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. In the January-June period, 504,711 of the 756,455 cruise passengers who arrived 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 the total cruise traffic reached approximately 67 percent.

Kuşadası Retained Its Clear Lead

Kuşadası, which hosted 334,172 cruise passengers in the first six months of the year, became Turkey's busiest cruise port. Istanbul followed Kuşadası with 182,621 passengers.

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

Kuşadası's passenger numbers were slightly below the 339,922 recorded in the same period last year. However, the port managed to maintain a significant lead over its competitors.

Marmaris Saw the Most Significant Increase

Among the Aegean ports, the most remarkable increase of the year was recorded in Marmaris. The number of cruise passengers, which was 15,510 in the first half of last year, increased to 54,691 this year, rising 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 showed that different ports along the Aegean coast have become more visible on cruise routes. It also revealed that traffic in the region is not solely concentrated around Kuşadası.

Ephesus and House of the Virgin Mary Boost Kuşadası's Appeal

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

Türe emphasized that Kuşadası has been one of Turkey's and the Aegean's most important cruise stops for many years, saying, "Because Kuşadası has a huge 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 what we call a 'small Anatolian tour'. They disembark from the ship, go to Ephesus, and visit the Virgin Mary."

Türe noted that the House of the Virgin Mary is a religious and cultural attraction for many visitors. She added that 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. After visiting the House of the Virgin Mary, guests want to see Ephesus, one of the world's wonders. Tourists can extend their tour and proceed to Cappadocia from here. Looking at it this way, they combine 2-3 destinations in the Aegean," said Türe, stating that this activity directly contributes to Turkey's tourism.

Cruise Passengers Boost Local Economies

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

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

"So many ship-fulls 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. In this sense, the Aegean will continue to maintain its leading position," she said.

The proximity of Aegean ports to ancient cities, their natural beauty, and strong port infrastructure further solidify the region's place among the most important stops for international cruise companies.