Bodrum Cruise PortThe 2025 cruise season concluded on November 12th with the visit of the Palau-flagged Astoria Grande, carrying 634 passengers and 436 crew. The season, which opened again on April 3rd with the same ship, welcomed a total of 116 cruise ships and 138.149 passengers. Bodrum Cruise Port, which welcomes passengers from various countries, attracted attention with the increasing number of luxury cruises and the first-ever call at Bodrum. 1.078 ferry services between Bodrum and Kos carried 137.848 passengers to the port. Ferry services are planned to continue on the Bodrum-Kos route during the winter season.

 12 new ships included Bodrum on their route for the first time. 

The Maltese-flagged Aroya, owned by AROYA Cruises and developed by Cruise Saudi, made a total of 12 calls, four of which were overnight. Virgin Voyages' Resilient Lady and Marella Cruises' Marella Discovery 2 also visited the port, each with 12 calls. In the luxury segment, the Ritz-Carlton group's Evrima, Ilma, and Luminara ships, as well as Silversea Cruises' Silver Muse and Silver Whisper, called at Bodrum Cruise Port.

In addition, 12 new ships included Bodrum on their route for the first time and anchored at Bodrum Cruise Port.. Brilliance of the Seas, Ilma, Silver Muse, Aroya, Norwegian Viva, NG Orion, Le Dumont-d'Urville, Allura, Luminara, Sh Diana, Nieuw Statendam, and Balmoral were among the ships visiting Bodrum for the first time in the 2025 season. The ships arriving in port for the first time were welcomed with the traditional Bodrum Band and farewell performance with a violin concert.

Sustainability vision in cruise tourism

Bodrum Cruise Port distinguished itself not only with the number of passengers it hosted during the 2025 season, but also with its social responsibility and sustainability projects. On September 29, 2025, Bodrum Cruise Port, with the participation of Bodrum Municipality and Virgin Voyages' Resilient Lady ship crew, conducted a beach and seabed cleanup at Kumbahçe Beach. A total of 30 people collected 350 kilograms of waste in 2,5 hours.

The port's "One Day. One Ship. One Future" social responsibility project was awarded first place in the "Sustainability Project of the Year" category at the Seatrade Cruise Awards 2025, one of the cruise industry's most prestigious awards programs. Presented at a ceremony held in Hamburg on September 10, the award demonstrated that Bodrum Cruise Port's sustainability vision has been recognized internationally.

"We will continue to be a cruise center that makes a difference."

Aziz Güngör, Global Ports Holding Eastern Mediterranean Ports Director"As Bodrum Cruise Port, we have successfully completed the 2025 season in terms of both cruise and ferry operations. We are proud to be a growing cruise center every year, thanks to our infrastructure, operational experience, and Bodrum's strong destination identity. There is already strong demand for the 2026 season. We believe that Bodrum will continue to be a prominent center for cruise tourism next year, distinguishing itself with its sustainability-focused practices," he said.

Source: HORECA TREND and Bodrum Cruise Port

Changing travel habits following the pandemic have increased vacationers' search for flexibility and security. In Türkiye, where interest in cruise tourism grows each year during the summer months, the need for flexible vacation plans is also increasing rapidly. The new "Arbitrary Cancellation Insurance" offers a safe and independent travel experience by covering any losses incurred due to changes in vacation plans.

Freedom of Travel is Now Possible at Sea

"Arbitrary Cancellation Insurance" is an innovation that will not only increase consumer satisfaction but also the sales power of travel agencies. Sea Genesis Ahmet Yazıcı, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Turkish cruise tourism has gained significant momentum in recent years. However, consumers used to hesitate to book due to the risk of changing their plans. With Arbitrary Cancellation Insurance, guests now have complete freedom. The right to cancel up to 72 hours in advance without providing any reason is a true revolution in the sector. This practice strengthens Türkiye's leadership position in cruise tourism by providing both financial security and operational flexibility to sea tourism. dedicate.

Thanks to the new system, consumers can now enjoy the convenience of changing their plans even at the last minute, with the understanding of freedom at sea and security on land.

Source: HORECA TREND and Sea Genesis

Cruise tourism plays a crucial role in the sustainability and diversity of the tourism sector, enhancing Türkiye's competitiveness in global tourism. Thanks to the country's rich history, natural beauty, and strategic geographical location, Turkey is rapidly becoming one of the Mediterranean's strongest cruise destinations.

Exceeded 8 Million in 1,4 Months

Pointing out that Türkiye broke a significant record in cruise tourism in the January-August period of 2025, Emrah Yılmaz Çavuşoğlu said that the number of cruise passengers arriving at ports increased by 18,4 percent compared to the same period last year. It reached 1 million 416 thousand 398 "In August, over 162 passengers arrived in Kuşadası alone, while 109 arrived in Istanbul and 27 in Bodrum. These figures reveal our country's potential. Looking at eight months of data, Kuşadası Port is the locomotive of Türkiye's cruise tourism with 8 ships and approximately 400 passengers. This situation demonstrates that our country is not only in tourism but also in the cruise industry. can take its place among world leaders "It shows," he said.

Cruise Tourism is not a commercial activity, it is a national issue!

Çavuşoğlu pointed out that the momentum the cruise industry has achieved is important in terms of showing the point Türkiye has reached in tourism. Turkey, with its geographical location, natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historic ports, is a unique destination for cruise tourism. The growth achieved in recent years, particularly in our ports in Kuşadası, Istanbul, and Bodrum, is the most concrete proof that we are at the center of global cruise routes. We must view cruise tourism not merely as a tourism segment, but as an integral part of a country's promotion, economy, and strategic strength. We bring tourists to Türkiye. Every passenger pays taxes, shops at local businesses, and learns about our country's culture. Our ports are being revitalized, and the Black Sea is once again on the map. For us, bringing foreign currency to Türkiye and revitalizing its port cities is not a commercial activity; it is our patriotic duty. used expressions.

World Tourism Day is a Time for Awareness

Çavuşoğlu emphasized that World Tourism Day is an opportunity for countries to develop sustainable and inclusive tourism policies, and continued:

As Turkey, we must not only celebrate this special day, but also accelerate steps to increase tourism's contribution to the national economy and employment. Cruise tourism contributes significantly to local development by dispersing incoming passengers not only at ports but also throughout the inner regions of Anatolia. Therefore, September 27th, World Tourism Day, should be a day for Turkey to reiterate its goal of becoming an international brand in cruise tourism.

Source: HORECA Trend and Camelot Maritime