Turkey is experiencing an impressive wave of cruise growth, as demand from both domestic and abroad is growing strongly. According to official data from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure in the country, in the first half of 2025, passenger traffic increased by 27.5% compared to the same period last year, reaching 732,302 passengers.
At the same time, the number of cruise ships sailing to Turkish ports increased by 18.1% compared to last year. Only in June 2025, passenger traffic rose 20.6%, while ship arrivals increased 14.6%. The country is now aiming to accommodate nearly 2.5 million cruise passengers by the end of the year, far exceeding 1.89 million in 2024.
Increase in internal interest
Increased internal demand is attributed to two key factors:
- The simplified procedures for acquiring a Visa-on-Arrival in the Greek islands and the launch of Turkey’s hotels.
According to Kaan Karayal, president of Tatilsepeti, the popular holiday platform has recorded a 100% increase in cruises in 2025 compared to last year, with the prediction reaching even 170% if interest is maintained.
“High prices in hotels and attractive prices on international cruises are leading more and more Turkish travelers to choose the sea for their vacation,” Karayal noted. In particular, departures from Turkish ports and value-for-money offers give a significant boost to the market.
Global interest and strategic position
Turkey is established as a key hub on world cruise routes. ?zg? Aln?temiz, director of Celestyal Cruises for Turkey, stressed that it is now almost inconceivable for large international companies to plan non-stations in Turkish ports. According to her, more than 1,800 cruise ships are expected to visit the country in 2025, carrying over 2.5 million passengers.
Aln?temiz also pointed out that the sensitization of the Turkish public around the cruise is steadily increasing, with about 80,000 Turks now choosing this way of vacation, of which 20,000 travel with Celestyal.
In addition to the domestic market, Turkey also records a rise in cruise arrivals with visitors from the United States, Australia, and Asia.
Greek destinations at the top
The Greek destinations remain one of the most beloved among Turkish passengers. The possibility of a Port Visa and the avoidance of time-consuming appointments and potential refracts for travel visas have made the Greek islands extremely attractive.
Other popular destinations include Norwegian fjords, the Mediterranean, and the Far East, with new offers and differentiated routes boosting demand.
Financial contribution
The financial contribution of the cruise to the Turkish economy is also remarkable. According to Ercan Abita?a?lu, director of Costa Cruises in Turkey, every passenger spends an average of $ 200 a day in the country, contributing significantly to the local economy, especially to ports and tourist areas.
Although some categories of international visitors are declining, the cruise seems to resist this trend, with a 20% -25% increase in both ships and passengers.
