The island has welcomed the 50,000th cruise ship passenger to visit these shores since 2005.

The Noble Caledonia ship Hebridean, currently on charter to Australian tour operator Captain’s Choice, arrived on Monday.

One of the tour directors, Joanne Taylor, was presented with a bottle of champagne and a personalised commemorative certificate designed by the Isle of Man Post Office on behalf of all the crew and passengers.

Rob Callister MHK, member of the Department of Economic Development with responsibility for tourism, also presented Nancy Denison from Miami, Florida, who was the 50,000th passenger, with a certificate.

The presentation took place on Victoria Pier, where Hebridean Sky was berthed, after the passengers returned from a day exploring the island’s heritage railways and the Laxey Wheel.

Certificates were also issued to all of the passengers who were on the Hebridean Sky.

The cruise season is on track to be a record year for the island’s cruise business with both cruise ship and passenger numbers up by 75 per cent on last year.

Mr Callister said: ’The record bookings and the arrival of the 50,000th cruise visitor to our shores highlights that the Isle of Man is being increasingly recognised by both cruise lines and visitors for the outstanding natural beauty, unique culture and heritage on offer.’