Delays to Isle of Man fast craft ferry due sea conditions
Tens of thousands of visiting motorcycle fans are set to travel to and from the island via ferries during the Isle of Man TT races.Meanwhile, wholesaler G E White Ltd warned that arrival of newspapers had delayed by about three hours, and arrived at about 09:00, due to a docking issue for the Ben-My-Chree.The Isle of Man Steam Packet's backup vessel is being used for freight journeys throughout the TT fortnight.
Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
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Telegraph
an hour ago
- Telegraph
Discover a cruise experience that takes luxury at sea to new heights
As warming sunshine tumbles through the sky's wispy cloud cover, I lean my elbows against the edge of a Jacuzzi whirlpool on Queen Anne's Grills Terrace. The water is wonderfully warm, pairing brilliantly with the crisp glass of champagne that I sip as I look across at the dramatic Scottish coastline and sparkling sea. I could get used to this. The impressively big (and impossibly luxurious) ship is my home-away-from-home for the next week as she leisurely makes her way around the British Isles. Not only am I lucky enough to be on board, but I also find myself travelling in luxuriant style in one of Cunard's famed Queens Grill suites. After boarding earlier this morning – where a fellow passenger embodied the welcoming atmosphere when he called out 'welcome aboard Queen Anne!' – I was whisked up to my suite where my dedicated butler, Ben, greeted me. 'I'm here to make your stay perfect,' he told me as he showed me around. And I believe him. Home sweet home Seeing a Cunard Queens Grill suite for the first time is an unforgettable experience. It was hard to know where to look first – at the stylish blue and pastel accented decor, the sumptuously soft striped carpet or the marbled counter tops of the spacious bathroom? Or perhaps the king-size bed, or the huge balcony awaiting through double doors? The welcome chocolates and champagne on ice were certainly hard to miss – as was the mini bar area, where Ben explained I could order two complimentary bottles of my choice to enjoy during my stay. I went for Cunard's rosé label and the special Queen Anne edition gin, perfect for pre-dinner G&Ts on my balcony. Despite seriously overpacking, the huge double wardrobes allow ample room to unpack (something that the Queens Grill butlers can also help with). I opt for a delicious lunch in the comfort of my own suite, which sees Ben lay a beautiful spread of maple caramelised brussel sprouts and grilled seabream atop a white tablecloth and silverware, before I make my way up to the exclusive Grills Terrace to soak up the view from the whirlpool. It seemed only right to accompany the moment with a glass of bubbly. Speciality dining That evening, as I sip a G&T on my balcony surrounded by a sparkling sea, a soft knock at the door announces Ben delivering my nightly pre-dinner canapes – moreish goat cheese and carmelised onion tartlets today – alongside some freshly sliced lemon slices. 'I thought you might enjoy them with your gin,' he says as he places the lemon down. It's small, thoughtful details like this that epitomise Cunard's White Star Service. I make my way up to the luxurious Queens Grill Restaurant, where Ilven, the maitre d', greets me warmly. I'm shown to the table that will be reserved for me the whole trip as a Queens Grill guest. The restaurant is a sight in itself: beautifully detailed decor with soft hues of blue and pastel, twinkling chandeliers and pristine table settings. The floor-to-ceiling windows of the restaurant give it an unparalleled view of the glistening waves. Fellow Queens Grill guests, Bob and Glenys Latham, are equally enchanted. They always pick Cunard, they tell me, and have even brought a slice of the Cunard experience back home with them: 'We have a little aperitif and canapes at home in the evenings now,' Glenys says. 'It's just a lovely tradition.' As I discover, the Queens Grill menu changes daily, but never fails to impress. My first meal starts with salmon gravadlax before I tuck into Lyburn Old Winchester gnocchi with a sage and walnut crumb. Dining while looking out onto the great horizons as Queen Anne steadily cuts through the water is an experience I'll never forget. Relax in luxury I wake to the view of waves rolling gently past my window before heading up to the Queens Grill restaurant for a decadent breakfast. Made-to-order omelettes, full English, pastries, eggs royale, freshly cooked pancakes – whatever you can think of, they've got it. It's the perfect start to set me up for the ultimate day of relaxation at Queen Anne's Mareel Spa, beginning with a Fire and Ice manicure (I'd run out of time to get my nails done before the voyage but thankfully the wonderful spa manager slots me in straight away). It's certainly an upgrade from my typical nail salon: after my colour is applied, Marie gives me an exfoliating hand and arm massage before applying a cooling gel and wrapping them in hot towels. Then I'm left to admire the best manicure I've ever had. Next, a massage. My therapist takes time to understand any specific aches, pains or problems I have and it really shows – the treatment feels like it was made for me. I can feel tension melting away from each muscle group as I sink into a daze of relaxed bliss. Afterwards, I glide into the thermal spa to let the full effects of the massage settle. Lying on one of the heated stone loungers set around the Jacuzzi pool, I doze into a peaceful state of tranquility. It's a steady state of bliss that continues back in the luxurious privacy of the Queens Grill suite, where dinner is served, extending the feeling of relaxation deep into the evening aboard Queen Anne. Spoilt for choice Sea days on Queen Anne mean a world of possibilities: sipping morning coffee overlooking the Irish mountains and brilliant blue sea; breakfast on my private balcony; a spot of reading by the Pavilion pool; a sauna that gets my skin glowing; and almost certainly an indulgent afternoon tea in the Princess Grill Restaurant. But there are also port days, allowing guests to immerse themselves in a destination's culture before returning to their luxurious sanctuary back on board Queen Anne. I join a brilliant river cruise along Dublin's River Liffey, which gives me insight into the city's history, culture and heart. Back on board, I return to an immaculate suite (thanks, Ben). I have just enough time to savour the canapes he's delivered before heading out for dinner at the speciality Indian restaurant, Aranya. It's busy, and with the excitement of Dublin I didn't book ahead, but with the help of the concierge service, I'm welcomed warmly and led to a table. Soon, I'm tucking into a delicious starter of soft shell crab and popadoms, followed by an incredible vegetable biryani plus daal and naan for the table. After dinner, I head to the Queens Room to watch Irish musician Tara Howley. She deftly swaps between fiddle, whistle, uilleann pipes and vocals in a showstopping celebration of Irish music that brings the twinkling lights of Dublin fading on the horizon right back into the room. Unparalleled luxury From my first moment on board, it was clear that this voyage would be an oceanic experience unlike any other. Waking to a new view every day, surrounded by breathtaking vistas and sparkling seas is, in itself, an incredible trip. But when you add to that Cunard's impeccable White Star Service, delicious dining options that take you around the world, a world-class spa and salon, and your own personal butler, the trip reaches new – and unbeatable – heights. My last morning on board Queen Anne sees us gliding round the tip of Land's End. I'm treated to breathtaking views of the Cornish coastline – indelibly intertwined with maritime history and tradition – and can make out the thin line of Wolf Rock Lighthouse as well as the white ship masts marking Penzance's harbour. After breakfast – a freshly made omelette, buttermilk pancakes and berry compote – I relax on the Grills Terrace, soaking up the sun, sea air and tranquil luxury that Cunard delivers in abundance. I've stood on the Cornish shores looking out at the boundless sea and silhouetted ships many times; I never imagined I would be lounging on Queen Anne's exclusive terrace, a mimosa in hand, gazing back from the other side.
BBC News
9 hours ago
- BBC News
Isle of Man ferry services back on schedule after disruption
Ferry sailings from the Isle of Man are back on schedule after a day of disruption caused by gales in the Irish Sea as a result of Storm Tuesday, the morning sailing to Dublin by the fast craft Manannan departed shortly before 07:00 BST, while flagship ferry Manxmen left for Heysham at 08: follows the cancellation of morning sailings to and from Liverpool on Monday - with the storm bringing gusts of up to 90mph - as well as the cancellation of the evening return journey to to the overnight return service to Douglas from Heysham means there will be no newspapers available on the island on Tuesday. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
The Guardian
11 hours ago
- The Guardian
Six of the best ferry crossings in the UK – from the Isles of Scilly to the Outer Hebrides
The hills of the Scottish Highlands were still in sight when the cry went up: 'Whale!' And there it was, a humpback on the port side of the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry, blasting a great cloud of mist from its blowhole, then with a farewell flick of its tail, disappearing into the Atlantic. On other voyages you may see glorious sunsets, rare migratory birds, ruined castles and historic lighthouses. Unlike the classic road trip or the great railway journey, however, the humble ferry rarely makes it to anyone's bucket list. They are a means to an end, only chosen by necessity. And yet, the UK has some of the best and most exhilarating voyages within its borders. From exciting river crossings to island odysseys that test the mettle of the best sea captains, these boat journeys can be the high point of any trip. Starting from Penzance's South Pier, in sight of St Michael's Mount, the crossing to St Mary's is the indispensable highlight of any trip to the Isles of Scilly. The gas-guzzling, climate-clobbering helicopter doesn't even approach the magic of this ship and its three-hour voyage into the Atlantic Ocean. Penzance bursts with nautical heritage; many of its remarkable number of pubs have existed since the days of Captain Kidd and Francis Drake. Once aboard the Scillonian (built in Appledore, Devon, in 1977), find a position with a view to the starboard to glimpse Land's End on departure, then keep a lookout for wildlife. Dolphins and whales are sighted regularly on the voyage. Birdlife includes gannets, Manx shearwaters and puffins. Watch out for bird feeding frenzies, which may attract the attention of bluefin tuna (the half-ton fish can leap clear of the water and numbers are rising fast). Other potential highlights include fin whales, the planet's second largest animal after the blue whale – with several sightings in 2024. A day return on the Scillonian III is £35. Woodstock Ark, a secluded cabin near Penzance South Pier, sleeps two, from £133 a night. Star Castle Hotel, close to the Scillonian's arrival point on St Mary's, has great food and superb views; doubles with dinner from £245. Dartmouth has a huge heritage of sailing and boats, and the lower ferry across the mouth of the River Dart is an absolute classic. The best approach is on the steam railway from Paignton, which brings you into what was once the Great Western Railway's imposing Kingswear station on the east bank of the river. Alternatively, you could walk to Kingswear on the South West Coast Path from Brixham (a 10-mile yomp). There has been a ferry here since the 14th century and the latest incarnation is a barge with room for eight cars towed by a tugboat. The crossing is short but memorable, the flanks of the steeply wooded valley looming over a fast-moving tidal river that froths around the barge as it picks its way through a busy shipping lane. Landing is right in town, next to the blue plaque for John Davis, one of the great sea dogs of Devon, who searched for the Northwest Passage and died at the hands of pirates near Singapore in 1605. If the crossing has whetted the appetite, walk upriver along the historic waterfront to the Upper Dart ferry, another interesting boat. Originally a floating platform linked to cross-river chains that were pulled by horses, today it's a diesel-electric paddle engine combined with cables that can manage about 18 cars. The Lower Dart Ferry costs £5 return for a foot passenger; car and passengers £14 return. Ferryside apartment next to the ferry in Kingswear sleeps four, from £533 for three nights. Further away, Dartington Hall, once Britain's leading progressive school, is now a top arts centre, offering wonderful gardens and accommodation, with doubles from £103 B&B. Scotland is blessed with many memorable ferry routes, but none surpasses the short voyage from Berneray to Leverburgh on Harris. A hop of just nine nautical miles and taking an hour, it crosses the shallow Sound of Harris, which is strewn with deadly rocks, dangerous tidal currents and frequent mists. Before GPS, it was a rule that the captain would turn back if he couldn't see two buoys ahead, and occasionally the ship would slither on to a sandbank and have to stay there until the tide lifted her off. These days it remains an exhilarating passage, weaving between dozens of jagged hazards with evocative names such as Drowning Rock and the Black Curran. Listen for the ghostly cries of seals on the larger islets, and look out for a majestic white-tailed sea eagle. The Caledonian MacBrayne ferry costs £4.70 one way for a foot passenger. Camping at Balranald on North Uist is highly recommended (tent £14), or try 30 Backhill, a restored thatched stone croft on Berneray, from £535 a week. As a shortcut at the end of the Suffolk coastal path, the ferry from Landguard Fort near Felixstowe to Harwich offers great panoramas of the harbour formed by the rivers Orwell and Stour. You're likely to spot some of the planet's largest container ships and a Thames barge. Alternatively, embark at Shotley Gate, the tip of the narrow and beautiful Shotley peninsula that separates the two rivers – the walk down the Orwell from Ipswich is particularly picturesque, taking in Pin Mill. Harwich old town is also well worth exploring, with some beautiful period buildings including the Electric Cinema, opened in 1911. The Harwich Harbour Ferry connects Felixstowe and Harwich (tickets £6 one way), and Harwich and Shotley (£4.80); it runs from April to October. The Alma Inn is a gorgeous Grade II-listed pub in old Harwich, with doubles from £90 B&B. Sign up to The Traveller Get travel inspiration, featured trips and local tips for your next break, as well as the latest deals from Guardian Holidays after newsletter promotion There cannot be many ferries that only run when the barman is free, but this classic crossing requires the pump-puller at the Saracens Head in Symonds Yat to shut up shop for a few minutes and haul half a dozen passengers across the River Wye using an overhead cable. Despite some deplorable environmental mismanagement upstream, the river here remains a beautiful sight. On the far bank, take the lane north to another good pub, Ye Old Ferrie Inn. Their ferry drops you on a footpath that heads up through the woods for the fine views along the curving river from the Symonds Yat rock itself. These crags were visited in 1770, by schoolmaster William Gilpin, who had an eye for untamed landscapes, triggering a revolution in the appreciation of views and nature that we still benefit from today. Alternatively, walk downriver and cross at the beautiful Biblins suspension Symonds Yat ferries cost £2 for adults. The Saracens Head occupies a lovely riverside location, with doubles from £135, B&B. You may, of course, choose to take the bridge to Skye, but for a real Hebridean treat take the original ferry across the 500-metre-wide Kyle Rhea straits. This is the last manually operated turntable ferry in the world (built in Troon in 1969), carrying just six cars and 12 people on a five-minute voyage. Due to strong tidal currents running at up to nine knots and frequently windy conditions, the designers came up with the ingenious solution of a turntable to allow vehicles to disembark safely. Saved by a local campaign in 2006, it has now become a vital part of the Skye experience. The Isle of Skye ferry from Glenelg costs £3 for foot passengers, and £20 for a car (with up to four passengers) one way. Sykes Cottages has a number of properties on Skye, including Beaton's traditional thatched croft, from £457 a week.
