Fitted out as a nightspot in 1982, the Tuxedo Princess, or 'The Boat' as
she is known locally, was originally moored on the Newcastle side of the Tyne.
After police objection it crossed to Gateshead.
More than 400 guests were invited to its launch party on December 19th 1983.
The ferry set sail for Glasgow in 1988 and was replaced by the Tuxedo Royale –
but a decade after leaving, the Princess returned.
The time has come for her to leave once more. This time her destination is
Greece.
She raised anchor at about 9am on Sunday 27th July 2008.
Two tugs, The Yarm Cross and the Svitzer Maltby, were on hand to tow her
downriver to North Shields.
On the 28th July, the tug Pantoynamos will tow her out of the Tyne and
head south towards the warmer waters of the Mediterranean.
