Seasonality is over in cruise tourism.

Turkish cruise tourism has made a remarkable start to 2026. In January, 18 cruise ships docked at four ports, recording a total of 28,625 passenger movements. This performance during the winter season once again demonstrates that the sector is not solely dependent on the summer months. Analyzing the January data... Camelot Maritime Chairman of the Board Emrah Yılmaz Çavuşoğlu stated that this level reached during the winter period shows that Türkiye has achieved sustainable growth in cruise tourism, emphasizing that the target of 3 million passengers in 2026 has now become a concrete and achievable threshold.

Turkey's cruise tourism sector has already set the direction for the season with its performance in the first month of 2026. In January, 18 cruise ships docked at the ports of Istanbul, Izmir, Kusadasi, and Samsun, recording a passenger movement of 28,625. This performance during the winter season demonstrates that Türkiye has overcome the perception of seasonality in cruise tourism.

Of the total passenger movements, 25,225 were transit passengers, with 1.704 passengers boarding the ship from Türkiye and 1.696 traveling to other countries. Istanbul ranked first with 12,228 passengers, followed by Izmir with 8,858, Kusadasi with 5,519, and Samsun with 2,020 passengers.

Having reached 2,138,136 passengers on 1.375 ships calling at 19 ports last year, Türkiye aims to raise the bar even higher in 2026.

"In the cruise industry, there is now activity spread over 12 months."

The passenger traffic recorded with ships docking at ports during the winter season shows that Türkiye is no longer a destination solely dependent on the summer period; thanks to its strategic location on the Eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea routes, it has gained a more permanent and stronger place in international cruise planning. Evaluating the January data, Camelot Maritime Chairman Captain Emrah Yılmaz Çavuşoğlu stated that cruise tourism has now ceased to be a seasonal activity, “Türkiye’s strategic location on the Eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea route is among the decisive factors in the route planning of mega cruise ships. Seeing this level of passenger traffic even during the winter months demonstrates Türkiye’s enduring position on cruise routes. We are no longer talking about traffic solely dependent on the summer season, but rather activity spread throughout the 12 months of the year. Istanbul’s potential as a homeport plays a critical role in the sector’s growth. If this momentum is maintained, it is possible to approach the 3 million passenger level by 2026.” dedicate.

The transit passenger economy is growing.

The number of transit passengers exceeding 25 in January represents high added value for port cities. City tours, gastronomy, shopping, and cultural experience programs increase the cruise passenger's connection with the destination. This directly impacts not only port revenues but also local businesses, transportation, and guiding services. In the 2026 season, this will affect not only passenger numbers but also... economic contribution per passenger Çavuşoğlu emphasized that a focused model will gain importance, saying, "In the new era, the target is not just 3 million passengers; it will be a more qualified profile, with more contact with the destination and making a greater contribution to the city's economy.” He stated that cruise tourism will continue to be one of the strategic growth areas for Türkiye.

The 3 Million Passenger Threshold Approached

Following a total passenger number exceeding 2,1 million in 2025, it is projected to approach 3 million passengers in 2026. Increased mega-ship traffic, expanding route planning, and growing interest from international operators in Turkish ports support this expectation.

Çavuşoğlu stated that 2026 will be a critical year not only in terms of growth but also in terms of quality, sustainability, and infrastructure investments. “With the right investments, strong promotion, and public-private sector collaborations, Türkiye can reach a new threshold in cruise tourism. 3 million passengers is now an achievable goal.” .