Ferry Crosses the Mersey on Final Voyage After 66 Years

The Royal Iris, a beloved ferry that served the River Mersey for six decades, embarked on its last journey today. This historic vessel, which played a central role in the 1965 film *Ferry Cross the Mersey*, was famously associated with the band Gerry and the Pacemakers, whose iconic title track became a cultural landmark. Its legacy will soon be carried forward by the new £26 million Royal Daffodil, set to launch later this year, while the Snowdrop will temporarily operate as an interim service. Known as the “Dazzle Ferry” for its striking design by Sir Peter Blake, the Snowdrop’s unique look echoes the artistic flair of the Beatles’ *Sgt Pepper* album cover.

Liam Phelan, representing the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, highlighted the ferry’s enduring impact. “She’s part of the Mersey’s history, much like the Graces and the tunnels,” he remarked, noting that the Royal Iris is believed to have transported over 17 million passengers between Liverpool and Wirral since 1960. The final service saw Michael Gittins and his wife Lucy aboard, as they scattered her late father’s ashes in the river. Gittins shared memories of his father’s love for the ferry, recalling how he once said, “Coming into the Mersey and seeing the Three Graces was his favorite part of sailing the world.”

Passenger Craig Macdonald emphasized the ferry’s deep connection to Liverpool. “It’s a staple of the city,” he stated, adding that generations have relied on it to cross the water. The Royal Iris, which also navigated the Manchester Ship Canal, has appeared in BBC productions such as *Peaky Blinders* and *The Liver Birds*. Originally named Mountwood upon its 1959 launch, the ferry was renamed Royal Iris in 2002 following a major overhaul. Services across the Mersey trace back to the Domesday Book, with Benedictine monks from Birkenhead Priory operating the first regular crossings to Liverpool’s markets in the 12th century.

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