Turkish Transport and Infrastructure Minister, Abdulkadir Uraloglu, has announced that 490 cruise ships have arrived at Turkish ports during the first six months of 2025 – this is up by 18% when compared to the same period last year.
High demand for cruise tourism in Turkey
Talking about the increased demand for cruise holidays in Turkey, Uraloglu said: “Growing interest in our country’s cruise tourism is the number one indicator of the rising demand for our maritime tourism, thanks to Turkey’s geographical location.”
The data also showed that the total number of cruise passengers has increased during the first six months of the year, reaching 732,302 people. This was an increase of 27% compared to the same months in 2024.
In the month of June alone, 173 ships docked at Turkish ports, bringing with them 293,766 passengers. This was a ship increase of 14% compared to June 2024, and a total passenger increase of 20%.
Kusadasi the most popular cruise destination in Turkey
During the first six months of the year, the Port of Kusadasi welcomed 227 cruise ships and a grand total of 339,922 passengers – by far the most popular cruising destination in Turkey for international tourists.
Ports in Istanbul followed behind with 96 cruise ships and 220,720 total passengers. Bodrum hosted 29 cruise ships and 31,761 passengers. Cesme had 24 ships and 11,183 passengers arrive, while Canakkale welcomed 15 ships.
99 cruise ships arrived at other ports throughout the country, bringing 119,743 passengers during the first six months of the year. Uraloglu noted that one ship had arrived at each of Fethiye, Gocek, and Sinop.
Turkey becoming a hub for global cruising
As Turkey becomes a global tourism hub for cruising, Uraloglu believes more passengers and more ships will arrive to Turkish shores, attracted to Turkey’s cultural, historical, and natural heritage. He finished by saying: “We expect to surpass two million passengers this year, easily.”
Cameron Deggin 
Founder & CEO, Property Turkey
Cameron Deggin is Founder and CEO of Property Turkey. A former finance professional and FCCA-qualified accountant, he founded the company in 2001 after recognising Turkey’s investment potential. With more than two decades analysing Turkish real estate, Cameron regularly advises international investors and is quoted by media including the Financial Times and BBC.
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