Many international cruise ships call at Turkish ports, especially Istanbul and Kuşadası, with fewer calls at Dikili on the north Aegean coast and Antalya on the Mediterranean coast.
Major Cruise Ports in Turkey
Turkey has many coastal towns with ports suitable for cruises. Cities such as Antalya, Bodrum, Istanbul, and Kuşadası are among the most popular cruise destinations. Let's look at the most popular cruise ports.
Istanbul Cruise Ports
In Istanbul, the cruise ships dock right in the city center at the Yolcu Salonu (Passenger Termina, the International Passenger Ship Dock) in Karaköy (Galata), at the northern end of Galata Bridge at the mouth of the Golden Horn.
A bit farther northeast along the Bosphorus shore are the Salıpazar Docks.
Here are the top sights in Istanbul, and here are itineraries for one, two, three, or more days.
Istanbul Shore Excursions
A local tour company in Istanbul can offer you substantially better-value shore excursion tours and transport options than you can get from your cruise ship. Here's why.
One of TurkeyTravelPlanner's partners, Efendi Travel, can set up a group or private tour for you.
Cruises from Istanbul
9-Night Mediterranean Cruise on Armonia
One of the best in the Aegean and Adriatic regions, this company offers you a collection of ports that depart from Istanbul to Cefalonia, Split, Venice, Ancona, Santorini, İzmir, and Istanbul again. MSC Armonia is not a 15-deck floating skyscraper but rather a modern vessel (maiden voyage: 2001) of comfortable size (1554 passengers).
Aegean & Adriatic Seas on Preziosa
Cruise the Aegean and Adriatic on MSC Preziosa, an up-to-date vessel (maiden voyage: 2013) with all possible facilities for its 3959 passengers. The first port of call after departure from Istanbul is Dubrovnik, followed by Venice, Bari, Katakolon (Olympia), and finally İzmir before returning to Istanbul.
Celebrity Cruises from Istanbul
As one of the finest luxury lines in the world, Celebrity Cruises will take you from Istanbul to the Black Sea ports of Sochi, Sevastopol, Yalta, and Odesa; to Mykonos and Athens; to Egypt, Israel, and Rome.
Kuşadası Shore Excursions
As a getaway to Ephesus, Kuşadaşı is one of the important cruise terminals in Turkey. The city is a popular destination for domestic and foreign tourists, particularly for those who want to take trips to Greece. There are several remarkable ports in Greece, such as Patmos, Rodos, Girit, Santorini, Pire, Atina, and Mikonos.
In Kuşadası, the cruise ship dock is also right in the center of the town, right next to the bazaar. Debark from your vessel, and after a two-minute stroll, you'll be in the midst of the town. However, if you want to visit Ephesus and other attractions in the area, it's best to sign up for a shore excursion with Anker Travel. As one of Turkey Travel Planner's partners, it is a travel agency and tour company of long-standing and fine reputation located right in Kuşadası that can offer substantially better value than the excursions offered aboard your cruise ship.
Bodrum
Located in southwestern Turkey, Bodrum is known for its rich history, pristine beaches, and vibrant nightlife. Whether you're looking to relax or planning to go on a cruise adventure, Bodrum is the perfect destination for you.
Bodrum Passenger Port has a large dock that can accommodate 2 to 3 cruise ships at the same time. It is a popular destination for cruise ships traveling across the Aegean Sea. Cafes, seafood restaurants, and shops surround the waterfront. Bodrum cruise ships embark on several destinations, including Greece, Cyprus, and the Italian Coast.
Antalya
Referred to as Turkey's ''capital of tourism,'' Antalya is known for its blue flag beaches, crystal clear sea, and historic sites. The city also offers mesmerizing scenery and lively nightlife. Konyaaltı and Lara are two of the most popular beaches in the region, offering ideal locations for swimming and water sports. Cruise ships from Antalya usually visit ports in countries like Greece, Croatia, and Italy.
-by Tom Brosnahan
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