Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu announced that passenger movement in cruise tourism increased by 509,3 percent compared to the previous year, reaching 29 in February. Minister Uraloğlu stated that Türkiye, which started the year with a passenger record in cruise tourism, broke a record for two consecutive months.
Uraloğlu, who announced that Türkiye broke the all-time February record in cruise tourism in February 2025, said, “In February, we reached the highest number of passengers in cruise tourism in that month so far. We had also broken the monthly record in January 2025. Breaking records for two consecutive months shows that Türkiye has become a strong destination in cruise tourism.”
509,3 Percent Increase in Cruise Tourism
Uraloğlu stated that the number of cruise ships calling at ports in February 2025 increased by 220 percent compared to the same month of the previous year, reaching 16, and the number of cruise passengers increased by 509,3 percent, reaching 29.
Uraloğlu reported that 7 passengers arrived at Kuşadası Port on 10 cruise ships in February, 656 passengers arrived at Istanbul ports on 4 cruise ships, 9 passengers arrived at İzmir Alsancak Port on 743 cruise ships and 4 passengers arrived at Port Akdeniz Antalya Port on 8 cruise ship.
Istanbul, Leader in Cruise Tourism
Minister Uraloğlu, stating that a total of 2025 cruise ships and 39 cruise passengers arrived at Turkish ports in the first two months of 62, said, “In the January-February period of 512, Istanbul ports became the province with the highest number of passengers and ships, with 2025 passengers and 24 cruise ships.” Minister Uraloğlu noted that Istanbul ports were followed by Izmir Alsancak Port with 257 ships and 12 passengers, and Kuşadası Port with 8 ships and 16 passengers.
Cruise Interest in Türkiye is Increasing
Minister Uraloğlu, who stated that the momentum Türkiye has gained in cruise tourism will continue, emphasized that Türkiye has become a preferred destination in cruise tourism on a global scale with its historical, cultural and natural riches. Uraloğlu said, “Following the opening of Galataport and the lifting of Covid-19 measures, Turkey has become one of the important stopover points for cruise tourism. In 2024, 195 cruise ships and 1 passengers arrived at our ports. This is the highest number of passengers since 889. We anticipate that we will break a new record by exceeding 426 million passengers in 2015.”
