With its historical heritage, proximity to ancient cities, developed port infrastructure, and strategic location on Mediterranean routes, the Aegean Region continued to be Turkey's strongest center in cruise tourism. Between January and June, 504,711 of the 756,455 cruise passengers arriving at Turkish ports used Aegean ports.

 

According to data from the Directorate General of Maritime Affairs, the share of Kuşadası, İzmir, Bodrum, Marmaris, and Çeşme ports in total cruise traffic reached approximately 67 percent.

 

Kuşadası Maintained Its Clear Lead

 

Hosting 334,172 cruise passengers in the first six months of the year, Kuşadası continued to be Turkey's busiest cruise port. Kuşadası was followed by Istanbul with 182,621 passengers.

 

During the same period, İzmir Port received 59,049, Marmaris 54,691, Bodrum 41,545, and Çeşme 15,254 cruise passengers.

 

Although Kuşadası's passenger count remained slightly below the 339,922 recorded in the same period last year, the port maintained a significant lead over its rivals.

 

Marmaris Saw the Strongest Increase

 

Among the Aegean ports, Marmaris saw the most remarkable increase of the year. The number of cruise passengers, which was 15,510 in the first half of last year, increased to 54,691 this year, growing by approximately 3.5 times.

 

Passenger numbers in Bodrum rose from 31,796 to 41,545, in İzmir from 50,909 to 59,049, and in Çeşme from 11,183 to 15,254.

 

This increase revealed that different ports along the Aegean coast have become more visible on cruise routes, and that traffic in the region is not solely concentrated around Kuşadası.

 

Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary Highlight Kuşadası

 

Nilda Türe, General Manager of Selectum Blu Cruises, stated that most cruise ships arriving in Turkey prefer the Aegean ports.

 

Emphasizing that Kuşadası has been one of Turkey's and the Aegean's most important cruise stops for many years, Türe said, “Because Kuşadası has a very big advantage. In this region, there is the Ancient City of Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary. Guests actually visit these places very seriously as part of a tour we call the 'small Anatolian tour.' They disembark from the ship, go to Ephesus, and visit the Virgin Mary.”

 

Türe stated that the House of the Virgin Mary is a religious and cultural attraction for many visitors, while Ephesus, as one of the world's most important ancient cities, adds significant value to the route.

 

“The Aegean is an important destination. Because for many nations, the Virgin Mary is like a pilgrimage. Guests want to see Ephesus, one of the world's few wonders, after visiting the House of the Virgin Mary. Tourists can extend their tour and go to Cappadocia from here. When you look at it this way, they combine 2-3 destinations in the Aegean,” said Türe, adding that this activity directly contributes to Turkey's tourism.

 

Cruise Passengers Boost City Economies

 

The arrival of thousands of passengers simultaneously in port cities via cruise ships creates widespread economic activity, from restaurants and cafes to bazaars and local tours.

 

Türe stated that passengers not only visit natural and cultural sites but also support the local economy by spending money in city centers.

 

“So many ship-loads of people disperse into the city at once, drinking their tea, eating their meals, drinking their coffee. Just as they see natural beauties, they also contribute to cultural beauties, and this has a huge place in promoting the country. The Aegean will continue to maintain its leading position in this regard,” she said.

 

The Aegean ports' proximity to ancient cities, natural beauties, and strong port infrastructure further solidify the region's place among the most important stops for international cruise companies. Visual: © AA