Tourism businesses say the Manxman’s extended dry‑dock at the height of summer is already disrupting visitor travel and could hit the island’s peak‑season economy.
With the Ben‑my‑Chree now assumed to be covering both Heysham and Larne sailings until late September, and offering significantly less capacity, operators say the squeeze on space is affecting August bookings and leaving some sailings marked “Not available”.
Island Escapes Commercial Director, John Keggin, said the timing is “significantly detrimental”, warning that reduced capacity means fewer visitors can reach the island during its busiest month.
He said customers’ travel plans are already being affected and fears last‑minute bookings will drop across the sector.
Tight Schedules
The Regency’s Tim Baggley said the combination of the Ben‑my‑Chree, Larne commitments and the upcoming Manx Grand Prix period will make schedules “tight”.
He added that the Ben’s lack of cabins is disappointing for regular visitors who rely on them.
Tourism providers say they understand operational issues arise, but the scale and timing of the disruption risk undermining the island’s summer season.
Customer Confidence
Another tourism operator says ferry disruption is hitting customer confidence, with new bookings closed off and growing frustration among visitors.
They report widespread disappointment from holidaymakers, particularly pet owners, as the Ben‑my‑Chree offers no pet‑friendly cabins, leaving “a considerable amount of very upset customers.”
They say the timing of the issue, at the height of the tourist season, has caused heavy administrative pressure, and argue the Steam Packet’s messaging has been unclear.
Travellers from Liverpool are “concerned their sailings will be affected” and often assume all routes face cancellations.
The operator said clearer public statements explaining what happened, which sailings are affected and when disruption will end “would have been helpful.”
Significant Blow
The Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce says the Manxman’s dry‑dock is a major setback for the island at the height of the summer season.
In a statement to Manx.News, the Chamber said members are concerned about reduced passenger capacity on the Ben‑my‑Chree, with reports of passengers sitting on the floor during busy crossings.
Businesses in the visitor economy have told the Chamber that the disruption is already affecting travel plans and could deter last‑minute bookings, with fewer visitors able to travel while the Ben‑my‑Chree also covers the Larne route.
The Chamber described the loss of the island’s flagship vessel as “disappointing and concerning” and said connectivity remains a key issue for members.
It added that it hopes every effort is being made to return the Manxman to service as quickly as possible.
