Cruise travel, which has become extremely popular worldwide, is also gaining significant attention from Turkish tourists. With affordable prices and the comfort of five-star hotels, the number of Turkish tourists joining cruise tours has soared, reaching 124,000 participants. Greek Islands remain the top choice for Turkish tourists, while visa-free Southeast Asia programs are gaining popularity, making these destinations some of the most sought-after in 2025.

High Demand for Early Bookings

Mehmet Kamçı, the General Manager of Coral Travel Turkey, highlights the excitement of cruise tours, offering a range of activities and an adventurous travel experience. Kamçı says, “With Turkey’s developing tourism, the interest in cruise tourism has increased. We are seeing strong demand, particularly for Mediterranean and Greek Islands tours.” He also mentions that early booking discounts are an important part of their cruise sales strategy.

Turkish Cruise Tourists’ Top Choice: Greek Islands

Greek Islands, with their visa-free travel, affordable prices, and proximity to Turkey, have become the most favored destinations for Turkish cruise tourists. Nearly half of Turkish cruise tourists prefer visiting Kos, Crete, Rhodes, Mykonos, Milos, and Santorini among other beautiful islands.

Mediterranean, Adriatic, and Norwegian Fjords are also popular routes, with Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas attracting tourists from around the globe. The Norwegian Fjords tour, which allows exploration of Denmark and Norway, is also one of the most popular summer destinations.

Five-Star Hotel Comfort and Unique Activities on Board

The luxury of cruise ships lies not only in the wide range of dining options but also in various activities. Cruise ships feature fitness centers, running tracks, basketball and tennis courts, swimming pools, water parks, as well as saunas, massage therapies, and skin care treatments, creating a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement.

Cruise Industry Reaches $25 Billion Market by the End of 2023

By the end of 2023, the global cruise industry is expected to reach a market size of $25 billion, bouncing back to pre-pandemic levels. It is anticipated that this number will increase to $30 billion by the end of 2024. Turkey remains a key stop for cruise tourists, with Kuşadası port seeing the highest number of arrivals at 653,000 passengers, followed by Istanbul and Izmir.

About Coral Travel Group

Founded in 1992, Coral Travel Group is one of the largest tourism groups in Turkey and Europe, offering services in tour operating, accommodation, aviation, travel agency, and information technology. With operations in 37 countries and over 5,000 employees, Coral Travel serves more than 3 million tourists annually. The group continues to contribute to Turkey’s growing tourism industry through brands such as Coral Travel, ODEON Tours, and Coral Group Hotels.