Turkey is seeing a major surge in cruise tourism, with coastal regions attracting record numbers via the sea – the most in over a decade. Recent data shows that between January and September 2025, Turkish ports welcomed 1,075 cruise ships. To put this in perspective, that’s up from the 917 that arrived during the same months in 2024.
More importantly, these ships brought 1,710,454 cruise passengers, a 16% rise from the 1,470,431 of the year before. Actually, it represents the best nine-month stretch since 2013.
This renaissance underlines Turkey’s comeback as a top-tier destination for Mediterranean cruises. It’s that blend of ancient history, sparkling blue waters, and those amazing bazaars that make it so appealing to global travelers.
Kuşadası and Istanbul: The Leading Ports
Kuşadası has really taken the lead among Turkey’s ports. Consider this: 493 ships arrived here, carrying a staggering 825,647 passengers in the first nine months. Located on the Aegean coast, not far from the old city of Ephesus, its location and high-quality facilities make it a hot spot for large ships and day trips, which in turn helps local businesses with excursions to historical sites and those beautiful beaches.
Istanbul – the city connecting East and West – came in second, with 207 ships docking and 495,186 passengers disembarking. From the Hagia Sophia to cruises on the Bosphorus, the city’s skyline is iconic. It’s that mix of city adventures and ease of access by sea that draws luxury cruises to its historic harbors.
Other Turkish ports also played an important role:
Bodrum: This glamorous spot for yachts welcomed 96 ships and 117,985 cruise passengers. It’s well-known for its upscale resorts and nightlife.
Çeşme: Around 60 ships arrived with 45,863 visitors, drawn to the peninsula’s hot springs and breezy shores.
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İzmir: With 31 ships and 56,359 cruise passengers, the vibrant Aegean city saw a boost.
Marmaris: Some 30 ships brought 45,364 tourists, enjoying the resort town’s bays surrounded by pine trees and water sports.
These ports together highlight the variety of Turkey’s coastal attractions – everything from exploring cultural heritage to relaxing getaways, really amplified by the post-pandemic rebound in travel.
From Pandemic Lows to Record Peaks
This year’s figures for the first nine months are better than all but one period in the last 12 years. Back then, between January and September 2013, 1,726,668 passengers arrived – a time before smartphones were everywhere, fueled by more European cruises. However, the COVID-19 crisis caused a big drop, with only 1,824 arrivals in early 2020 as global travel stopped.
The bounce-back has been pretty quick, though. Passenger numbers went over 1 million again in 2023, setting the stage for 2025’s rapid growth. Things like better health safety measures, different routes from major companies like Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises, and Turkey’s reasonable prices have helped revive interest. As an industry expert put it, “Turkey’s combination of affordable prices and authentic experiences makes it a standout destination for cruises in the Eastern Mediterranean.”
With the fall months underway and winter trips planned, officials think the total for the year might get close to, or even go beyond, 2 million cruise passengers. This shows how appealing Turkey is for seafaring visitors. With ongoing investments in port facilities, Turkey’s increasing numbers of tourists are expected to continue, boosting employment, preserving cultural sites, and showcasing that famous Turkish hospitality.