Isle of Man ferry passengers warned of changes to sailings
Ferry passengers have been warned of a number of changes to sailing times due to low water levels in Douglas Harbour over the next week.The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company said departure and arrival times for the Manxman would vary between 15 minutes and two hours until Tuesday.The government-owned ferry operator said the changes were needed to avoid the lowest water conditions in Douglas Harbour coincided with standard sailing times.The Department of Infrastructure (DOI) has confirmed a five-day dredging programme in the would begin on 18 April.
The Steam Packet said as the conditions were "fluid" and timings could change as the week progressed.There were expected to be "stronger effects" on weekend sailings, although not all crossings would be impacted, and passengers would be kept informed of changes to their scheduled sailing he said.Passengers unable to travel on their original bookings due to the changes, full refunds or amends would be made, he added.
On 15 April the Ben-My-Chree, which requires the same level of clearance underneath as the Manxman, is set to operate sailings between Douglas and Heysham while the flagship vessel undertakes its annual Marine Evacuation System deployment exercise.It follows the temporary grounding of the island's newest ferry on a mud bank in Douglas Harbour last month.A DOI spokesman said the focus of the maintenance dredge would be on the number five berth, the tanker berth and a charted feature that required the use of specialist machinery.The works would be undertaken by contractors, the department added.
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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Top tips for visiting New York City on a budget - from food to sightseeing
Brits looking for how to do New York City on a budget including food, attractions and Broadway shows may want to take note as one writer took on the Big Apple Top of the Rock seemed taller. When I last came to New York in 2009, I took the fast, ear-popping lift at the Rockefeller Center to enjoy those iconic Big Apple skyscraper views. But in 2025 you can journey higher to both the 69th and 70th decks, where you'll find The Beam and Skylift. Opened in February 2024, The Beam (£18) gives visitors the chance to recreate that famous 1932 image of ironworkers happily eating their lunch, sitting on a steel beam, 69 floors high. As someone who's scared of heights, I felt more than apprehensive as I buckled up on the beam, which then rises and turns 180 degrees, giving you the most spectacular/terrifyingly high (delete as applicable) views. Under clear blue skies, I felt exhilarated to see the city like this, then a tiny bit relieved as the beam lowered and I stepped off. Next up was the 70th floor to experience the Skylift (£25). Opened last October, the circular Skylift elevates you to even higher heights and rotates to give you a 360-degree view. Again, the vista is amazing, 30ft above the 872ft building. After seeing the city as usually only the birds do, I was happy to head back down to the Manhattan sidewalks. We were here to explore New York over three days on a budget. Our base for the 72-hour trip was the RIU Plaza New York Times Square. My comfortable room on the 28th floor was light, spacious, clean and quiet. The location also meant we were in the thick of the city so it was easy to walk to many attractions. Shall we start with food? New York is full of delicious options, served in generous portions. On our first evening we visited the Yard House. This friendly and relaxed place offered huge takes on American classics. My choice of Cilantro lime chicken with roasted corn, quinoa and tomatoes (£20) was tender and tasty, while my Moscow Mule cocktail (£9) laden with vodka and refreshing ginger beer hit the spot after a long day travelling. Don't feel the need to book a restaurant. Food on the hoof is a good way to multitask and continue exploring. We took the subway to the East Village to combine sightseeing with eating on The Man and His Sandwich Tour. Our guide, Ben, gave us a down-to-earth, fun and interactive tour that takes you to little-known, small outlets for three delicious bites to eat on your wander around the East Village (£50). From Black Forest ham paninis to smash burgers, you'll be well fed and well informed. In fact, you'll be so well fed you might want to skip a meal and save some money. But one thing you don't want to miss is breakfast at a diner. Ellen's Stardust Diner on Broadway is a popular place to eat with one big difference – you are treated to songs from shows, as the waiting staff deliver belting performances on the stage in the middle of the diner. So there we were, starting our second full day in The Big Apple at 8.50am listening to our waiter singing a duet before he came to take our order. I went for the cinnamon roll pancakes (£12) – and the sugar rush helped kick start our day of exploring The Bronx. We took the short train journey to the Bronx from Grand Central Station with our tour guide Ellen (a Big Apple Greeter volunteer) who was keen to show us Arthur's Avenue AKA Little Italy – a largely Italian haven of foodie outlets. We stopped at Mike's Deli in the Arthur Avenue Retail Market for lunch, where Ellen recommended the eggplant – I'm not usually a fan of aubergine, but went with her recommendation in a simple pasta dish (£8) and she was so right. After lunch, we propped up the bar at the Bronx Beer Hall. Run by two brothers (who were fun, and full of stories about the Bronx) it specialises in craft beer. We sampled a few of their beers (from £3.50 a can) and thoroughly enjoyed our hour or so chatting and laughing with the siblings. But we needed to make tracks as there was one more stop we wanted to make and that was at the Bronx Museum of the Arts. This free arts space was showing an exhibition by pioneering street artist Futura 2000. It was a great example of what this museum is all about. After a wild day in the Bronx, we headed back to Manhattan to The Stand in Union Square (tickets from £18). Here saw performances from seven or eight comedians in quick succession. It was a fast-paced, showcase in this intimate, underground comedy club with Aaron Berg being the stand-out stand-up. If stand-up isn't your thing, Broadway is right on the hotel's doorstep. But if the price of show tickets makes your eyes water, try an Off-Broadway show instead. Off-Broadway is the term for smaller venues (seating fewer than 500), but the calibre of these productions is still impressive and our tickets cost around £25. We went to the venue New World Stages, for Drag: The Musical. Funny and highly entertaining, we had the show's numbers ringing in our ears long after it ended. On my final day in New York, I walked the High Line public park, built on an old railway line, which I picked up in the West Village. This is another free offering, where you will also come across Little Island with its gorgeous views across the water to the Statue of Liberty. Other freebies were Central Park – a giant, beautifully calm space – and Chelsea Market, with its interesting independent traders – although you'll be tempted to part with your cash there to bring something home. And if you're looking for a more cost-effective way of enjoying the New York skyline views, a visit to the Civilian Starchild Rooftop Bar might be the answer. Here, for the price of a £9 cocktail, we got great views of the skyline which we enjoyed at sunset on one of our evenings. If you are planning a trip to New York, has ideas to help you map out an itinerary that suits you. And as a money-saving tip, a City Pass from can help you save around 40% off its most popular attractions. Let's face it, your wallet is never going to sleep on a trip to New York. But keep your eyes open, and you can get the best of the city for less.
Scotsman
2 days ago
- Scotsman
Happy couple ‘can't wait to visit Edinburgh again' after ‘storybook wedding' in the capital
On May 15, Ben Miller and Lorenzo Garafolo travelled with 40 wedding guests from Liverpool to the capital on board a 1930s Pullman-style train before getting married at the Fingal Hotel. Speaking to the Evening News, Ben said: 'We didn't want to follow the usual formula for a wedding, we wanted something completely bespoke that truly resonated with our story as individuals and as a couple. It was a truly magical day—and I think we've created a unique experience that our guests will remember for a long time.' The Greater Manchester couple began planning their unique wedding after travelling to Edinburgh on the Northern Belle train last year. And after meticulous planning and finding the perfect venue for their ceremony, Ben and Lorenzo were ready to announce their special wedding plans – which included a 400-mile round trip in a single day for the wedding party. Lorenzo said: 'We knew it would be complex, we knew it would take a lot of planning, but seeing the reactions of our guests has made everything worth it. This wasn't just a wedding—it was a multi-sensory love story brought to life.' Ben added: 'We can't wait to visit Edinburgh for our anniversary and many more happy occasions.' Here are 11 pictures from the happy couple's magical day. 1 . The happy couple Ben Miller and Lorenzo Garafolo got married on the luxury floating hotel, the Fingal Hotel on Thursday, May 15 | Ben Miller Photo Sales 2 . All aboard The journey began with a spirited departure from Liverpool Lime Street Station, complete with a traditional bagpiper send-off, as guests boarded the Northern Belle—a vintage train inspired by the golden age of rail travel | Ben Miller Photo Sales 3 . Personal touches Ben said: 'Every detail was meticulously curated, blending luxury and nostalgia with deeply personal touches—including hidden 'Easter eggs' throughout the day, each a nod to our shared life and passions' | Ben Miller Photo Sales 4 . Love in motion The happy couple's first dance was performed on board the Northern Belle travelling at 75mph | Ben Miller Photo Sales Related topics: EdinburghWeddings
BBC News
4 days ago
- BBC News
Meet the Macclesfield grandad sharing his love of the outdoors online
Here in the North West we are fortunate to have incredible countryside, bustling cities, award-winning beaches and not forgetting incredibly friendly year I wanted to reflect on the pride we have of our wonderful region and the people that make it such a fantastic place to I came up with BBC North West Tonight's 25 in 25, a series showcasing some of the best people and places in the north-west of week I met up with Roger Hordley - an 81-year-old walking, photo-taking grandad whose photographs have earned him a following online. Roger's daughter Daniele emailed me about her dad, who enjoys nothing more than walking in and around Macclesfield Forest.I live in Marple. Macclesfield is, as we always say, "down the road" and yet somewhere I am ashamed to say I have never really a morning spent admiring the views I know it is a place I will be returning to - especially with my girls who would love the chance to build a den in the forest, like the one me and Roger stumbled not everyone has that opportunity and that's one of the reasons why Roger takes photos for his blog. "I take maybe 30 - 50 photos during a walk, I'll whittle them down to 15 or 20, put them into a montage and share them."The family can see them and, apparently, I have followers who like them."At the age of 81, some might think it's a time to sit back and relax but not Roger."Why do I walk? To keep fit? No. To keep the joints moving. I'm 81 and it keeps my limbs loose."Walking like this is for my knees, the future me is happy." Roger has walked five miles a day, at least five times a week for the past 10 years, so what motivates him?"Look at it. It's absolutely glorious."The walks are good, the exercise is good. It's just lovely. Who would not want to walk in a place like this?"Throughout our walk, Roger uses an app on his phone which tells him the name of the flower or bug he has stumbled across cotton grass, which looked like cotton wool balls on top of in the cotton a bug hid, Roger's app established it was a slow bug."I see something new every time I come on this walk, no two walks are the same." His advice to those that perhaps haven't got the motivation he shares?"The only thing I would say is don't think of the walking, think about what you're seeing."I wouldn't rather be sat inside watching the telly, I'd rather be here, watching this view." Read more stories from Cheshire on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC North West on X. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
