Friday, August 1, 2025
Greece is witnessing a surge in anti-war protests across its popular island ports as an Israeli cruise ship continues its summer route amid the escalating conflict in Gaza. Demonstrations in Crete, Rhodes, and Syros have disrupted port calls and forced itinerary changes, with protesters denouncing the war and calling for solidarity with Palestinians. While Greece remains a favored destination for Israeli tourists, the rising public backlash reflects deepening local frustration over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and growing discomfort with the presence of Israeli-linked tourism during a time of ongoing violence.
An Israeli cruise ship faced a series of escalating protests across three Greek islands within one week, as growing opposition to the war in Gaza spilled into the tourism sector. Demonstrators in Crete, Rhodes, and Syros gathered at ports to oppose the ship’s presence and demand an end to the conflict, disrupting scheduled stops and forcing changes in the ship’s itinerary.
On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, the Crown Iris attempted to dock at Agios Nikolaos, a port town on the southern coast of Crete. As the ship arrived, a group of activists unfurled a large Palestinian flag at the harbor and shouted slogans in support of Gaza. Passengers disembarked and boarded tour buses while chants of “Free, free Palestine” echoed through the port.
Security forces moved in swiftly to stabilize the situation, setting up a protective perimeter between the protestors and the arriving cruise ship. Tensions rose as protesters pushed forward. Officers used pepper spray in an attempt to break up the gathering and restore order. Authorities detained four individuals during the clash. One video showed officers handcuffing a protester who continued to chant while being led away.
Protesters Target Other Islands in Cruise Ship’s Route
The demonstration in Crete followed a similar protest a day earlier on the eastern Greek island of Rhodes, where the Crown Iris made another scheduled stop. Protesters once again gathered near the port and chanted slogans demanding peace in Gaza. Riot police maintained order, and the passengers disembarked without incident. No violence was reported during that demonstration, but the growing number of protests signaled mounting local disapproval of the ship’s presence.
Earlier in the week, the ship had docked at the island of Syros, where the first and largest protest occurred. About 150 residents gathered at the port with banners and signs bearing messages like “Stop the Genocide” and “No AC in Hell.” Protesters chanted in solidarity with Gaza and blocked parts of the pier. In response, the cruise operator kept approximately 1,700 passengers aboard the ship and cut the stop short, departing the island earlier than planned.
Cruise Operator Alters Routes Amid Rising Tensions
Following the wave of protests, the cruise operator announced plans to revise its route and avoid destinations where public opposition might lead to unrest. The operator stated that the decision aimed to ensure the safety of passengers and crew while minimizing further disruption to the voyage.
Originally, the ship intended to dock for several hours at each island, offering guided tours and free time to its passengers. However, the intensifying protests made these stops increasingly difficult to maintain. In at least one case, authorities refused to grant disembarkation permissions due to public safety concerns.
Local media confirmed that these protests had caused changes in the itinerary and impacted the tourism experience. The unrest placed local police forces on alert and strained port resources in at least three popular tourist locations.
Greece Holds Strong Ties to Israeli Tourism
Greece has long served as a favorite vacation destination for Israeli travelers. Its proximity, cultural appeal, and abundance of island resorts make it a top summer getaway. Cruise ships like the Crown Iris frequently operate between Israeli ports and Greek islands, bringing thousands of tourists each season.
Daily flights connect Israeli cities with Greek destinations including Athens, Thessaloniki, Rhodes, and Heraklion, and Israeli visitors often take part in cruise tours around the Aegean Sea. Despite the current unrest, this tourism relationship remains strong, but the recent protests may add new complications to future travel plans.
Although Greek authorities continue to promote tourism and uphold strong relations, growing public opposition suggests that visits associated with Israel may face increasing resistance in the current climate times of conflict.
Tourism and Political Activism Intersect in the Aegean
These events illustrate how global political tensions increasingly intersect with tourism. What was once considered a neutral activity—cruise tourism—now finds itself entangled in activism and civil resistance. The protests in Crete, Rhodes, and Syros show that local communities are willing to challenge the presence of international travelers linked to ongoing conflicts, particularly when those conflicts involve humanitarian crises.
Greece is facing a wave of island protests against an Israeli cruise ship as public outrage grows over the Gaza war, with demonstrators opposing tourism linked to a country involved in an active conflict.
Authorities now face the challenge of preserving Greece’s welcoming reputation while ensuring public safety and respecting citizens’ right to protest. The cruise ship disruptions may prompt future travel advisories or itinerary revisions as operators reevaluate the risks of visiting politically sensitive regions.
For now, the Crown Iris has resumed its journey with adjusted stops, while questions remain about how long Greek ports will remain open to ships associated with controversial political situations.
