'Floating hotel' plans thwarted

The TT festival attracts thousands of visitors to the Isle of Man

Plans to turn a cruise ship into a floating hotel for visitors to the TT Races have fallen through.

Ferry operator The Steam Packet Company was considering using a Norwegian cruise ship to house some visitors to the Isle of Man event next year.

But the owners of the MS Nordnorge have now decided to use it for normal operations around the Norwegian coast.

Steam Packet boss Hamish Ross described the news as "a real disappointment" to the firm and to those who have booked.

He said the company would look for a replacement vessel but said it would be "very difficult".

Thousands of people visit the Isle of Man every year for the TT racing festival.