b4mbi 740 Posted June 30 The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Limited celebrates it's 190th birthday today and is the oldest continually operating passenger shipping company in the world. Originally called the Mona's Isle Company, it was formed after the princely sum of £6,000 was raised! Whatever gripes and moans we all have about it, we should be proud of the consistent service it has provided as the Island's lifeline over all of this time. Happy Birthday! (Can't hurt to have the occasional positive post can it?!) 6 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gladys 5,273 Posted June 30 Yes, that is quite an achievement. Wish they would bring back the oiled wool jumpers though! Would definitely have one. 8 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
woolley 18,934 Posted June 30 48 minutes ago, Gladys said: Yes, that is quite an achievement. Wish they would bring back the oiled wool jumpers though! Would definitely have one. Yes. They really were the business weren't they? Had almost forgotten about them. Why not? They could start a cult with the right exposure. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
woolley 18,934 Posted June 30 56 minutes ago, b4mbi said: The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Limited celebrates it's 190th birthday today and is the oldest continually operating passenger shipping company in the world. Barring a few strikes and a forced financial restructuring. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
the stinking enigma 9,877 Posted June 30 In the spirit of positivity I will say the lady of man was my all time favourite steampacket boat 7 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Max Power 5,629 Posted June 30 55 minutes ago, Gladys said: Yes, that is quite an achievement. Wish they would bring back the oiled wool jumpers though! Would definitely have one. They were brilliant, I still have one somewhere although it no longer fits me. I think they had plans for a relaunch but not sure if it's happening now? 2 minutes ago, the stinking enigma said: In the spirit of positivity I will say the lady of man was my all time favourite steampacket boat Which one, the last one or the 1930 version? That and the 1927 Ben my Chree were something else. I guess their sister, the Mona's Queen was a belter too but lost at Dunkirk. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andy Onchan 3,410 Posted June 30 6 minutes ago, the stinking enigma said: In the spirit of positivity I will say the lady of man was my all time favourite steampacket boat Ditto. A fine vessel. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Neil Down 7,145 Posted June 30 24 minutes ago, the stinking enigma said: In the spirit of positivity I will say the lady of man was my all time favourite steampacket boat Mona’s Isle for me Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
monasqueen 696 Posted July 1 7 hours ago, Neil Down said: Mona’s Isle for me Which one? The latest ship to carry that name did not perform very well after refit, and didn't last long. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Neil Down 7,145 Posted July 1 48 minutes ago, monasqueen said: Which one? The latest ship to carry that name did not perform very well after refit, and didn't last long. It certainly wasn't the first four that's for sure... To be honest, any of the old style boats were better than the current vessel. They had a bit of character. The silver service restaurant on board always made the trip a bit special 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hissingsid 3,301 Posted July 1 The old Ben was my favourite x Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
John Wright 6,383 Posted July 1 28 minutes ago, hissingsid said: The old Ben was my favourite x Which one? I’ve sailed on IV, V and VI Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
John Wright 6,383 Posted July 1 I loved all the sisters, the Ben IV and Lady 1 were amazing when I first travelled as a child and into my early teens, the side loaders were great. My favourites have to be Manx Viking, which was a Steam Packer boat for a while. Introducing true Ro-Ro travel, and integrated freight logistics, two round trips a day all year round, modern facilities, comfortable seats, self serve. Dragging Manx travel into the C20. Ben my Chree VI. It’s given sterling service day in day out. Travelled many more hours in service than any other steam packet boat. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Boris Johnson 351 Posted July 1 12 hours ago, Gladys said: Yes, that is quite an achievement. Wish they would bring back the oiled wool jumpers though! Would definitely have one. They sound like a fire hazard, likely why they are not around anymore? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Neil Down 7,145 Posted July 1 22 minutes ago, John Wright said: I loved all the sisters, the Ben IV and Lady 1 were amazing when I first travelled as a child and into my early teens, the side loaders were great. My favourites have to be Manx Viking, which was a Steam Packer boat for a while. Introducing true Ro-Ro travel, and integrated freight logistics, two round trips a day all year round, modern facilities, comfortable seats, self serve. Dragging Manx travel into the C20. Ben my Chree VI. It’s given sterling service day in day out. Travelled many more hours in service than any other steam packet boat. Agree about the Manx Viking. It also had a dedicated bunking area for freight drivers Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
