The HSF Cruise Bonaria is a Ro-Pax high speed ferry, built in 2000 at the Sestri Ponente shipyards by Fincantieri and owned by Grimaldi Lines previously owned by Minoan Lines as Knossos Palace.

The ship left Greece forever on 24 November and arrived in Napoli, Italy after two days.

During the holiday season, it occasionally operated during daytime, completing her voyage in 8 hours.

On November 19, 2003 Knossos Palace was sailing 40 nm northwest of Heraklion en route from Piraeus when a fire broke out on board.

The crew swiftly dealt with the emergency and the fire was put out using the sprinkler system before causing major damage.