The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company revealed recently that their newest ship will be built in South Korea.

We went to Ramsey to ask people what amenities they’d like to see on board.

Meanwhile, in honour of the research vessel which was almost named ’Boaty McBoatface’ after a public vote, we also asked the big question: ’What would you name the new ship if you had the chance?’

Jerry Colman has recently retired from a career in the shipping industry and welcomed the news: ’They’ve got the right idea with the new ship,’ he said. ’It will be diesel and electric which is a good decision, and they’ve chosen the right shipyard.’

Due in service in 2023, the ship will be built at the Hyundai Mipo Dockyard and promises ’considerably more passenger space’, including double the number of cabins compared to the Ben My Chree.

’Everyone I’ve met thinks that more cabins is a great idea,’ Mr Colman added.

Asked about a name, he said that he preferred to bring back one of the traditional Steam Packet ship names: ’I like ’Manx Maid’, the last one I remember was one of the old side-loading ships.’

As for amenities on board, the most common answer was more facilities to entertain children.

’When you think about it it’s a four-hour trip, so it’s no wonder that kids get a bit bored,’ said Michelle Scrivens, who also hoped for more lifts aboard the new ship to ease the congestion.

Mrs Scrivens and her daughter Brooke were fond of the name ’Fenella’ - the last Steam Packet ship with that name was sold in 1973.

Anna Quayle agreed with the need to keep children busy: ’We’ve been back and forth on the boat a lot in the last couple of years,’ she said.

’The facilities for kids are good, and the Manannan has a cinema which is great. But our kids still get bored, so anything for them to do is helpful.’

Although she didn’t want to be in a picture, Mrs Quayle’s daughter Zeynie, aged nine, had some ideas for a name, including ’Seagull’ and the slightly unusual ’Casserole’.

The other common response was the food available on board: ’Fresher food, and more choice on the menu,’ replied Castletown-based Gerald Bradley.

Sixteen-year-old Jas Shortland agreed: ’The food on the boats is good but it gets a bit samey.’

Jas came up with a name from Manx folklore: ’Fynoderee’.

Meanwhile the Bradley family, on a staycation in the north of the island, all agreed on ’Manx Mist’ as a good name for a ship.

Nine-year-old Florence had a few other ideas, including ’Barrule’ - ’that’s my house team at school’, she said.