Türkiye emerges as key cruise destination amid Middle East
Özge Esen - ISTANBUL
Security concerns in the Middle East have prompted cruise companies to revise itineraries, with Türkiye benefiting as Istanbul strengthens its position as an embarkation port and interest in Kuşadası and İzmir grows.
According to the Transport and Infrastructure Ministry, cruise passengers arriving at Turkish ports reached 756,455 in January-June 2026, the highest first-half figure in 16 years. A total of 488 cruise ships called at Turkish ports.
Industry representatives expect cruise tourists to contribute approximately $2.5 billion to the Turkish economy this year. The sector targets 2,000 ships and 5 million passengers by 2028.
