Over 400 sailings disembark at Turkish shorelines in the first half of 2025, with Kusadasi assuming the forefront as the primary maritime hub for these cruise ships.
In the vibrant world of maritime tourism, Turkey is making a significant splash. According to the Transport and Infrastructure Minister, Abdulkadir Uraloglu, the country is on an upward trajectory, attracting international passengers due to its historical landmarks, cultural heritage, and natural attractions.
The first half of 2025 has seen a remarkable 18% rise in cruise arrivals compared to the same period in 2024. This growth is particularly evident in the bustling port of Kusadasi, located on Turkey's Aegean coast, which has emerged as one of the country's leading cruise destinations.
Kusadasi, renowned for its close proximity to ancient sites like Ephesus and its well-developed port infrastructure, welcomed a staggering 227 cruise ships and 339,922 passengers in the first six months of 2025. This makes it the busiest cruise port in the country, accounting for approximately 46.7% of Turkey's total cruise passenger traffic.
Istanbul, the commercial capital, follows closely behind, hosting 96 cruise ships and 220,720 passengers. Its unique position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, along with its rich urban and historical attractions, adds to its appeal. Meanwhile, Bodrum, a popular seaside resort and boutique destination, received 29 ships and approximately 31,796 passengers.
Other popular ports include Çeşme, with 24 ships and 11,183 passengers, and Çanakkale, which drew 15 ships and visitors interested in its historical significance and proximity to Troy and Gallipoli. Fethiye, Gocek, and Sinop each welcomed one cruise ship, indicating an expanding cruise itinerary diversity.
Minister Uraloglu mentioned that investments in cruise tourism are progressing in parallel with improvements in all modes of transportation. He expressed optimism, projecting that the total number of cruise passengers will surpass 2 million by the end of 2025, due to strong demand and continued infrastructure development across Turkish ports.
With monthly passenger traffic in June 2025 reaching 293,766, reflecting a 20.61% annual increase, it's clear that Turkey's appeal as a cruise destination is on the rise. The country's rich historical, cultural, and natural assets, combined with its geographical location that links Europe and Asia by sea, make it an irresistible destination for cruise enthusiasts.
As the cruise industry continues to grow, Turkey is poised to become a global tourism hub, offering a wide range of restaurants, shops, and beaches, making it a popular stopover for both day-trippers and extended stays. The UAE president's upcoming visit to Turkey on July 16 for the first High-Level Strategic Council talks is a testament to the country's growing influence on the global stage.
- Turkey's vibrant port of Kusadasi, located on the Aegean coast, is leading the country in cruise tourism, attracting 227 cruise ships and 339,922 passengers in the first half of 2025, boosting its reputation as a significant player in maritime tourism.
- Istanbul, the country's commercial capital, follows closely behind, with 96 cruise ships and 220,720 passengers in the same period, showcasing Turkey's allure as a destination due to its historical and urban attractions.
- The Turkish lira, the country's currency, may be attractive to international travelers considering the rise in cruise traffic, offering opportunities for tourists to immerse themselves in Turkey's unique lifestyle and rich cultural heritage.
- As the cruise industry continues to grow, sports enthusiasts may find Turkey an appealing destination, with its potential to host more events and attractions catering to diverse interests, further enhancing its status as a global tourism hub.
