Türkiye’s cruise tourism sector reported nearly 1.5 million passengers by the end of August 2025 — the country’s highest total in more than a decade.
According to a press release, from January through August, 878 cruise calls were recorded across the country’s 18 ports, marking a 17% increase over 2024. Passenger arrivals were also up 56% compared to 2023 and 18% compared to 2024.
August was a record-breaking month, with 357,646 cruise passengers, the highest monthly total ever recorded.
Officials project that Türkiye will exceed its 600,000-passenger target by the end of the season, representing a 130% year-over-year increase.
With more than 8,000 km of coastline connecting Asia and Europe, Türkiye continues to draw travellers to its ports along the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Black Seas.
Expanding Routes Strengthen Local Economies
Cruise tourism is providing both economic and cultural benefits for Türkiye’s port cities.
New additions such as Çanakkale, Sinop, Trabzon, Samsun, and Marmaris are joining established hubs like Kuşadası and İstanbul, helping distribute tourism income more evenly across the country.
Each port offers distinct attractions:
- İstanbul’s Galataport has redefined the city’s waterfront, establishing it as a global cruise hub.
- Kuşadası, home to the ancient city of Ephesus and the village of Şirince, is recognized among the World’s Best Tourism Villages and features the Michelin-acclaimed gastronomic centre of Urla in nearby İzmir.
- Çanakkale offers access to the Gallipoli Peninsula, a UNESCO Tentative World Heritage Site, and the ancient ruins of Troy alongside the award-winning Troy Museum.
- Sinop captivates visitors with its blend of Black Sea landscapes.
- Trabzon draws travellers to its mountain scenery and the Sümela Monastery.
- Samsun, rich in heritage from the Neolithic era through the Turkish War of Independence, charms visitors with its history and coastline.
- Marmaris combines pristine bays, a bustling marina, and modern amenities.
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