The ship was built by Wärtsilä Marine's Perno shipyard in Turku, Finland for Jahre Line as MS Kronprins Harald.

[4][5] On delivery Kronprins Harald was placed on Jahre Line's Oslo – Kiel service.

The vessel's final sailing for Color Line took place on 31 August 2007 with the northbound Kiel – Oslo crossing.

On 2 February 2010 the engine room caught fire upon leaving Falmouth, Cornwall where the ship had undergone its annual refit.

No one was injured and the fire was extinguished, but the ship returned to Falmouth so a full investigation and repairs could be carried out.