Riot police intervened during demonstrations in the Greek port city of Volos, where pro-Palestinian activists gathered to protest the arrival of the Crown Iris, an Israeli-operated cruise ship carrying tourists from Israel. The incident marks the latest in a series of disruptions at Greek ports in recent weeks, as opposition mounts against Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Protesters displayed large Palestinian flags and voiced support for Gaza as passengers disembarked from the vessel on Wednesday, August 13th. Authorities deployed stun grenades to disperse the crowd, though the Israeli tourists proceeded with scheduled excursions to Mount Pilio and the Meteora monasteries. After being cleared from the port area, demonstrators continued their march through the city center.
Similar protests have previously disrupted the Crown Iris’s itinerary, including an early departure from Syros last month after over 150 demonstrators blocked passenger disembarkation. Activists have criticized Greece for hosting Israeli tourists while condemning conditions in Gaza. However, the backlash has drawn criticism from some Greek officials, including Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis, who publicly condemned the protests as unwelcoming and contrary to the country’s values.
Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, reportedly raised concerns with Greek officials about the potential impact on tourism, given Greece’s popularity among Israeli travelers. The two nations maintain strong travel connections, with frequent flights between Tel Aviv and Athens, as well as direct routes to Greek islands. Despite the tensions, the Crown Iris continues its scheduled voyage along the Greek coast.
For more Crown Iris incidents and accidents see the ship's CruiseMinus page.