The Royal Iris ferry service has officially concluded after 66 years of operation, marking the end of an era for the River Mersey. Passengers boarded the Royal Iris for the last time on March 29, 2026, as the vessel prepares to be replaced by the new £26 million ferry, Royal Daffodil, later this year.
Since its inception in 1960, the Royal Iris has been a significant asset to Liverpool, carrying more than 17 million people over the decades. It has become a cultural icon, notably featuring in the 1965 film Ferry Cross the Mersey.
John Lunt, a long-time user of the ferry, shared his nostalgia, stating, “I’ve got great memories [of the ferry]. My eldest child’s 43, and we used to regularly come on.” This sentiment reflects the deep connection many locals have with the Royal Iris.
Margorie Humber, another passenger, remarked on the ferry’s unchanged nature, saying, “It is identical, there’s no difference. That’s what’s so atmospheric about it, that it does hark back to a different era.” Such reflections highlight the Royal Iris’s role in the community and its historical significance.
As the Royal Iris departs, an interim service will be run on the Snowdrop, ensuring that transportation across the Mersey continues uninterrupted. The introduction of the Royal Daffodil is anticipated to bring modern amenities and enhancements to the ferry experience.
Throughout its service, the Royal Iris has been a beloved vessel, and its retirement marks a poignant moment for many who have traveled on it. With 66 years of history, the ferry has left an indelible mark on the region.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact launch date of the Royal Daffodil, but it is expected to begin passenger service later this year. The transition to the new vessel signifies a new chapter in the ongoing story of ferry transport on the River Mersey.
