Published on
October 10, 2025
In Türkiye, cruise tourism has broken a 12 year-old record, in terms of the number of passengers, integrating new cruise itineraries with the country’s strategic infrastructure investments. Adding new cruise itineraries to less-visited but beautiful places like Çanakkale, Sinop, and Trabzon, in addition to the cruise tourism centers of İstanbul and Kuşadası, has complemented the gaps in the existing systems. Adding cutting-edge terminals like the Galataport in İstanbul to the modernization of ports set Türkiye as a highly accessible cruise tourism hub. This growth reinforces Türkiye’s appeal, enriched with remarkable natural and world tourism, in addition to the existing, world class tourism infrastructure.
Türkiye’s cruise tourism sector has experienced an extraordinary surge in recent years, reaching new heights and setting a twelve-year record. With millions of passengers flocking to Türkiye’s diverse ports, the country is solidifying its position as a dominant player in the global cruise industry. This remarkable growth, coupled with the introduction of new routes to stunning and less-explored destinations, paints a promising future for Türkiye as a premier cruise tourism destination.
Unprecedented Growth in Passenger Numbers
As of the end of August, Türkiye welcomed millions of cruise passengers, marking the highest influx in the past twelve years. This record-breaking milestone signals a dramatic shift in the country’s cruise tourism landscape, underscoring its appeal to international travelers seeking diverse experiences, rich cultural heritage, and scenic coastlines.
The month of August alone saw a remarkable number of 357,646 passengers arriving at Türkiye’s ports, setting a new benchmark for the highest monthly arrivals in the country’s history. This achievement reflects a significant increase in interest from global travelers, eager to explore Türkiye’s unique offerings. Compared to previous years, the number of passengers surged by 56% compared to 2023 and 18% compared to 2024, a testament to the nation’s growing prominence in the cruise tourism sector.
Expansion of Cruise Routes to New Destinations
One of the key drivers behind this surge is the expansion of Türkiye’s cruise routes. The introduction of new, unexplored destinations, alongside established cruise hubs, has helped the country diversify its offerings and attract a broader range of international cruise passengers. Cities such as Çanakkale, Sinop, Trabzon, Samsun, and Marmaris are now welcoming more ships, offering cruise travelers the opportunity to experience less-commercialized, yet equally captivating, destinations.
These ports are strategically positioned along Türkiye’s breathtaking coastlines, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Çanakkale, with its proximity to the ancient city of Troy, offers a fascinating experience for history enthusiasts. Sinop, a hidden gem on the Black Sea, boasts pristine beaches and a peaceful atmosphere, while Trabzon, known for its stunning mountain views, attracts visitors looking for a mix of adventure and serenity. Samsun, with its rich cultural heritage, and Marmaris, with its renowned beaches and vibrant nightlife, provide an extensive array of experiences, catering to diverse tourist interests.
This shift toward lesser-known ports is helping Türkiye attract a wider audience, including travelers looking for unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences that complement the country’s more famous destinations like İstanbul and Kuşadası.
Record-Breaking Passenger Arrivals
The overall growth in passenger numbers has not been confined to just the introduction of new routes but also the increase in the frequency of cruises. The total number of cruise arrivals to Türkiye has risen significantly, with more ships docking at Turkish ports than ever before. In fact, the number of cruise calls has increased by 17% compared to 2024, further underlining the growing interest in Türkiye as a cruise destination.
This consistent increase in passenger traffic has also contributed to the country’s projection of surpassing its 600,000-passenger target by the end of the season. If this target is met, it would represent a 130% growth in passenger arrivals compared to the previous year. Such growth is a clear indication of Türkiye’s rise as one of the most sought-after cruise destinations globally.
Strengthened Port Infrastructure
The surge in passenger arrivals has been made possible, in part, due to significant investments in Türkiye’s port infrastructure. The country has been heavily focused on upgrading its cruise terminals, expanding port facilities, and improving logistical support for cruise ships. These upgrades ensure that Türkiye’s ports are equipped to handle the increasing number of cruise ships and passengers efficiently.
For instance, İstanbul’s Galataport, a state-of-the-art cruise terminal, has been at the heart of this transformation. The terminal, designed to accommodate some of the world’s largest cruise ships, is equipped with modern amenities and provides seamless access to the city’s cultural landmarks. In addition to Galataport, other ports like Kuşadası’s Ephesus and Bodrum have also undergone significant renovations, ensuring that Türkiye can meet the demands of the growing cruise tourism market.
These investments are not only improving the visitor experience but also positioning Türkiye as a key hub for the global cruise tourism industry. As the country’s cruise infrastructure continues to improve, it is poised to handle an even greater influx of travelers in the coming years, ensuring Türkiye remains a top destination for cruise tourism.
Türkiye’s Cultural and Natural Appeal
What sets Türkiye apart from other cruise destinations is its unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty. With a rich history spanning millennia, Türkiye is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, such as the ancient city of Ephesus, the stunning rock formations of Cappadocia, and the historic sites of Troy. For cruise passengers, these destinations offer an unmatched opportunity to experience the past while enjoying the present.
In addition to its historical treasures, Türkiye’s coastline is a paradise for nature lovers. From the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea to the lush landscapes of the Black Sea, Türkiye’s natural beauty offers the perfect backdrop for cruising. The Mediterranean coastline, with its dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and hidden coves, is particularly popular among cruise travelers seeking relaxation and adventure.
Furthermore, Türkiye’s cuisine, famed for its diverse flavors and rich ingredients, is another draw for cruise visitors. From traditional Turkish breakfasts to sumptuous seafood dishes, the culinary experience aboard cruise ships and in port cities is an essential part of the journey.
Projected Future Growth
Looking ahead, Türkiye is well-positioned to continue its upward trajectory in the cruise tourism industry. With the growing popularity of its ports, ongoing infrastructure improvements, and new routes to emerging destinations, the future of Türkiye’s cruise tourism looks incredibly promising.
The country’s tourism officials are optimistic that this year’s growth will set the stage for even greater success in the coming seasons. As more cruise lines add Türkiye to their itineraries and more passengers seek out new destinations, Türkiye is set to see even greater numbers of visitors in the future. Moreover, the country’s strategic location, bridging Europe and Asia, offers unparalleled access to travelers from all over the world, ensuring that Türkiye will remain a top choice for cruise tourism.
Türkiye’s cruise tourism sector has undoubtedly experienced an incredible transformation in recent years, driven by record-breaking passenger arrivals, new cruise routes, and continuous investments in port infrastructure. With millions of passengers visiting Türkiye’s diverse ports, the country is solidifying its place as one of the world’s leading cruise destinations.
Cruise tourism in Türkiye has shattered a twelve-year record with millions of passengers, driven by the expansion of new routes to destinations like Çanakkale, Sinop, and Trabzon, alongside significant upgrades to port infrastructure. This growth highlights Türkiye’s increasing appeal as a top cruise destination with a mix of cultural richness and natural beauty.
As more travelers seek to explore the rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and unique experiences offered by Türkiye, the future of cruise tourism in the country looks brighter than ever. With ongoing investments in infrastructure and the introduction of new routes to captivating destinations, Türkiye is set to remain at the forefront of global cruise tourism, offering unforgettable experiences for travelers from around the world.
