Galataport Istanbul achieved historic cruise tourism records in 2025, with a 48% increase in passengers, solidifying its status as a key Eastern Mediterranea...
Galataport Istanbul, home to the world's first underground cruise terminal, concluded 2025 with historic records in cruise tourism. The port experienced a remarkable 48% increase in passenger numbers compared to the previous year, successfully establishing itself as the most strategic 'Homeport' in the Eastern Mediterranean.
With a $1.7 billion investment, Galataport Istanbul serves as Istanbul's maritime gateway to the world. The port completed the year 2025 with a total of 224 voyages and welcomed 595,000 passengers.
A significant growth was observed in the 'Homeport' segment, which is the most valuable aspect of cruise tourism. The number of homeport passengers reached 230,000, marking a staggering 137% increase compared to 2024.
The management of Galataport Istanbul anticipates that this momentum will continue into 2026. According to their targets for 2026:
- The number of homeport passengers is expected to reach 280,000, reflecting a 22% increase.
- For the first time in history, the number of homeport passengers is projected to match the number of transit passengers.
Homeport passengers are crucial for the national economy. Data indicates that a cruise passenger whose journey starts or ends in Istanbul contributes approximately six times more economically than a standard tourist.
Thanks to the 'seamless experience' network established with airports and national carriers, Galataport Istanbul has successfully increased the number of shipping companies operating homeport services by 50% over the past four years.
Data from 2025 also highlights a growing interest among Turkish holidaymakers in cruise tourism, with the number of Turkish passengers participating in tours departing from Galataport Istanbul tripling compared to the previous year.
The project, which opened the 1.2-kilometer coastline of Karaköy to the public, made history by placing the cruise terminal underground. This innovative structure creates a customs area with 176 special hydraulic hatch systems when a ship docks and offers a public walkway when no ship is present, maintaining a 98% passenger satisfaction rate.
Due to these features, the port has received numerous prestigious international accolades, including 'Port of the Year' at the Seatrade Cruise Awards and 'Best New Development Project' at the MAPIC Awards.
