Published on
Friday, March 6, 2026
The Royal Iris of the Mersey will set sail at the end of the month for the final time as a ferry on the river it has served for more than 60 years.
We're inviting passengers to visit the ferry, share memories, and capture photos and videos throughout this month, as we prepare for an emotional send-off.
The much-loved vessel, a familiar sight against the Liverpool and Wirral waterfront, will retire on 31 March, with a special weekend of farewell celebrations planned for Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 March. The last sailing will be on Sunday 29 March and the vessel will be officially decommissioned on Tuesday 31 March.
The final weekend will feature a nostalgic atmosphere dedicated to celebrating her long service. High visitor numbers are anticipated, and guests are being encouraged to stagger their arrival times across the weekend to help manage crowds and create an enjoyable time for all.
From daily commutes and school trips to celebrations and summer cruises, generations of passengers have stepped aboard the Royal Iris, a vessel that has become woven into the cultural fabric of the Liverpool City Region.
With her retirement now in sight, organisers are calling it the “final boarding call” for a true Mersey icon.
Regular Mersey Ferries services will continue beyond 31 March, with sailings operating as normal aboard Snowdrop aka Dazzle Ferry.
The first new Mersey Ferry in 60 years, the Royal Daffodil, is due to set sail later this year, continuing an 800‑year tradition of ferry services on the world-famous River Mersey.