Turkey breaks records for cruise passenger arrivals: over two million sea travellers expected in 2025

2025 has been a truly triumphant year for Turkey's cruise industry. After just eleven months, the country has already welcomed more than 2 million passengers from cruise ships — an all-time high. These figures indicate a strong recovery in the sector and the growing appeal of the Turkish coast to international cruise companies.

The main flow traditionally goes through the major ports — Istanbul, Kusadasi, Izmir and Bodrum. But the role of smaller, but no less charming cities is becoming increasingly noticeable. A striking example is Alanya on the Antalya coast. This season, the local port served 25 cruise ships, bringing in about 23,000 foreign guests. For Alanya, this is the best indicator in many years: after the downturn caused by the pandemic, the city has confidently returned to cruise routes.

Travellers disembarking in Alanya find themselves at the foot of a medieval fortress, where they can stroll along the well-maintained promenade, visit the Damlatas Caves or simply enjoy the warm sea and fresh fruit at the local markets. The compact size of the city allows you to see the main sights in a few hours and return on board with vivid impressions.

The growth in cruise traffic brings tangible benefits to the regions: hotels, restaurants, tour operators and souvenir shops receive additional income, and local residents get new jobs. The authorities continue to develop port infrastructure to cope with the increasing flow and offer even more comfortable conditions.

Everything indicates that in the coming years, Turkey will only strengthen its position on the world cruise tourism map.