Around 300 people had the rare experience of seeing the island from different angles while onboard the Ben my Chree.

The Steam Packet Company’s annual Round the Island cruise took place last weekend with passengers embarking on their journey from Douglas at 7pm on Saturday (June 22).

Her four hour long trip of circumnavigating the Isle of Man is a break away from her usual daily sailings to Heysham and winter crossings to Birkenhead.

This break away from tradition caused many residents to stop and stare as the Ben my Chree approached a number of local landmarks.

Heading first across Douglas Bay to Onchan Head, the Ben my Chree then sailed in a southerly direction around to the west coast where she got up close to Bradda Head in Port Erin before heading to Peel.

After passing Peel castle the vessel sailed up to Peel breakwater where it paused to let everyone onboard soak up their surroundings before making her way off again.

Due to the warm and mild weather conditions, crew members were able to open up Deck 5 where passengers got to have a look out at the island’s coastlines from the vehicle deck.

A refurbished motorised horse tram, which was on the deck, also gave a good vantage point and made a great photo opportunity for passengers.

Douglas Town Band kept travellers entertained with its oompah act and Baron Otto’s Blaskapelle performed several sets in the ship’s bar.

Passengers could enjoy a meal on board, including a non-alcoholic drink and ice cream, as part of the cruise which cost £28 for adults and £15 for children aged between five and 16. Children aged four and under travelled for free.

The bar was not open while the Ben my Chree undertook the special trip as the vessel is not licensed to sell alcohol while it is in Manx waters.

However, passengers were welcome to bring their own alcoholic drinks to enjoy along with their meal.

The Ben my Chree returned to her home in Douglas at 11pm following a visit to the north of the island.

According to the tracking system ’Ships AIS’, the highest speed met during the trip was 20.1knots around Langness and Castletown.

The Ben my Chree was originally built in 1998 by Van der Giessen de Noord in Rotterdam, Netherlands. She has the capability to carry up to 666 passengers and crew members and 275 vehicles.