E. Med ports absorb Israel cruise calls, some lines rethinking entire itineraries

However, ports in the wider region are starting to get requests as some lines rethink their entire itineraries, a Global Ports Holding representative said.

Turkey

Galataport Istanbul will receive an additional dozen calls, while Bodrum, Kusadasi and Alanya are also taking ships.

Destination representatives expressed deep remorse over the cause for the unexpected calls while speaking with Seatrade Cruise News in Burgas, Bulgaria today, where the 63rd MedCruise General Assembly is underway. 

Galataport Istanbul 

MedCruise President and Galataport Istanbul Chief Port Officer Figen Ayan said the Turkish port will receive 12 additional calls from Costa Cruises, Azamara, MSC Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

‘I’m having an open book with cruise lines,’ Ayan said, ‘And telling them we’re here for them.’ 

Besides Istanbul, Turkish ports Bodrum/Kusadasi, Marmaris and Alanya are receiving requests from cruise lines, and vessels are going to Greece and Cyprus.  

Kusadasi/Bodrum 

Global Ports Holding said, ‘We maintain continuous communication with cruise lines and their port agents to address short-notice itinerary changes for Bodrum and Kusadasi in light of recent events in Israel. 

‘October is traditionally one of our busiest months for Bodrum and Kusadasi, and we are diligently working to meet these requests.’ 

Bodrum, with its two-ship capacity, tends to receive more requests due to its proximity and can accommodate the majority of these on a first come, first served basis. 

Rethinking entire itineraries

‘As Global Ports Holding, we are receiving similar requests at our other Mediterranean ports as well, as some cruise lines are now rethinking their entire itineraries instead of making changes in just one port.’

Greece

Crete's Heraklion Port has been accommodating many short-notice itinerary changes — almost every day since the Israel conflict broke out — as far as capacity allows, said Kyriaki Kampana, head of planning & development, Port of Heraklion.

'October is a very busy month, but we are trying our best to serve the cruise ships which are requesting berth availability,' Kampana said.