Cruise passenger numbers set an all-time record in February
Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu stated that the number of passengers arriving in Turkey via cruise ships in February had reached 29,826, a 509.3% increase compared to the same month last year, adding, “This is the highest number of cruise passengers ever recorded for the month of February.”
In a written statement, Minister Uraloğlu provided information on cruise passenger statistics for February.
During this period, the number of cruise ships visiting ports increased by 220% compared to the same month last year. Uraloğlu shared that in February 2025, 7 cruise ships with 10,656 passengers docked at Kuşadası Port, 4 cruise ships with 9,743 passengers at Istanbul ports, 4 cruise ships with 8,484 passengers at İzmir Alsancak Port, and 1 cruise ship with 943 passengers at Port Akdeniz Antalya Port.
Uraloğlu also recalled that January 2025 had already set a record, stating, “In cruise tourism, the passenger movement in February increased by 509.3% compared to last year, reaching 29,826. This is the highest number of February cruise passengers ever. Breaking records for two consecutive months shows that Turkey is becoming a strong destination in cruise tourism.”
“Istanbul ports were the most visited with passengers and ships” In the first two months of the year, a total of 39 cruise ships and 62,512 passengers arrived at Turkish ports. Uraloğlu noted:
“Istanbul ports hosted the most passengers and ships during the January-February period, with 24,257 passengers and 12 cruise ships. They were followed by İzmir Alsancak Port with 8 ships and 16,485 passengers, and Kuşadası Port with 8 ships and 11,559 passengers.”
Uraloğlu emphasized that Turkey, with its historical, cultural, and natural wealth, had become a globally preferred destination for cruise tourism, and he stressed that the momentum in cruise tourism would continue.
Following the opening of Galataport and the removal of COVID-19 restrictions, Uraloğlu pointed out that Turkey had become one of the important destinations for cruise tourism. He added, “In 2024, 1,195 cruise ships and 1,889,426 passengers visited our ports. This is the highest passenger number since 2015. We expect the number of passengers to exceed 2 million in 2025, setting a new record.”
