Bodrum Cruise Port marked the commencement of its 2026 cruise season on April 3 with the arrival of the Astoria Grande, which carried 909 passengers and 445 crew members. The port anticipates hosting 119 cruise calls and welcoming about 140,000 passengers throughout the year.
Aziz Güngör, the regional director for Global Ports Holding in the East Mediterranean, remarked on Bodrum’s transformation from a mere stopover to a preferred destination for top cruise lines. The increasing number of inaugural calls from luxury brands signifies Bodrum’s elevated status in the global cruise market.
In addition to the cruise passengers, ferry services connecting Bodrum to the Greek Islands are expected to cater to 150,000 travelers, raising the total projected passenger count to nearly 290,000 for the year.
The 2026 season is particularly significant due to the scheduled inaugural calls of 19 ships. Luxury cruise lines, such as The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Four Seasons Yachts, Ponant, and Emerald Cruises, showcase the port’s attractiveness to high-end travelers.
Major cruise operators continue to include Bodrum in their routes, with Aroya Cruises planning 16 calls and Marella Cruises scheduling 13 visits. Noteworthy arrivals this season include Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady and AIDA Cruises’ AIDAblu, which will be visiting Bodrum for the first time.
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