FERRY cruises on the Manchester Ship Canal will remain suspended until 2022 amid continued pandemic disruption.

The journeys, which previously proved popular with tourists, have been suspended since the start of the pandemic last year.

While the cross river commuter services resumed after the first lockdown and the River Explorer cruises have restarted, the ship canal journeys have so far remained halted.

With only two ships in service, the priority has remained focused on ensuring that Liverpool to Wirral crossings can run effectively.

Members of the combined authority’s transport committee had previously been advised that there was the potential for the Manchester Ship Canal services to be reintroduced before the end of 2021.

However, in an update on the attraction’s website, its operators confirmed the attraction would now remain suspended until next year.

A notice on the website said: “Unfortunately, our 2021 Manchester Ship Canal Cruise programme won’t be returning this year. However, we do hope to run a programme in 2022 so please check our social media channels and website for future updates and event announcements.

“We have also extended all current gift vouchers until October 2022 to allow our gift voucher holders to book a sailing in 2022. If you would like to redeem your gift vouchers for a sailing in 2022 please keep your gift vouchers safe until we contact you to let you know when redemption is available, vouchers do not need to be re-issued. Please note we are unable to replace lost gift vouchers.

“Thank you for your continued patience. We look forward to welcoming you on board a future Manchester Ship Canal Cruise.”

While the ship canal cruises remain halted, the reintroduction of the River Explorer tours has proved popular with customers, with strong passenger numbers being reported.

The combined authority has previously warned that the ferry service, like other forms of public transport, has seen its income and passenger numbers severely affected during the pandemic.

Earlier this year it was also announced that plans to buy new ferries to replace the current ageing fleet had been abandoned due to the expense, with plans to further refurbish the current ferries instead.