Turkey's Cruise Tourism Reaches 12-Year Peak, Boosting Economy

Turkey's cruise tourism industry is experiencing a remarkable renaissance, reaching its highest passenger numbers in over 12 years. By September 2025, the country welcomed over 1.7 million cruise passengers, with 1,075 cruise ship calls recorded during the first nine months of the year. August alone saw a record 357,646 passengers, demonstrating the sector's explosive growth and Turkey's appeal as a premier cruise destination.

This surge is driven by improved port infrastructure, Turkey's strategic geographic location, and growing international popularity of destinations like Istanbul, Kuşadası, Çanakkale, and Marmaris. The cruise sector significantly boosts revenue for port cities and supports thousands of jobs across hospitality and tourism services. Industry projections suggest Turkey will exceed 2 million cruise tourists by the end of 2025, solidifying its position as a vital hub in Mediterranean and Eastern European cruise routes.