Built in Liverpool, the new publicly owned ferry, Royal Daffodill, made her debut in service on the Mersey on Saturday 26th September 2026. At a cost of £26 million, she represents a major investment in the future of one of the Liverpool City Region’s best-loved and most recognisable icons. She is the first new Mersey Ferry to be commissioned in more than six decades and has been designed to secure the future of the service for generations to come.
Alongside her role on the world-famous River Explorer Cruise and commuter services, the new vessel has been designed to offer an enhanced experience for special events and functions.
Her arrival marks the latest chapter in the long history of Mersey Ferries, which stretches back more than 800 years and has seen the service become one of the most enduring symbols of the Liverpool City Region.
The Royal Daffodil was built at the APCL Balaena (formerly known as Cammell Laird) shipyard in Birkenhead, continuing the region’s proud tradition of shipbuilding and ensuring that a significant part of the investment has been kept within the city region. She has been designed to resemble a traditional Mersey ferry including being fitted with wooden decks.
She replaces the Royal Iris, built in 1959 as the Mountwood , which was withdrawn from service in March.
Kingswear Castle returned to service in 2026 after the second part of a major rebuild which is designed to set her up for the next 25 years. The Paddle Steamer Kingswear Castle Trust is now fund raising for future rebuilds. You can read more and how you can possibly help here.
John Megoran
