The government believes the cruise liner industry will recover after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Enterprise Minister Laurence Skelly has told the Examiner that smaller cruise companies are reporting a surge in interest for the next two tourism seasons.

Before Covid-19 hit, 34 cruise ships were scheduled to visit the island.

However, as a result of the pandemic, only one of those ships visited.

Mr Skelly said: ’The cancelled calls had a capacity of approximately 11,500 passengers, which the Department for Enterprise’s cruise consultants estimate equals around £400,000 in lost income based on previous years’ income from visiting cruise lines.’

While the worldwide cruise industry has taken a hit, with many large cruise ships anchored around the world, there is a growing number of smaller cruise companies and ships that look like they will emerge stronger from the pandemic than their larger rivals.

Mr Skelly added: ’The global tourism sector in general has been hugely impacted, however as consumer confidence and the number of travel and transport options begin to rebuild in the wake of coronavirus, travel will become a higher priority for individuals.

’Our cruise consultants are in regular communication with the industry and are reporting that many of the smaller lines are reporting a surge in bookings for 2021 and 2022, with passengers looking for smaller ships with lower numbers and more space.

’We continue to work closely with Cruise Britain and Cruise Europe to monitor the situation and any opportunities that present themselves.’

He also told the Examiner that there are currently 44 cruise ships schedule to be coming to the Manx shores in 2021.

’These ships have a maximum capacity of just over 20,000 passengers and 10,000 crew.

’In terms of operational plans for cruise operators next year, many cruise lines are planning to return with a full cruise schedule in 2021, but it is too early to predict how the season will unfold as this will be governed by the development of Covid-19 worldwide’, Mr Skelly added.