New information released by the Culture and Tourism Minister of Turkey, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy on Thursday, showed that Turkey’s thriving cruise tourism sector welcomed just under 1.5 million total passengers during the first eight months of the year. This was also the highest number of cruise tourists seen in 12 years.
1.5 million passengers enjoy cruises to Turkey
Data showed that almost 1.5 million total cruise passengers arrived at 18 ports throughout Turkey during the period of January to the end of August 2025. Speaking on social media, Ersoy noted that: “From January through August 2025, we are experiencing historic growth in cruise tourism. Nearly 1.5 million passengers visited our 18 cruise ports, the highest in the past 12 years.”
Ersoy also highlighted that the increase in cruise arrivals reflects the growing rise in popularity of Turkey as a main destination for global cruise tourism, not just a stopover. Data shows that more and more foreign visitors and tourists are choosing to enjoy longer stays at popular ports in Turkey.
Popular cruise destinations in Turkey now include Istanbul, Kusadasi, and emerging routes in Canakkale, Marmaris, and Trabzon. Ersoy noted that the growth of cruise tourism revenue is also improving the economies of smaller port cities.
878 international cruise ships arrive at Turkish ports
Ersoy said that the number of cruise ships arriving at Turkish ports increased to 878 during the first eight months of 2025. This was an increase of 17% compared to the 753 ships that arrived in Turkey during the same period in 2024.
Passenger numbers also increased, with August 2025 seeing a record 357,646 cruise tourists arrive in Turkey. Total passengers so far in 2025 are up by 18% when compared to 2024 and up by a huge 56% when compared to 2023. Ersoy finished by saying: “Turkey has become not just the Mediterranean’s but the world’s most attractive cruise destination.”
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