Türkiye Shatters Cruise Tourism Records in 2025, Surpassing 2 Million Passengers and Cementing Its Status as a Global Powerhouse

Published on December 13, 2025

In 2025, Türkiye cruise tourism industry reached unprecedented heights, surpassing 2 million passengers and setting new records across its ports. This remarkable growth reflects the country’s increasing appeal as a top global cruise destination, driven by expanding port infrastructure, rising international demand, and a diverse array of cultural and scenic attractions. With a significant rise in both transit and homeport passengers, Türkiye has solidified its position as a major player in the global cruise market, drawing travelers from around the world to experience its rich history, stunning coastlines, and world-class facilities.

The increase of 180 additional voyages and an additional 243,000 passengers emphasizes Türkiye’s growing popularity as a preferred cruise destination. This expansion is a clear indication of the country’s appeal in the global cruise industry, with more travelers choosing Türkiye’s scenic coastlines and cultural attractions.

Leading Ports: Kusadasi and Istanbul

Kusadasi, located in the Aegean region, remains the country’s busiest cruise port. In 2025, Kusadasi handled 611 cruise ships and nearly 1 million passengers, including 910,000 transit visitors and 78,000 turnaround passengers. With such a high volume of traffic, Kusadasi is set to surpass 1 million passengers by the end of the year, marking a historic first for the port.

Istanbul, the cultural and economic heart of Türkiye, also contributed significantly to the country’s cruise tourism growth. The city saw 615,000 cruise visitors in 2025, with 400,000 being transit passengers and 215,000 embarking on turnaround cruises. The number of homeport passengers departing from Istanbul has more than doubled compared to last year, with 93,000 cruise travelers starting their journeys in the city. Istanbul’s increasing role as a homeport hub highlights its growing significance in the cruise industry.

Expansion of Türkiye’s Cruise Network

While Kusadasi and Istanbul dominate the cruise tourism landscape, other Turkish ports are also experiencing significant growth. Ports in Marmaris, Bodrum, Cesme, Canakkale, Sinop, and Samsun have all reported higher traffic, showcasing Türkiye’s expanding cruise network. This geographical diversity helps spread the benefits of cruise tourism across the country, allowing travelers to experience a variety of Turkish landscapes, historic sites, and coastal towns.

The expansion of cruise services to these lesser-known ports is a strategic effort to diversify the country’s tourism offerings. It not only enhances accessibility for tourists but also spreads the economic impact of cruise tourism across more regions, benefiting local communities and businesses.

Türkiye’s Growing Global Appeal

Türkiye’s cruise tourism success is a testament to the country’s growing reputation as a global travel destination. The rising number of visitors reflects Türkiye’s ability to attract international cruise operators, offering them a blend of rich cultural heritage, stunning coastlines, and modern infrastructure.

In 2025, Türkiye is also set to surpass 64 million international visitors, with a goal of generating $65 billion in tourism revenue. The cruise industry plays an integral role in this broader tourism strategy, contributing significantly to the overall economic benefits that tourism brings to the country.

Future Outlook for Cruise Tourism in Türkiye

As Türkiye continues to invest in port infrastructure and improve the overall cruise experience, the future of the industry looks promising. The increasing number of cruise operators adding Türkiye to their itineraries will ensure the continued growth of the sector. In the coming years, Türkiye’s ports will be able to accommodate even more ships and passengers, driving further economic growth and cementing the country’s position as one of the leading cruise destinations in the Mediterranean and Aegean regions.

In addition to infrastructure, Türkiye’s commitment to sustainable tourism practices will help protect its cultural and natural resources while providing an exceptional experience for visitors. The country’s focus on sustainability will ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy its beauty while maintaining a responsible approach to tourism development.

In 2025, Türkiye shattered cruise tourism records by surpassing 2 million passengers, driven by expanding infrastructure and rising global demand. This milestone solidifies its status as a leading global cruise destination.

Conclusion

Türkiye’s record-breaking performance in cruise tourism in 2025 signals the country’s emergence as a top choice for cruise travelers worldwide. With Kusadasi and Istanbul leading the charge, and additional ports growing in prominence, Türkiye’s cruise network is expanding, offering travelers a wide variety of destinations to explore. As the country strengthens its cruise infrastructure and continues to promote sustainable tourism, Türkiye is poised for even greater success in the coming years, solidifying its place as a must-visit destination for global cruise enthusiasts.