Turkey Cruises
All You Need to Know for Turkey Cruises – The Cruise Lines, Best Offers & Guides in One Place
Cruises to Turkey offer a unique mix of ancient history, sun-kissed coastlines, and vibrant cities. Whether you’re exploring the grand mosques of Istanbul, the ancient ruins of Ephesus, or sailing the turquoise waters of the Aegean, Turkey is a cultural and scenic highlight on many Eastern Mediterranean itineraries. You can sail directly from the UK on longer cruises, fly out to meet your ship in Turkey, or add hotel stays as part of a Cruise & Stay package. At Hello Cruise, we compare the best Turkey cruise deals from cruise lines and trusted UK travel agents, making it easy to browse, compare and book with confidence.
Turkey Cruise Itineraries
Turkey cruise itineraries vary from quick Aegean sailings to extended Med adventures. Cruises to Turkey often start in Italy or Greece and include stops in Istanbul, Kusadasi (for Ephesus), or Bodrum. Cruises from Turkey typically depart Istanbul or Izmir and explore the Eastern Med or Greek Isles. Longer Turkey cruises from the UK depart Southampton and travel through the Med, sometimes ending in Turkey or continuing back to the UK. Whether it’s a port-intensive itinerary or a relaxing blend of sea days and excursions, there’s plenty of variety.
Turkey Cruise Deals
Looking for the best Turkey cruise deals? At Hello Cruise, we compare top offers from trusted UK cruise agents and cruise lines, helping you save time and money. Discover discounted fares, early booking deals and last-minute offers on everything from luxury voyages to short Mediterranean escapes.
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Popular Turkey Cruise Lines
MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Celebrity and P&O feature Turkey on Eastern Med routes; Azamara, Oceania, Regent, Seabourn and Silversea offer longer stays and boutique ports; Celestyal focuses on Aegean-intensive itineraries with regular Turkish calls. Each brand brings a different onboard vibe — from big-ship entertainment to small-ship immersion.
Recommended Ships
Types of Turkey Cruises
There’s a Turkey cruise for every type of traveller. You can sail from UK which offers a relaxed way to reach Turkey via the Mediterranean, while Fly Cruises let you step aboard in Istanbul, Kusadasi or Izmir for more time in destination. Cruise & Stay packages are ideal if you want to explore Turkish cities or resorts before or after your sailing. You can also choose to Cruise to Turkey and Cruise from Turkey depending on your choice of cruising experience. From Cheap Turkey Cruises and Last Minute offers to Luxury lines like Regent and Silversea, we bring everything together in one place to help you find the right itinerary at the right price.
Turkey Cruise FAQs
What is the best month to visit Turkey on a cruise?
The best months to cruise to Turkey are May to October, when the weather is warm, sunny, and ideal for exploring historic sites or relaxing on the coast. Spring (May–June) and autumn (September–October) are especially popular, offering pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.
Is there a cruise to Istanbul?
Yes, many Eastern Mediterranean cruise itineraries include Istanbul as a highlight. You’ll sail past the iconic skyline before docking near the historic centre, giving you time to explore landmarks like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Grand Bazaar.
Which cruise lines go to Turkey?
Cruise lines that visit Turkey include MSC Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Royal Caribbean, P&O Cruises, and luxury brands like Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, Azamara, and Oceania. Itineraries vary from short Med cruises to extended voyages across Europe.
Can you do a Greece and Turkey cruise?
Absolutely. Many cruises combine Greece and Turkey, visiting ports like Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Kusadasi, and Istanbul. These itineraries are perfect for exploring the ancient cultures, beautiful islands, and rich history of both countries in one trip.
Can you sail from the UK to Turkey?
Yes, you can cruise from the UK (typically Southampton) to Turkey, usually as part of a longer Mediterranean itinerary. These sailings may loop back to the UK or finish in a Mediterranean port like Istanbul or Barcelona. Fly cruise and cruise & stay options are also available.
Turkey Cruise Advice
The best time to cruise to Turkey is in spring or autumn, when the weather is warm but not too hot and the ports are less crowded, though July and August are perfect if you’re chasing guaranteed sunshine. Excursions are a big part of any Turkey cruise, especially to must-see sites like Ephesus or Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia, so it’s worth booking in advance as the most popular tours often sell out quickly. Pack light, breathable clothing for hot days, along with sun protection, and bring modest attire if you plan to visit mosques or other religious sites. The local currency is the Turkish Lira, but you’ll find Euros and cards widely accepted in most tourist areas. For a real highlight, look for itineraries that include a late stay or overnight in Istanbul, giving you time to experience the city by day and night.
