-you-drop’ at Liverpool ONE.

Event highlights in 2015 include Cunard Line’s Three Queens meeting in May, when a trio of legendary cruise liners will sail into the Mersey, the Liverpool International Music Festival in August, the Southport Air Show in September and much more.

Of course, Liverpool is also a great gateway as you head off for a break in the UK. Foot passengers can make use of the excellent transport links from the city, while motorists can be on the motorway network in minutes, ready to enjoy the freedom taking your car, motorcycle or campervan gives you.

The first of the season’s Irish sailings takes place on April 1, to Dublin, with the Belfast service resuming on April 3. Ireland is a great destination for a getaway, and travelling with the Steam Packet Company allows you to take your car so you can sample not only the buzzing city atmosphere, but also explore the countryside at your leisure. Why not make it a real holiday by sailing out to either Belfast or Dublin and back from the other, giving you the opportunity to see both of the must-visit cities?

Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward said:

‘We’re looking forward to another busy season as Manannan returns and we resume our regular sailings to Liverpool, Belfast and Dublin.

‘Over the winter, Manannan has undergone some repairs and refurbishment, and we have completed the removable mezzanine deck which will be installed during the TT and Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling to allow more visitors with motorcycles to travel here.

‘We hope the addition of 48 more Liverpool sailings, coupled with reduced fares for children and the return of the Kids Go Free offer, will encourage more people to travel in 2015, and attract more visitors to the Island.’

Full schedule details are available from www.steam-packet.com