The first journey to Liverpool took more than seven hours

The Steam Packet Company sailed its first ship, the Mona Isle, from Douglas to Liverpool in 1830.

Passengers paid three shillings for the seven-and-a-half hour journey on the vessel, which cost �7,250 to build.

The company now sails between the Isle of Man, Liverpool and Heysham, Lancs. Tuesday's passengers will receive a certificate to mark the historic trip.

Today, crossings to Heysham take three and a half hours, and Liverpool trips take two and a half.

Ships also link the island with Dublin and Belfast.

The company was set up to provide regular services from the island, as previous services were unreliable.

Its vessels and crews were actively involved in both World War One and World War Two.

One vessel, King Orry, led the German Fleet into Scapa Flow at the end of World War I.