What started as a routine stop for a cruise ship packed with Israeli tourists quickly turned into a scene of chaos and confrontation on the Greek island of Rhodes.
Pro-Palestinian protesters and riot police clashed on Monday, reigniting controversy over Israel-linked tourism in the region—and bringing back memories of last week’s dramatic events on another Greek island.
Police Confront Protesters as Ship Docks in Rhodes
As the Crown Iris cruise ship pulled into port, carrying roughly 650 Israeli passengers, protesters gathered to voice their opposition.
Shouting “Freedom for Palestine” and waving Palestinian flags, the crowd faced off with Greek riot police equipped with helmets and shields.
Tensions escalated quickly. Some protesters were restrained and arrested as law enforcement pushed them back in an effort to prevent disruption at the dock.
Authorities had prepared for the worst, clearly still on edge after a similar situation spun out of control days earlier.
Last Week’s Syros Protest Sparks Tight Security in Rhodes
The heavy police presence in Rhodes wasn’t just a precaution—it was a direct response to what happened on Syros the week before.
When the same cruise ship attempted to dock there, a massive protest of around 150 people blocked passengers from disembarking.
That led to the ship skipping the stop entirely and rerouting to Limassol, Cyprus.
That particular cruise had included a group of 1,700 Israeli tourists, among them 300 to 400 children.
After being turned away, the ship headed for safer waters.
Greece’s Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis didn’t mince words afterward, calling the protest “shameful” and offering an apology to the Israeli tourists.
Greek Officials Apologize and Reaffirm Hospitality
Trying to smooth things over, Greek officials have made it clear they want Israeli visitors to feel welcome.
Health Minister Georgiadis said Greece should not let political protests damage its relationship with Israel—or its reputation as a friendly destination.
The mayor of Rhodes, Alexandros Koliadis, even greeted the Crown Iris passengers with traditional Rhodian sweets, sending a strong message of hospitality.
Tourist authorities also pushed back against the protests, stressing the importance of maintaining Greece’s popularity with Israeli travelers.
Cruise Protest Group Makes Its Message Loud and Clear
The protests have been led by a group called “We Stay Active,” which claims to represent both local residents and visitors who oppose Israeli military actions and occupation of Palestinian territories.
After the Syros protest, they took to social media, rejecting not just the cruise stop, but the presence of what they described as “settlers, soldiers, and supporters of war” on their island.
In a strongly worded statement, they said, “We do not want their money! We do not tolerate their presence!” They praised the people of Syros for standing up and warned that they remained on alert in case the ship tried to return.
Cruise Ship Originally Rerouted After Delays and Protests
During the Syros incident, the Crown Iris remained offshore as its owners at Mano Maritime initially hoped the protest would quickly dissipate.
When it didn’t, they made the call to abandon the port altogether and reroute the ship to Cyprus.
The Greek coast guard later confirmed the ship departed earlier than planned to avoid further escalation.
In a statement, Mano Maritime said passengers had been stuck onboard “without permission to disembark” and confirmed they had opted to switch destinations for safety reasons.
Past Use of Crown Iris Adds More Political Weight
This isn’t just any cruise ship. The Crown Iris has been more than a vacation vessel—it was recently used by Israel during a 12-day conflict with Iran to transport citizens to and from Cyprus.
It’s also been part of Israel’s “Operation Safe Return,” a repatriation mission during wartime.
Its dual role as both a leisure cruise ship and an emergency transport link has made its presence even more politically charged, particularly in regions like Greece where public opinion on Middle East conflicts can be sharply divided.
What’s Next for Israeli Tourism in Greece?
With emotions running high and protests threatening to derail more stops, it’s clear this won’t be the last time the Crown Iris—or Israeli tourism in general—faces resistance in Greece.
Authorities are trying to balance political sensitivities with tourism economics, but protesters have made it known they won’t back down.
How Greek officials and local communities handle future visits could set the tone for what’s shaping up to be a tense tourist season.