Increased cruise ship activity noted at ports during the initial six months of 2025, seeing a significant boost of 18%
In the vibrant world of cruise tourism, Turkey is making waves as a popular destination, with passenger numbers soaring and cruise ships docking at its ports in record numbers. According to Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu, the sector is experiencing significant growth.
In the first half of 2025, a total of 732,302 passengers disembarked from cruise ships at Turkish ports, marking a 27.46% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This upward trend continued in June 2025, with 293,766 passengers arriving, representing a 20.61% increase from June 2023.
The cruise tourism boom is evident in the number of cruise ships visiting Turkish ports. In the first half of 2025, a total of 490 cruise ships docked at Turkish ports, a 18.07% increase compared to the same period in 2024. June 2025 saw 173 cruise ships visit Turkish ports, a 14.56% increase from June 2023.
Kuşadası Port, renowned for its historical sites like Ephesus and well-developed port infrastructure, emerged as the leading cruise destination in Turkey. In the given period, it welcomed 227 cruise ships and 339,922 passengers. Istanbul followed closely, hosting 96 cruise ships and 220,720 passengers.
Other notable destinations include Bodrum Port, located in the southwest, which received 29 cruise ships with 31,796 passengers. Çeşme Port saw 24 cruise ships and 11,183 passengers, while Çanakkale welcomed 15 cruise ships, though the passenger numbers were not specified. Other ports across Turkey hosted a combined 99 cruise ships and 119,743 passengers.
Minister Uraloglu's optimistic outlook for the cruise tourism sector in Turkey is supported by the projected surpassing of 2 million cruise passengers by the end of the year. The growth in the sector is attributed to the country's rich history, improved infrastructure, and the warm hospitality of the Turkish people.
As the cruise tourism sector continues to flourish in Turkey, it is expected to contribute significantly to the country's economy and further enhance its reputation as a must-visit destination for cruise enthusiasts.
A significant increase in the number of passengers and cruise ships visiting Turkish ports indicates a thriving lifestyle that transcends travel, as seen in the cruise tourism boom. This growth is expected to continue, leading to an estimated surpassing of 2 million cruise passengers by the end of 2025, making Turkey an increasingly popular travel destination and a notable player in the global cruise tourism sector.
