Cruise tourism has experienced a remarkable recovery in 2024 after the stagnation caused by the pandemic. The number of cruise passengers arriving at Turkish ports in 2024 has increased by 22% compared to the previous year, reaching 1.8 million passengers. The sector anticipates a further rise to 2.3 million passengers in 2025, with 1,800 ships, setting a new record.
Turkey has seen a rapid recovery as cruise ships have returned to its routes after the pandemic. By November 2024, the number of cruise passengers visiting Turkish ports reached 1.85 million, a 22% increase from the previous year. The target for 2025 is set at 1,800 ships and 2.3 million passengers. In 2019, the most prosperous year with 30 million cruise passengers worldwide, Turkey hosted 300,000 passengers on 344 ships. With Istanbul’s port reopening, there has been significant growth in passenger traffic, especially in ports like Istanbul, Kuşadası, and İzmir.
Increase in Passenger and Ship Numbers at Ports
In 2024, the port that hosted the most passengers was Kuşadası, with 520 ships and 818,000 passengers. Istanbul followed with 195 ships and 426,000 passengers. İzmir saw a dramatic 373% increase in the number of ships, hosting 161,000 passengers. Other areas like Marmaris and Bodrum also experienced significant growth in passenger numbers. The Black Sea region, particularly ports such as Samsun, Amasra, Trabzon, and Sinop, has emerged as a new attraction. Samsun, for example, received 26 ships and 25,356 passengers in 2023, a significant increase from just 2 ships and 1,723 passengers in 2022.
Investment and Growth Plans in the Cruise Sector
Emrah Yılmaz Çavuşoğlu, Chairman of Camelot Maritime, explained that the Black Sea cruise tourism had stalled due to the Russia-Ukraine war but has now regained popularity through newly organized voyages. Cruise trips between Russian ports and the Black Sea have been increasing. Çavuşoğlu stated that the goals for 2025 include achieving strong growth in the Marmara, Aegean, and Black Sea regions, and investing in energy-efficient port infrastructures.
Bodrum Cruise Port hosted 98 ships and 118,000 passengers in 2024, with 121 sailings planned for 2025. GPH Eastern Mediterranean Ports Director Aziz Güngör expressed expectations of a new record. With Galataport emerging as a major port for large ships, cruise traffic in Istanbul has surged. Major cruise companies like Costa Cruises and Celestyal have shown growing interest in the Turkish market, with strong growth projections for 2024.
Rising Interest in Cruise Travel Among Turks
Interest in cruise travel among Turkish citizens has also increased significantly. The number of Turkish passengers departing from Turkish ports was 100,000 in 2023, and by November 2024, this number had risen to 157,458. Kaan Karayal, Chairman of Tatilsepeti, noted that demand for cruise tours has doubled in recent years and highlighted the appeal of cruise travel, which allows vacationers to visit multiple destinations on a single trip.
Conclusion and Future Expectations
In 2024, Turkey’s cruise tourism sector has seen significant growth, and this trend is expected to continue in 2025. With the increase in passenger numbers, there will be more traffic at ports, and the sector aims to expand further with new ports and increased cruise ship sailings. Turkey’s growing interest in cruise tourism and the role of Galataport in revitalizing Istanbul’s position as a major port city offers great opportunities for both the local economy and companies investing in the sector.
