TORONTO, ON – October 9, 2025: This year, Türkiye’s 18 cruise ports welcomed nearly 1.5 Million passengers by the end of August 2025 – the highest arrivals in 12 years – highlighting the country’s growing allure as a premier cruise destination. From January to the end of August:
• The number of cruise calls rose by 17 per cent, reaching 878, compared to 753 in 2024.
• The number of passengers increased by 56 per cent compared to 2023 and 18 per cent compared to 2024.
• In August alone, a record-breaking 357,646 passengers were welcomed, securing the highest monthly figure in history.
Türkiye is projected to surpass the 600,000-passenger target by the end of the season, achieving a 130 per cent increase compared to last year.
An increasing number of voyages are now designating Türkiye as their home port, with international visitors spending more time in the country and contributing to the national economy. The steady growth of cruise tourism is supported by new routes, sustained investments, and strengthened port infrastructure, which together attract more cruise operators and encourage longer passenger stays in Türkiye.
With more than 8,000 kilometres of breathtaking coastline at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, Türkiye stands out as a premier port of call and a world-class travel destination. Surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Black Seas, Türkiye welcomes more cruise passengers each year, opening doors to new adventures and uniting cultures along its stunning shores.
New Routes Boost the Economy
Cruise tourism not only increases overall tourism revenues but also brings significant economic and cultural vitality to port cities nationwide. With the inclusion of Çanakkale, Sinop, Trabzon, Samsun, and Marmaris alongside the established hubs in Kuşadası and İstanbul, cruise itineraries are expanding and local economies are reaping the benefits.
Each port city in Türkiye offers its own unique attractions:
- İstanbul leads the way with Galataport, a world-class terminal that has redefined the city’s waterfront and elevated its role as a global cruise hub.
- Kuşadası’s wide variety of cultural and natural treasures, ranging from the ancient city of Ephesus to the lush oasis of Şirince stand out. Kuşadası is also recognised as one of the World’s Best Tourism Villages and features the Michelin-acclaimed gastronomic hub of Urla in İzmir.
- Çanakkale welcomes passengers to the Gallipoli Peninsula, where the Dardanelles (Gallipoli) Campaign took place during World War I. It is recognised on UNESCO’s Tentative World Heritage List as the best-preserved battlefield globally. Çanakkale is also home to the legendary ruins of UNESCO-listed Troy and the award-winning Troy Museum.
- Sinop is where the deep blue and dark green of the Black Sea meet, captivating natural beauty.
- Trabzon draws voyagers to its highlands and the iconic Sümela Monastery.
- The historic port city of the Black Sea, Samsun, on the other hand, enchants visitors with its coastline and rich cultural heritage spanning from the Neolithic era to the Turkish War of Independence.
- Marmaris’ pristine bays, vibrant marina life, and robust tourism infrastructure, provide cruise passengers with a seamless blend of natural beauty and modern comfort.
Together, these diverse ports enrich the experiences of cruise passengers in Türkiye while ensuring that the economic benefits are shared across regions. Looking ahead, Türkiye’s ongoing investments in port infrastructure, combined with its unmatched cultural heritage and natural beauty, promise to further strengthen its role as a leading hub for global cruise tourism.
