Earl Harold
The Earl Harold cruises up the English Channel to take up service at Folkestone. Justin Merrigan Collection
After the July 1984 sale of Sealink to Sea Containers the Ailsa Princess was the following year renamed Earl Harold for her new owners ill-fated 'Sunliner' service from Weymouth to the Channel Islands.
The Earl Harold. Justin Merrigan Collection
After heavy losses on this service the ship found herself back on the Irish Sea as a relief vessel.
The Earl Harold at Weymouth. © Kenny Whyte
Having covered for the freight ship Stena Sailer the 'Harold' was then placed on the Dun Laoghaire passenger service for three days from 11 February 1988 while the St Columba underwent an engine repair. This complete it was then back to her old stomping ground on the North Channel.
 Holyhead's Refit Berth. |
 Earl Harold's 'galloping maggot'. |
 Rosslare Pier. © Brian Cleare. |
The ship finished her UK career in 1989 with a six months charter to B&I Line for service between Rosslare and Pembroke Dock following the sale of the Connacht.
On completion of the charter she was quickly sold to Agoudimos Lines for service in Greece as the Dimitra.
Sold again in 1994 the ship became the Naias Express and in 1999 a further change of ownership saw her become Hellas Ferries' Express Adonis in time for the 2000 season running out of Piraeus.
As the Express Adonis, seen leaving Piraeus in August 2000. © Justin Merrigan
In December 2005 the ship was again sold, taking the name New Caribbean Princess under the Panamania flag in January 2006
The New Caribbean Princess, on the move for refit. © Apostolis Kaknis