Record-Breaking Year for Cruise Tourism
Turkey’s cruise tourism has reached a milestone, with the number of passengers arriving by cruise ships hitting the highest level in 12 years. From January to September 2025, a total of 1,710,454 passengers visited the country, marking a 16% increase compared to the same period last year.
According to the General Directorate of Maritime Affairs at the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, Turkey remains one of the most important hubs for cruise tourism in the Mediterranean and the Aegean.
Strong Growth in Ship Arrivals
In the first nine months of last year, 917 cruise ships docked at Turkish ports. This year, the number rose to 1,075 ships, showing a steady growth trend. The current passenger total is the highest recorded since 2013, when arrivals reached 1.72 million before declining in subsequent years.
The sector faced its lowest point in 2020, with just 1,824 passengers due to the pandemic. However, the rebound began in 2023, surpassing the 1 million mark and continuing its upward momentum in 2025.
Kuşadası Leads the Way
Kuşadası maintained its position as Turkey’s top cruise destination, hosting 493 ships and 825,647 passengers between January and September 2025. The port continues to be a major gateway for international cruise travelers visiting the country’s historical and coastal attractions.
Istanbul’s Growing Appeal
Following Kuşadası, Istanbul welcomed 495,186 passengers from 207 cruise ships during the same period. The city’s growing popularity among cruise routes reflects its unique position as a cultural and tourism capital connecting Europe and Asia.
Bodrum, Çeşme, İzmir, and Marmaris Also Shine
Other leading ports also contributed significantly to Turkey’s cruise success. Bodrum received 117,985 visitors via 96 ships, while Çeşme, İzmir, and Marmaris hosted 45,863, 56,359, and 45,364 cruise passengers respectively.
These figures highlight a vibrant revival in coastal tourism and reinforce Turkey’s reputation as a leading destination for cruise travel in the region.
A Strong Comeback for the Seas
With rising ship traffic and passenger numbers, Turkey’s cruise industry is clearly back on course. Ports like Kuşadası, Istanbul, and Bodrum are expected to remain central to this upward trend as global tourism continues its recovery and demand for sea travel grows stronger.
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