Golden Iris

Launched in 1975, MS Golden Iris cruise ship is owned by Mano Maritime - Israeli shipping company(a subsidiary of Mano Holdings Group) and owner of container ships. The vessel was constructed in Copenhagen Denmark for Cunard Line (via Cunard Cruise Ships Ltd) and launched under the name "MS Cunard Conquest". The shipowner is Mano Maritime Israel - shipping company, subsidiary of Mano Holdings Group (owned by Moshe Mano) and owner of box ships (container carriers). Liner's only fleet mate is Crown Iris (fka "Louis Majesty" and "Princess Iris").

History - construction and ownership

In 1977, the 16,852-ton, 1000-passenger cruise ship was renamed to "MS Cunard Princess". In 1995 the vessel was put in service with StarLauro Cruises (later known as MSC Cruises). For a short period of time, it was operated under its old name, before being renamed to "MS Rhapsody" (1995-2006) with shipowner Gramerco International Corporation. The current shipowner Mano Maritime acquired the ship in 2009 via Mint Marine Ltd.

MS Golden Iris cruises leaving from Israel to different ports in Europe on board the 5-star luxurious cruise ship, with 4 meals a day.

An interesting fact is that the ship was originally one of two cruise vessels ordered by the US-based Overseas National Airways. The founder of Playboy, Hugh Hefner, was involved in the ship design process, envisioning the vessels as "floating Playboy Clubs".

Itineraries

Golden Iris cruise itinerary program offers roundtrips leaving from homeport Haifa Israel. The ship operates on 2-304-5-day cruises to Greek Islands, visiting Rhodes, Cyprus (Limassol, Larnaca), Crete (Agios Nikolaos).

Combined Eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea cruises visit Greece (Thessaloniki, Kavala, Syros Island), Romania (Constanta), Bulgaria (Varna, Burgas).

Haifa roundtrip departures are offered in the period March through November, with around 60 turnarounds (roundtrips) and approx 50,000 passenger capacity per year.

Cabins

Golden Iris offers a total of 400 passenger cabins, inside and outside.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Golden Iris has the Main dining room (named Meridian Restaurant), a Lido buffet restaurant (Outrigger Buffet) and Outrigger Cafe.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Despite Golden Iris was built in Denmark, all her interior decoration was done in Italy. Guests can choose from different cruise packages, pleasant rooms and suites, live entertainment and many attractions on board. The Golden Iris is known as Israel's golden passenger liner.

The vessel provides her guests with a fitness centre featuring amazing sea views, sports facilities, full duty-free shopping arcade, fully stocked modern bar, spacious swimming pools (including children's pool), pool bar, jacuzzi, sun tanning decks, sauna and jogging track.

Other amenities include: Children Play Room, Beauty Salon & Spa, Library, Card Room, Show Boat Lounge (with Dance Floor & Stage), Photo Gallery, 8 Bolls Night Club (Disco with Dance Foor & Stage), TopSail Lounge, Casino (Slot Machines), Piano Bar.