Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Crown-Iris

On July 22, 2025, the cruise ship 'Crown Iris' carrying 1,700 Israeli tourists encountered a significant protest upon its arrival at Syros, Greece. Over 150 demonstrators gathered on the island, showcasing Palestinian flags and chanting calls to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Among the slogans echoed was the poignant phrase, 'No air conditioning in hell,' highlighting the dire living conditions faced by Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Thankfully, the protest remained peaceful with no incidents of violence reported. The Israeli cruise operator, Mano Cruise, opted to alter the itinerary, deciding to set sail for Cyprus earlier than planned without allowing passengers to disembark. According to the Greek Coast Guard, the ship departed Syros at approximately 3:00 p.m. In response to the situation, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar reached out to his Greek counterpart, George Gerapetritis, to discuss this unfolding event. For additional footage of the protest, please visit the following link: https://www.hln.be/buitenland/geen-airco-in-de-hel-inwoners-grieks-eiland-jagen-israelische-cruise-terug-zee-in-met-palestijnse-vlaggen-en-palestina-vrij-leuzen~a6f69035/

In a successful repatriation mission, the cruise ship 'Crown Iris' docked in Ashdod on the morning of June 20, bringing home approximately 2,000 Israeli citizens who were stranded in Cyprus. This operation, coordinated with the Israeli Ministry of Transportation, saw Transportation Minister Miri Regev, along with Moshe Ben Zaken, the Ministry's director general, and Ashdod port chairman Shaul Schneider, warmly welcoming the returnees at the port. Upon their arrival, around 50 buses and minibuses were on standby, providing free transportation to passengers heading to Ashdod train station, as well as destinations in Beersheba, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem. The repatriation efforts were authorized by defense officials to ensure the safety of those traveling back. For more coverage and visuals, visit the full reports: [Times of Israel](https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/first-cruise-ship-carrying-stranded-israelis-back-from-cyprus-docks-in-ashdod/) and [Israel National News](https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/410356).

In a significant evacuation effort, approximately 1,500 young adults participating in heritage trips organized by Birthright Israel have been transported to Larnaca, Cyprus. The operation was carried out by the 'Crown Iris', a vessel operated by Israeli-based Mano Maritime, which docked in Larnaca on June 17, 2025. This journey followed a 13-hour maritime passage from Ashdod Port, south of Tel Aviv, and was escorted by the Israeli navy for security. Birthright Israel, which is partially funded by the Israeli government, provides free 10-day educational trips to Israel for Jewish young adults between the ages of 18 and 26. Since the conflict with Iran escalated on June 13, about 2,800 international participants found themselves stranded in Israel, with the majority hailing from the United States. To facilitate their safe return, Birthright Israel is covering the transportation expenses associated with these evacuations. In addition to maritime efforts, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has arranged for four wide-body planes to transport all evacuated U.S. participants directly from Larnaca to Tampa, Florida. Continual air and sea evacuation operations are in place for the remaining international participants still in the region.

As the conflict intensifies in Gaza, cruise companies have halted all port operations in Israel's Mediterranean venues for at least the next few weeks. This situation has stranded numerous Israeli nationals aboard the 'MSC Musica', prompting urgent measures for their repatriation. The cruise line took swift action by chartering the Israeli-operated cruise ship 'Crown Iris' to facilitate their return home. The 'MSC Musica', which operates out of Haifa and caters primarily to the Israeli cruise market, embarked on her journey on October 5, setting course for Limassol and Mykonos as part of her scheduled itinerary. However, following an unprecedented attack by Hamas terrorists on October 7, the vessel found herself off Rhodes. Although she proceeded to Mykonos as planned, MSC opted against returning to Israel given the escalating security concerns. Instead, they arranged for a passenger transfer in Limassol. On October 10, the 'MSC Musica' and the 'Crown Iris' docked in Limassol to execute the transfer of approximately 800 Israeli passengers. By October 11, all travelers were safely back in Haifa, with MSC covering all associated costs. Currently, MSC has announced that all port calls to Israel are on hold until the end of the month, and the 'MSC Musica' has been anchored in Thira since October 16, unable to return to her home port.