MS Crown Iris

{{Short description|Cruise ship built in 1992}} {{redirect|MS Birka Queen|the other cruise ship with the same name|MS Birka Queen (1992)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2024}} {{Infobox ship |section1={{Infobox ship/image | image = Crown Iris at Rhodes port 2.jpg | image_caption = Crown Iris in Rhodes }}

|section2={{Infobox ship/career | hide_header = | name = *''Royal Majesty'' (1992–1997) * ''Norwegian Majesty'' (1997–2009) * ''Louis Majesty'' (2009–2012) * ''Thomson Majesty'' (2012–2017) * ''Majesty'' (2017–2018) * ''Princess Iris'' (2018–2018) * ''Crown Iris'' (2018 – present) | owner = *Majesty Cruise Line (1992–1997) * Norwegian Cruise Line (1997–2004)<ref name=FoF>{{cite web |url=http://www.faktaomfartyg.se/royal_majesty_1992.htm |title=M/S Royal Majesty (1992) |accessdate=27 February 2008 |last=Asklander |first=Micke |work=Fakta om Fartyg |language=Swedish}}</ref> * Star Cruises (2004–2008)<ref name=Newman>{{cite web |url=http://dougnewmanatsea.com/2008/04/15/lloyds-list-three-ncl-ships-nearly-sold/ |title=Lloyd's List: Three NCL Ships Nearly Sold |accessdate=16 April 2008 |date=15 April 2008 |last=Newman |first=Doug |work=At Sea with Doug Newman |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081122063129/http://dougnewmanatsea.com/2008/04/15/lloyds-list-three-ncl-ships-nearly-sold/ |archivedate=22 November 2008}}</ref><ref name=CBR>{{cite web |url=http://www.cruisebusiness.com/cbr_old/news.php?u=20080423140950 |title=Louis acquires Norwegian Dream and Majesty |accessdate=23 April 2008 |date=23 April 2008 |work=Cruise Business Review |publisher=Cruise Media Oy Ltd |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708211611/http://www.cruisebusiness.com/cbr_old/news.php?u=20080423140950 |archivedate=8 July 2011}}</ref> * Louis Cruise Lines (2008–2018)<ref name=CBR /> * Mano Maritime (2018 – present) | operator = *Majesty Cruise Line (1992–1997) * Norwegian Cruise Line (1997–2009) * Louis Cruises (2009–2012) * Thomson Cruises (2012–2017) * Celestyal Cruises (2017–2018) * Mano Maritime (2018 – present) | registry = *1992–1997: Panama, {{flag|Panama|civil}} * 1997–2009: Nassau, {{flag|Bahamas|civil}} * 2009–2018: Valletta, {{flag|Malta|civil}} * 2018 onwards: Panama, {{flag|Panama|civil}} | route = | ordered = | builder = Kvaerner Masa-Yards Turku New Shipyard, Finland | original_cost = $229&nbsp;million<ref name=Ward>{{cite book |title=Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships |last=Ward |first=Douglas |year=2006 |publisher=Berlitz |location=Singapore |isbn=981-246-739-4 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/berlitz2006compl00doug/page/440 440–441] |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/berlitz2006compl00doug/page/440}}</ref> | yard_number = 1312<ref name=FoF /> | way_number = | laid_down = | launched = 15 November 1991<ref name=FoF /> | completed = 1992 | christened = 29 July 1992<ref name=FoF /> | acquired = 2 July 1992<ref name=FoF /> | maiden_voyage = 7 July 1992<ref name=FoF /> | in_service = 1992 | out_of_service = | identification = *Call sign: 3EGC6 * {{IMO Number|8814744}} * {{MMSI|370610000}} | fate = | status = In service | notes = | flag = {{shipboxflag|Panama|civil}} }}

|section3={{Infobox ship/characteristics | hide_header = | header_caption = (as built)<ref name=FoF /> | type = Cruise ship | tonnage = *{{GT|32,396}} * {{DWT|2,600}} | displacement = | length = {{convert|173.50|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | beam = {{convert|27.60|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | height = | draft = {{convert|6.20|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | depth = | decks = | deck_clearance = | ramps = | ice_class = 1 A Super | power = *4{{nbsp}}×{{nbsp}}Wärtsilä 6R46 * 21,120{{nbsp}}kW (combined) | propulsion = Two controllable pitch propellers<ref name="dnv" /> | speed = {{convert|20.5|kn}} | capacity = 1,056 passengers (1,256 maximum) <ref name=Miller>{{cite book |title=The Pictorial Encycpedia of Ocean Liners, 1860–1994 |last=Miller |first=William H. Jr. |year=1995 |publisher=Dover Publications |location=Mineola |isbn=0-486-28137-X |page=[https://archive.org/details/pictorialencyclo0000mill/page/110 110] |url=https://archive.org/details/pictorialencyclo0000mill/page/110}}</ref> | crew = | notes = }}

|section4={{Infobox ship/characteristics | hide_header = | header_caption = (after 1999 refit)<ref name="dnv">{{csr|register=DNV|id=16244|shipname=Thomson Majesty|accessdate=27 July 2012}}</ref> | type = | tonnage = *{{GT|40,876}} * {{NetT|21,984}} * {{DWT|2,700}} | displacement = | length = {{convert|207.1|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} | beam = *{{convert|27.60|m|ftin|abbr=on}} (moulded) * {{convert|32.3|m|ftin|abbr=on}} (max) | height = | draft = {{convert|6.20|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | depth = {{convert|14|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | decks = 9 (passenger accessible)<ref name=Ward /> | deck_clearance = | ramps = | ice_class = | power = | propulsion = | speed = {{convert|20|kn}}{{Citation needed|date=February 2008}} | capacity = 1,460 passengers (1,970 maximum)<ref name=Ward /> | crew = 620<ref name=Ward /> | notes = Otherwise the same as built }} }}

'''MS ''Crown Iris''''' is a cruise ship owned by the Israeli cruise line Mano Maritime since 2018. She was originally ordered by Birka Line as '''MS ''Birka Queen''''' from the Wärtsilä Marine Turku Shipyard in Finland, but completed by Kvaerner Masa-Yards as '''MS ''Royal Majesty''''' for Majesty Cruise Line. In 1997 she was sold to Norwegian Cruise Line as '''MS ''Norwegian Majesty''''' and lengthened by {{convert|33.76|m|ftin|abbr=on}} at the Lloyd Werft shipyard in Bremerhaven, Germany.<ref name=FoF /> She was sold to Louis Cruises as '''MS ''Louis Majesty''''' from 2008 to 2012 when she was chartered to Thomson Cruises as '''MS ''Thomson Majesty''''' before being returned to Louis Cruises/Celestyal Cruises, as the '''''Majesty'''''. In 2018 the ship was sold to Mano Maritime.

== Concept and construction == ''Birka Queen'' was ordered by Birka Line for short cruises out of Stockholm as a running mate to {{MS|Birka Princess}}. The ship was ordered from Wärtsilä Marine,<ref name=FoF /> but the shipyard went bankrupt in 1989. Operations were soon reorganized under the name of Masa-Yards,<ref>{{cite book |title=Siljan viisi vuosikymmentä |last=Malmberg |first=Thure |author2=Stampehl, Marko |year=2007 |publisher=Frenckellin Kirjapaino Oy |location=Espoo |isbn=978-951-98405-7-4 |language=Finnish, English |pages=153–154}}</ref> but the price of the ship was increased in the process, and Birka therefore refused to take delivery. Instead, the build contract was sold to Majesty Cruise Line, who took delivery of the ship on 2 July 1992, renaming her ''Royal Majesty''.<ref name=FoF /> Due to her past, the ship has some features uncommon for cruise ships, such as the highest Finnish-Swedish ice class.<ref name="dnv" />

== Service history == [[File:Norwegian Majesty-5.jpg|thumb|left|''Norwegian Majesty'', docked in St. George's, Bermuda in 2004, while being operated by Norwegian Cruise Line]] Following delivery, ''Royal Majesty'' set on her maiden voyage, a transatlantic crossing from Southampton to New York City, on 7 July 1992. She was christened in New York City on 21 July 1992 by Liza Minnelli.<ref name=FoF /> Following this, she was used on three- and four-night cruises out of Florida. In 1994 she initiated a new Northern Hemisphere summer season itinerary with cruises from Boston to St. George's, Bermuda, returning to Florida for the winter season.

thumb|left|''Norwegian Majesty'', photographed in 2007, while being operated by Norwegian Cruise Line On 10 June 1995, ''Royal Majesty'' grounded on Rose and Crown Shoal about {{convert|10|nmi|km}} east of Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, and about {{cvt|17|nmi|km}} from where the watch officers thought the vessel was. Investigators found that the officers failed to act on visual cues about the vessel's location, over-relying on the automated bridge system.<ref>{{cite web |title=GROUNDING OF THE PANAMANIAN PASSENGER SHIP ROYAL MAJESTY ON ROSE AND CROWN SHOAL NEAR NANTUCKET, MASSACHUSETTS JUNE 10, 1995 |url=https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/MAR9701.pdf |publisher=National Transportation Safety Board |accessdate=3 April 2015}}</ref> The vessel, with 1,509 persons on board, was en route from St. George's, Bermuda, to Boston, Massachusetts. There were no deaths or injuries as a result of this accident. Damage to the vessel and lost revenue, however, were estimated at $7&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ntsb.gov/Publictn/1997/MAR9701.pdf |title=NTSB Marine Accident Report}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/06/12/us/cruise-ship-carrying-1500-runs-aground.html |title=Cruise Ship Carrying 1,500 Runs Aground |work=The New York Times |date=12 June 1995 |accessdate=11 May 2010}}</ref>

In August 1996 she participated in the Titanic Expedition Cruise, an expedition to the sinking site of {{RMS|Titanic}}. Sailing from Boston, passengers spent five days circling the site with many celebrities and survivors from the famous ship onboard while parts of ''Titanic'' were being salvaged.<ref name=Ringle>{{cite web |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1996/08/06/new-depths-for-titanic-promoter/6a2b789e-9281-432f-9a54-d45d2a233e4d/ |title=NEW DEPTHS FOR TITANIC PROMOTER? |accessdate=11 August 2023 |last=Ringle |first=Ken |work=The Washington Post}}</ref>

[[File:Louis Majesty Rhodes.jpg|thumb|left|''Louis Majesty'', in the harbour of Rhodes, Greece]] Majesty Cruise Line ceased operations at the end of the 1997 summer season, and ''Royal Majesty'' was sold to Norwegian Cruise Line.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.simplonpc.co.uk/MajestyCruiseLine.html |title=Majesty Cruise Line |accessdate=23 April 2008 |last=Boyle |first=Ian |work=Simplon Postcards}}</ref> She was renamed ''Norwegian Majesty'', and in 1999 she received a {{convert|33.76|m|ftin|abbr=on}} lengthening at the Lloyd Werft shipyard in Bremerhaven, Germany.<ref name=FoF /> Similar lengthenings had been carried out on NCL's {{MS|Dreamward||2}} and {{MS|Windward||2}} the previous year.<ref name=Boyle>{{cite web |url=http://www.simplonpc.co.uk/RoyalMajesty.html |title=Royal Majesty |accessdate=23 April 2008 |last=Boyle |first=Ian |work=Simplon Postcards}}</ref> The lengthening of the Norwegian Majesty however was more technically complicated than those of the other ships, as she had not been designed for such an operation.<ref name=Ward />

[[File:Thomson Majesty (ship, 1992) IMO 8814744; Split, 2013-05-07.jpg|thumb|left|''Thomson Majesty'', docked in Split, Croatia, on 7 May 2013.]] In 2004 the ownership of ''Norwegian Majesty'' was transferred to NCL's parent company Star Cruises in preparation for potential transfer to the Star Cruises fleet or sale at a later date. She remained in NCL service without other changes.<ref name=Newman /> On 23 April 2008 ''Norwegian Majesty'', was sold to the Cyprus-based Louis Cruise Lines. Louis Cruise Lines had reportedly outbid International Shipping Partners with their offer of $162&nbsp;million.<ref name=CBR /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://dougnewmanatsea.com/2008/04/18/seatrade-pride-of-america-not-sold/ |title=Seatrade: Pride of America Not Sold |accessdate=19 April 2008 |date=18 April 2008 |last=Newman |first=Doug |work=At Sea with Doug Newman |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081122064508/http://dougnewmanatsea.com/2008/04/18/seatrade-pride-of-america-not-sold/ |archivedate=22 November 2008}}</ref> The deal was completed on 29 July 2008, but ''Norwegian Majesty'' was chartered back to Norwegian Cruise Line until October 2009.<ref name=CBR /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lloydslist.com/ll/news/star-cruises-218m-norwegian-dream-sale-fails/20017575692.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120911052940/http://www.lloydslist.com/ll/news/star-cruises-218m-norwegian-dream-sale-fails/20017575692.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 September 2012 |title=Star Cruises $218m Norwegian Dream sale fails |last=Hand |first=Marcus |date=30 September 2008 |publisher=Lloyd's List | accessdate=30 September 2008}}</ref>

On 24 June 2009, Louis revealed that ''Norwegian Majesty'' would be renamed ''Louis Majesty''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cruiseind.wordpress.com/2009/06/24/louis-majesty/ |title=Louis Majesty {{pipe}} Cruise Ind |website=Cruiseind.wordpress.com |date=24 June 2009 |accessdate=11 January 2016}}</ref> On 3 March 2010, three rogue waves hit ''Louis Majesty'', killing two passengers, and injuring a number of others, while on a 12-day cruise around the Mediterranean. The waves, which were reportedly in excess of {{convert|26|ft|m|0}} high, collided with the side of the vessel, smashing several windows in the saloon area. Water was taken on in the saloon area, which then drained down the decks below. The ship returned to port at Barcelona to receive repairs.<ref name=BBC8458547>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8548547.stm |title=Two killed as giant waves hit Mediterranean cruise ship |work=BBC News |access-date=4 March 2010 |date=3 March 2010}}</ref>

''Louis Majesty'' was chartered to Thomson Cruises from May 2012 and renamed ''Thomson Majesty''. It sailed from Corfu in the summer and the Canary Islands in the winter.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/Articles/2012/03/06/39792/majesty+to+replace+destiny+in+thomson+cruises+fleet.html#disqus_thread |title=Majesty to replace Destiny in Thomson cruises fleet |website=Travelweekly.co.uk |accessdate=11 January 2016 |archive-date=26 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120626125053/http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/Articles/2012/03/06/39792/majesty+to+replace+destiny+in+thomson+cruises+fleet.html#disqus_thread |url-status=dead }}</ref>

On 10 February 2013, while the ship was docked in Santa Cruz de la Palma in the Canary Islands, five crew members were killed and three others injured during a safety drill when the lifeboat they were in fell into the sea, trapping the occupants. Julian Bray, Marine Analyst in the UK, writing in the Cduck media news blog, confirms that crew were taking part in a training exercise to load, launch, and recover lifeboats, complete a regular risk/ safety programme and to ensure crew members have had recent practical training. Malta's Maritime Safety Investigation Unit subsequently issued a safety alert following the discovery of significant corrosion on the inner strands of the fall wire involved. The wire rope had parted approximately where it rested over the topmost sheave, when the davit was in its stowed position. The fore and aft davit's fall wires had been replaced on 22 August 2010 and the next scheduled replacement was due in August 2014.<ref>{{cite news |title=Five dead on Canary Islands cruise ship |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-21403419 |work=BBC News |accessdate=10 February 2013}}</ref> In her later career with Thomson Cruises, she was given a refit adding several balcony cabins to the ship.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}

In November 2017 she joined "Celestyal Cruises" and renamed simply as "Majesty".{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}

== Service as ''Crown Iris'' == thumb|MS Crown Iris at Santorini In late 2018, the ship was sold to the Israeli cruise line Mano Maritime (Mano Cruise) and renamed ''Crown Iris''.

The ship went through an extensive refit in Chalkis Shipyards, Greece during 2019. All the guest rooms were renovated and five new restaurants were established, a basketball court was added to the superstructure of the ship and a yellow water slide was added to one of the outdoor pools.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ack1Rva1F1Q |title=סרט הבנייה (גרסא ארוכה) של הקראון איריס- מנו קרוז (מבית מנו ספנות) פרוייקט הבנייה והשדרוגים באוניה |date=2 December 2019 |last=מנו ספנות |access-date=9 October 2024 |via=YouTube}}</ref>

The exterior design of the ship was also upgraded, graphics of "waves" in blue and turquoise were painted on both sides of the ship and the flooring of all decks was replaced.

On 11 April 2019, the ''Crown Iris'' launching ceremony was held in the Port of Haifa, Israel.

The ship operates holiday cruises from the ports of Haifa and Ashdod, Israel. The ship's destinations are Cyprus, Greek islands, France, Croatia, Malta and Italy.<ref>{{Cite web |title=מנו ספנות |url=https://cruise.mano.co.il/index |access-date=9 October 2024 |website=מנו ספנות}}</ref>

On 10 October 2023, with the beginning of the Gaza war by Israel, the ''Crown Iris'' participated in the rescue of Israelis and brought them back to Israel from Cyprus.<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 October 2023 |title=במהלך הלילה: 1,000 ישראלים חולצו מקפריסין באניית קרוז |url=https://www.mako.co.il/travel-news/israel/Article-1235291f22d1b81026.htm |access-date=9 October 2024 |website=mako}}</ref>

On 9 October 2024, the ''Crown Iris'' rescued three Turkish citizens whose yacht sank near the island of Rhodes.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 October 2024 |title=דרמה בלב ים: אונייה ישראלית הצילה נוסעי יאכטה טורקים |url=https://haifa.mynet.co.il/local_news/article/h1zmas7j1x |access-date=9 October 2024 |website=mynethaifa |language=he}}</ref>

During the 2025 Iran-Israel War, the ''Crown Iris'' participated in an operation to rescue Israelis back to Israel from Cyprus. The ship transported over 2,000 Israelis from Cyprus back to Israel.<ref>{{Cite web |title=עוגנת ראשונה: ספינת קראון איריס הביאה כ-2,000 נוסעים לנמל |url=https://www.news1.co.il/Archive/001-D-503762-00.html |access-date=2025-06-20 |website=www.news1.co.il |language=he}}</ref>

Also, the ''Crown Iris'' transported over 1,600 tourists from Israel to Cyprus.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2025-06-19 |title=TALA COMMUNITY NEWS: OPERATION 'SAFE RETURN' - CRUISE SHIP CROWN IRIS IS PREPARING FOR DEPARTURE WITH 1,600 ISRAELIS |url=https://talanews.blogspot.com/2025/06/operation-safe-return-cruise-ship-crown.html |access-date=2025-06-20 |website=TALA COMMUNITY NEWS}}</ref>

== Gallery == {{Gallery |File:Crown Iris departing from Quay in Port of Rhodes 24 August 2023.jpg|Crown Iris departing from Quay in Port of Rhodes |File:Crown Iris arriving in Rhodes 23 August 2023.jpg|Crown Iris in Rhodes |File:Water slide on Crown Iris.jpg|Crown Iris water slide }}

== References == {{Reflist}}

{{Norwegian Cruise Line}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Crown Iris, MS}} Category:1991 ships Category:Maritime incidents in 2010 Category:Maritime incidents in 2013 Category:Passenger ships of Norway Category:Rogue wave incidents Category:Ships built in Turku Category:Ships of Celestyal Cruises Category:Ships of Norwegian Cruise Line