Turkey’s cruise tourism sector recorded its strongest performance in more than a decade in 2025, with passenger numbers surpassing levels last seen in the early 2010s, according to official government data. Speaking on Monday, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, confirmed that cruise passenger traffic reached nearly 2.14 million, a 13.2% year-on-year increase.
Cruise Traffic Passes 2 Million for First Time Since 2013
Data from the Directorate General of Maritime Affairs shows that 2025 marked the first year since 2013 in which annual cruise passenger numbers exceeded the 2 million mark. The number of cruise ships calling at Turkish ports also rose, increasing 15.1% compared with 2024 to a total of 1,375 port calls nationwide. The figures highlight Turkey’s growing appeal as a Mediterranean cruise destination.
Strong Finish to the Year Boosts Annual Results
Cruise activity gathered pace toward the end of the year, with December 2025 delivering the strongest monthly performance ever recorded for that period. A total of 28 cruise ships docked at Turkish ports in December, bringing 40,773 passengers. Data also showed that monthly passenger traffic increased 16.3% compared with December 2024, setting a new record for the winter season.
Kuşadası Retains Position as Leading Cruise Hub
On an annual basis, Kuşadası remained Turkey’s busiest cruise port in 2025, maintaining its long-standing status as the country’s primary gateway for cruise tourism. Kuşadası welcomed 617 cruise ships during the year, the highest number of calls nationwide. It was followed by Istanbul, which received 265 ships, and Bodrum, with 116 ship calls.
Passenger traffic followed a similar pattern. Kuşadası hosted 995,843 cruise passengers in 2025, accounting for nearly half of total cruise arrivals nationwide. Istanbul ranked second with 625,517 passengers, benefiting from its growing role as both a turnaround and transit port, while Bodrum received 138,166 passengers, reflecting demand for boutique and luxury cruise itineraries along Turkey’s southwestern coast.
Cruise Tourism Gains Strategic Importance
The strong performance of Turkey’s cruise sector in 2025 reflects sustained investment in port infrastructure, improved destination marketing, and rising global interest in culturally rich Mediterranean itineraries.
With passenger numbers reaching multi-year highs and off-season traffic gaining momentum, cruise tourism is increasingly important to Turkey’s tourism economy – supporting local businesses, extending seasonal demand, and supporting coastal cities heading into 2026.
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