Home / Arts and Entertainment / Iconic Mersey Ferry Sets Sail on Final Voyage
Iconic Mersey Ferry Sets Sail on Final Voyage
29 Mar
Summary
- The Royal Iris, an iconic ferry, completed its final voyage after 66 years of service.
- It famously featured in the 1965 film and song 'Ferry Cross the Mersey'.
- The vessel is set to be replaced by a new £26m ferry later this year.
The Royal Iris of the Mersey, a ferry that has been a familiar sight on the River Mersey for 66 years, has made its final journey. This iconic vessel, launched in 1959 and previously known as Mountwood, was renamed in 2002 after a significant refurbishment. It has a storied past, famously appearing in the 1965 film and song 'Ferry Cross the Mersey' by Gerry and the Pacemakers.
During its service between Liverpool and Wirral, the Royal Iris is estimated to have transported over 17 million people. Its operations also extended to the Manchester Ship Canal, and it featured in television shows such as 'Peaky Blinders' and 'The Liver Birds'. The ferry's service is historically significant, with ferry crossings on the Mersey dating back to 1086.
The retirement of the Royal Iris marks the end of an era, with a new £26m vessel, the Royal Daffodil, scheduled to take over services later this year. For many, the ferry is considered as iconic as other Liverpool landmarks like the Three Graces and the Mersey Tunnels, embodying a significant part of the region's heritage. Passengers on its final trip shared emotional memories, including one couple scattering ashes in tribute to a family member's love for the ferry.
