The arrival of the Israeli cruise ship Crown Iris at Piraeus (Greece) on August 14th prompted a demonstration by pro-Palestinian groups, trade union representatives and political organisations. The protest was organised by the Greek Union of Sailors (PENEN), with left-wing parties, associations and rights groups also participating.
Demonstrators gathered in the port area as passengers prepared to disembark from the vessel, which is operated by Israeli company Mano Maritime. Palestinian flags and banners were displayed, while protesters called for an end to Greece's cooperation with Israel. Police maintained a substantial presence around the area and prevented demonstrators from approaching the ship.
PENEN said the demonstration formed part of its continuing campaign in support of Palestinians. The organisation renewed its call for the Greek government to sever relations with Israel and said it intended to continue its mobilisation.
The latest demonstration follows a series of protests involving Crown Iris at Greek ports since 2025. The vessel has previously encountered demonstrations during calls at destinations including Syros, Rhodes, Agios Nikolaos in Crete and Volos.
The protests have centred on opposition to Israel's military actions in Gaza and criticism of Greece's political and economic relationship with Israel. Some previous demonstrations have also included unverified claims that Israeli military personnel were travelling among the passengers. Such claims have not been established in the reporting on the latest Piraeus call.
The Piraeus demonstration took place without preventing the ship's scheduled port call, with passengers able to disembark under the security arrangements established around the terminal. The incident again placed the operation of an Israeli cruise vessel in Greece against the backdrop of continuing political tensions surrounding the war in Gaza.
For more Crown Iris incidents and accidents, see the ship's CruiseMinus page