Türkiye, which reached an all-time high in the number of cruise passengers last year, aims to break a new record in 2025. With the increasing demand after Covid-19, Mediterranean and Aegean destinations became the center of attention again. According to experts, Turkey’s geopolitical location poses both opportunities and risks for cruise routes.
ANKARA (AA) – AYŞE BÖCÜOĞLU BODUR – While strengthening its potential in cruise tourism with its location and destinations, Turkey aims to grow this year with the impact of sustainability and technological transformation.
According to the information compiled by the AA correspondent, Türkiye expects a record number of ships and passengers in cruise tourism in 2025.
As of January-December last year, the number of cruise passengers arriving at Turkish ports exceeded 1.9 million, reaching the highest figure of all time, and this year the number is expected to exceed 2 million.
GemiTrend.com General Manager Burak Çalışkan said that 2024 will be the year of recovery and rise again for the cruise industry.
Stating that travel habits have normalized after the Covid-19 epidemic and the increase in demand has made Mediterranean and Aegean destinations attractive, Çalışkan said, “The ‘cruise’ interest in Turkey has also been revived. “We observed a significant increase in demands from both individual travelers and travel agencies in the 2024 season.” he said.
Çalışkan pointed out that Turkey’s geopolitical position should be evaluated as both an advantage and a risk factor, and explained that political tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean, Black Sea and Middle East regions can affect cruise routes.
Emphasizing that the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts maintain their charm with their historical and cultural riches, Çalışkan said:
“Since cruise tourism increases the demand for safe ports, Türkiye has an advantageous position at this point. Türkiye increased its competitiveness in the sector. We predict that this momentum will continue in 2025 and beyond. The 2025 season will be a year in which sustainable tourism and environmentally friendly ship technologies come to the fore. Companies aim to reduce environmental impact and reach wider audiences. In Turkey, adding new destinations to routes, increasing existing port capacities and international promotional activities are among the main goals of the sector. Cruise tourism will gain great momentum by prioritizing sustainability, technological transformation and customer experience.”
Stating that studies are continuing on potential ports, especially in the Black Sea Region, and Central and Eastern Mediterranean destinations, Çalışkan explained that small port cities and boutique destinations are also being evaluated to offer different experiences to cruise passengers. Çalışkan drew attention to Turkey’s potential and made the following assessment:
“Turkey’s cultural heritage offers opportunities to make these destinations attractive. Turkey’s share from cruise tourism is not sufficient compared to its current potential. Türkiye can take a larger market share with both its geographical location and cultural and historical riches. For this, it is necessary to increase infrastructure investments in the sector, expand port capacities and establish close relations with international cruise companies. Increasing tax regulations and incentives may make cruise lines prefer Turkey more. “Among the demands of the sector are making port fees competitive and focusing on Turkey’s promotional activities.”
– “Turkish cruise ports increased their popularity in 2025”
Costa Cruises Türkiye Manager Ercan Abitağaoğlu stated that the industry had a successful year in 2024 and that the demand for cruise tours has grown exponentially.
Emphasizing that, as a company, they have increased their targets for 2025, Abitağaoğlu said, “The situation in our region has been stable for a year. There is no security weakness in Türkiye and the surrounding seas. Turkish cruise ports increased in popularity in 2025. “We expect an increase of approximately 20 percent in the number of ships calling at our ports this year compared to 2024.” he said.
Abitağaoğlu pointed out that the cruise industry is a great opportunity for Turkish tourism and explained that giant ships contribute to regional development with the tourists they bring.
Emphasizing that the industry is hopeful for the 2025 season, Abitağaoğlu gave the following information:
“Both the increase in the number of cruise ships arriving and the increase in the number of people boarding these ships from our country increases our motivation in every sense. Expectations are for an increase of at least 60 percent in the number of domestic tourists choosing a cruise holiday from Turkey. In addition, a 20 percent increase in the number of ships arriving and a 30 percent increase in the number of people with the arrival of additional larger ships is aimed. Expectations are high for 2025 and 2026.”
Abitağaoğlu stated that the cruise industry is dynamic and open to innovations, and that the Black Sea is currently stuck with the security criteria, so they aim to spend 2025 with routes focusing on the Aegean and Mediterranean.
Pointing out that Turkey has not yet reached a sufficient share of the cake in cruise tourism, Abitağaoğlu said, “There are various reasons for this. The costs paid by shipping companies in ports managed by private enterprises are well above the Mediterranean average. When coastal safety fees are added, competitiveness decreases. It is not difficult to get a higher share with more competitive pricing policies and official supports. As the sector, we also follow the work done on improving port conditions and renewing some ports.” he said.
– “The cruise industry made a strong comeback in 2024”
Selectum Blu Cruises Sales Manager Ceylan Tuncer said that the increasing cruise traffic on Turkey’s Mediterranean and Aegean coasts has provided a revival for the sector.
Stating that the events and international developments around Turkey may cause fluctuations in cruise tourism, Tuncer said that the country’s tourism sector is resistant to such situations and added: “Cruise tourism, destination diversity and investments aimed at increasing guest satisfaction minimize these effects.” he said.
Tuncer stated that the industry aims to grow by prioritizing destination diversity and guest experience for the 2025 season.
Pointing out that Turkey has taken important steps towards strengthening cruise tourism with new ports, Tuncer made the following assessment:
“There is an increasing interest especially in Black Sea ports. Places such as Trabzon, Samsun, Sinop and Amasra allow this region to be further explored for cruise tourism. Samsun revealed the potential in the region by hosting 25 thousand passengers in 2024. Although Turkey’s share in global cruise tourism is increasing, it is not sufficient. More destinations should be developed, port infrastructure should be strengthened and effective promotion should be made in international markets. Additionally, increasing incentives such as tax advantages can also accelerate the sector. The cruise industry made a strong comeback in 2024. Türkiye was among the countries that benefited most from this growth. “We aim to carry this success even further in the 2025 season and increase Turkey’s share in cruise tourism.”
