The vessel was previously known as Netley Castle when operated by Red Funnel on services to the Isle of Wight in the UK.

[1] The ship was launched on 23 November 1973 and after finishing work, trials and modifications entered service 24 June 1974.

[1] She was sold to Jadrolinija and left Southampton on 24 January 1997 to transfer to Zadar, stopping at Gibraltar on 2 February.

She is powered by four Caterpillar D379 diesel engines, each one driving an Aquamaster Z-drive which can provide thrust through 360º, eliminating the need for a conventional rudder and making her very manoeuvrable.

This necessitated urgent repairs at Husbands' shipyard at Marchwood to get her back into service for the Easter rush.