The Israeli-owned cruise ship Crown Iris faced protests during its scheduled stop on the Greek island of Syros, where it was carrying approximately 1,600 passengers, including 300 to 400 children. Initially planned for a six-hour port call, the ship’s visit was delayed and ultimately canceled due to the demonstrations, which were met with criticism from Israeli officials.
The Crown Iris, a Panama-registered vessel built in 1992 and acquired by Israeli company Mano Maritime in 2018, arrived in Syros on July 22. Protesters, estimated between 200 to 300, blocked roads and displayed Palestinian flags, prompting concerns for passenger safety. While some passengers managed to disembark, reports indicated they faced hostility, including water being thrown at them, leading the cruise line to advise everyone to remain onboard.
In response to the situation, Mano Cruises maintained communication with local authorities, but police assistance reportedly took over two hours to arrive. Ultimately, the cruise line decided to leave Syros and head to Limassol, Cyprus. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar reached out to his Greek counterpart for intervention, voicing concerns about the implications for future Israeli tourism in Greece, especially as antisemitic incidents have been on the rise.
