Turkey records highest cruise passenger numbers in 16 years in March

Turkey

Nearly 94,000 cruise visitors arrive in the first quarter as Istanbul leads national cruise traffic

Turkey’s cruise tourism sector recorded its strongest March performance in 16 years, reflecting the global growth in cruise travel. According to the Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, a total of 41,039 cruise passengers visited Turkish ports in March 2026, marking a year-on-year increase of 4.9 percent.

The figures were announced by Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, Turkey’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, who highlighted the steady rise in maritime tourism. In March alone, 26 cruise ships docked at ports across the country.

Strong first quarter for cruise tourism

The positive March figures contributed to a solid first quarter for the sector. Data from the General Directorate of Maritime Affairs shows that Turkish ports received 56 cruise ships and 93,787 passengers between January and March 2026.

The increase reflects growing global demand for cruise travel and confirms Turkey’s position as an increasingly popular destination within Mediterranean cruise itineraries.

Istanbul remains the leading cruise destination

Among Turkish ports, Istanbul recorded the highest number of cruise visitors in March. The city welcomed eight ships carrying 13,307 passengers.

The Aegean resort town of Kusadasi ranked second with seven cruise ships and 12,191 passengers. Alsancak Port in Izmir received five ships and 9,723 visitors, while the remaining six vessels carrying 5,818 passengers docked at other regional ports.

Similar distribution in first-quarter figures

First-quarter statistics show a comparable pattern in cruise traffic across the country. Istanbul retained the leading position with 18 ships and 35,800 passengers between January and March.

Alsancak Port in Izmir ranked second with 13 ships and 27,467 passengers, followed by Kusadasi, which hosted 17 ships and 22,682 passengers during the same period.

The figures underline the growing importance of cruise tourism for Turkey’s coastal destinations and highlight the continued recovery and expansion of the sector in 2026.