Cruise Ship Rerouted After Greek Protest Against Israel
On July 16, 2025, Greek protesters forced an Israeli cruise ship to reroute to Cyprus, sparking global headlines. The Crown Iris, carrying around 1,600 passengers, was denied entry into Syros, a Greek island, due to a large pro-Palestinian demonstration near the port.
Initially, officials said there would be a short delay in docking. But the protest continued, and after hours of uncertainty, the ship’s crew decided to skip Syros entirely. The cruise ship headed toward Limassol, Cyprus, instead. Security onboard reportedly advised passengers to stay inside during the tense standoff.
Why Did Greek Protesters Stop the Israeli Cruise Ship?
The protest was organized by Syros residents who opposed welcoming Israeli tourists while the Gaza conflict continues. They carried Palestinian flags, chanted slogans, and scattered flyers calling to “Stop the Genocide.” Local media estimated over 300 protesters joined the demonstration.
While some passengers raised Israeli flags and sang in response, others stayed calm inside the ship. One traveler shared that while they felt safe, children onboard were stressed. The decision to reroute came from the ship’s Israeli crew, who feared possible violence if passengers disembarked.
Rising Tensions Between Greece and Israeli Tourists
Greece has long been a popular destination for Israelis. Over 600,000 Israelis visited in 2024. However, anti-Israel incidents have increased since the Gaza war began in October 2023. Past incidents include plots against synagogues and Israeli-owned businesses, mostly in Athens.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry was in contact with Greek officials during the Syros protest. While Greece did not block the docking, Israel warned that such events could harm future tourism.
This episode, where Greek protesters force Israeli cruise ship to reroute, reflects growing regional tension spilling into tourism and travel.
