Cruise visits good for Manx economy

18 cruise liners are due to dock in Manx waters this year – double the number that visited the last year.

The Department of Economic Development has welcomed the 50 per cent rise in interest saying it is looking to develop the cruise market in line with its current tourism strategy.

11 cruise ships are also already booked in to incorporate the Isle of Man in 2014.

Tomorrow will see the Azamara Quest dock in Douglas with Manxman Captain Carl Smith at the helm.

MHK Laurence Skelly, who has political responsibility for tourism, says it's good news for the economy:

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