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Cruise tourism in Türkiye continues to expand in 2025, with ports in Kusadasi, Istanbul, Amasra, Izmir, and Samsun receiving thousands of international visitors. Officials expect cruise passenger numbers to exceed 2 million by the end of the year, breaking last year’s record of 1.9 million.
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism supports this growth through efforts in sustainability and digital infrastructure. The season already shows strong signs of momentum as cruise ships carrying large numbers of tourists arrive regularly at the country’s busiest ports.
On May 7, four cruise ships docked at Ege Port in Kusadasi. The Celebrity Equinox (Malta), Majestic Princess (United Kingdom), AIDA Blue (Italy), and Wind Star (Bahamas) brought a total of 8,608 tourists. Most of the passengers came from the United States.
Some visitors toured the historic sites of Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary in nearby Selcuk, while others explored the town center and shopped at local stores. Ege Port General Manager Aziz Gungor said, “2025 will be an active and intense season for cruise tourism in Kusadasi.”
The port remains the leading destination for cruise arrivals in Türkiye, both in terms of vessel traffic and total tourist volume.
Istanbul continues to serve as a key destination for cruise lines operating in the region. This year, officials project that 600,000 cruise tourists will visit the city.
Istanbul Chamber of Commerce President Sekib Avdagic shared his views after watching a cruise ship dock at Galataport. “Every cruise ship that docks at Galataport is exciting for Istanbul,” he said. “This view shows Istanbul’s rise in tourism and its vibrancy in trade. We aim to host nearly 600,000 cruise passengers in 2025.”
Avdagic added that the chamber works to grow this potential further and position Istanbul as an attractive destination for global cruise lines.
Amasra in the Black Sea region continues to attract large numbers of Russian tourists through the Astoria Grande. On its most recent voyage, the ship brought 947 passengers and 442 crew members, totaling 1,389 people.
Since joining the cruise circuit in 2022, Amasra has consistently ranked among the most visited destinations for Russian tourists. Its natural beauty, clean coastline, quiet atmosphere, and historical attractions set it apart from other ports.
Amasra Mayor Recai Cakir noted that in the first five months of 2025, Amasra stood at the top of the list for average tourist arrivals among all cruise ports in Türkiye. “We ranked fourth in the country and first in the Black Sea. For many tours, we are either the first stop or the final destination. Being the most preferred port on the Black Sea coast makes us proud,” he said.
In 2024, Amasra hosted 26 cruise arrivals, bringing 25,115 passengers and 11,367 crew members. In 2025 so far, the port has received 7,788 passengers and 3,930 crew members on nine voyages.
Izmir Port welcomed two cruise ships on the morning of May 9: Costa Fascinosa carrying 2,742 passengers and Marella Discovery 2 with 1,798 passengers. Both vessels arrived from Greece and brought a diverse group of tourists, primarily from the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain.
After disembarking, many visitors explored the city center, while others joined excursions to historical sites such as the ancient city of Pergamon (Bergama), a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its acropolis and well-preserved ruins. Tour groups also visited coastal areas and local shops before returning to the port.
The two ships are expected to depart for Istanbul in the evening, continuing their routes along Türkiye’s western coastline as part of broader Mediterranean cruise itineraries.
Samsun, located on the Black Sea coast, launched its 2025 cruise season with a midday arrival this week. Local tourism authorities welcomed the ship’s passengers and coordinated city tours through travel agencies. Visitors also traveled to nearby Amasya before the ship’s evening departure.
Suleyman Demirtas, Samsun’s director of culture and tourism, described the city as a valuable destination. “Samsun has a long coastline, 10,000 years of history, and a central role in the story of the Republic,” he said. “We want to introduce tourists to our nature, sea, mountains, and plains.”
Demirtas emphasized that the city government, together with provincial officials and other stakeholders, is working to increase Samsun’s share in Türkiye’s tourism sector. “We have a responsibility to offer the best hospitality possible,” he said. “Our goal is to ensure Samsun earns its rightful share of tourism income.”
Cruise tourism continues to diversify visitor flows across Türkiye’s regions. The coming months will bring more ship arrivals, increasing activity in key coastal cities.
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