Marmaris: Your year-round Mediterranean haven for homeporting and port calls

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Marmaris' turquoise waters, kissed by endless sunshine, make it an idyllic destination for passengers craving aquatic bliss.

Beyond its stunning coastlines, this Turkish gem holds a rich history and culture waiting to be explored. From the ancient Carian sites to the bustling bazaars filled with handcrafted treasures, Marmaris is a delightful blend of old and new. For those looking to immerse themselves further in the local life, cycling through the winding streets and charming villages is a perfect way to soak in all that Marmaris has to offer.

Dalyan's ancient tombs (PHOTO: TGA)

Marmaris' turquoise waters (PHOTO: TGA)

Once known as Physkos, it was a key stop on the Anatolia-Rhodes-Egypt trade route, tracing its roots to 3400 BCE. During the 16th and 18th centuries, Marmaris provided refuge for the fleet of Suleiman the Magnificent, the longest-reigning sultan of the Ottoman Empire, and the vessels of British naval commander Admiral Lord Nelson.

Popular culinary options include fresh fish (PHOTO: TGA)

The vibrant Netsel Marina is lined with charming cafes and restaurants, perfect for enjoying a leisurely meal with a view of the sparkling sea. Additionally, the town's historic castle offers stunning panoramic views of the coastline, adding a touch of culture to a beach getaway.

Investment

 Marmaris has two piers: the larger of the two can accommodate vessels of up to 330m (length:

Related:Marella becomes first in nearly a decade to homeport in Marmaris

305m, width:15m, min. depth: 11m). The latter (length: 135m, width: 15m, min. depth: 7.50m) suits smaller cruise vessels. Both piers benefit from a large unrestricted turning basin. 

Improvements in the port’s infrastructure were completed earlier this year in an investment totalling USD $1m. The site now comprises a contemporary, newly renovated check-in area equipped with 12 check-in desks, an expanded passenger terminal with five passport control booths (increased from three) and a larger Duty Free zone. Walls separating the latter and security can be adjusted to suit passenger capacity as needed.

Free Wi-Fi is available in all areas and additional air conditioning has been introduced, along with shaded walkways and awnings in luggage areas; to ensure a positive experience for passengers, the port works closely with Dalaman Airport 90 km away to provide a bonded baggage service.

Check-in area for cruise and ferry (PHOTO: HOLLY PAYNE)

The ISPS-compliant cruise port is currently working on resurfacing quayside areas, with further plans to enhance the cafe and lounge spaces.

‘We have a lot of space for buses to manoeuvre,’ Sukru Tugay, MD, Marmaris Cruise Port points out, indicating a large area that can hold at least a dozen buses, ‘and we have plenty of capacity when it comes to coaches and transportation services.’

During cruise calls, around 12 taxis are stationed at the taxi rank ‘and more can arrive in a short period of time,’ Tugay adds. 

As for shore power, ‘It’s something we’re looking at. At the moment it’s a little difficult for us because of the scale of cruise operations we currently have…. And the volume of electricity in the town to power vessels. We would need infrastructure work carried out in the town,’ Tugay explains.

Recent developments to improve sustainability include renewing the port’s fleet of trucks to more efficient models and introducing an electric golf cart to transport passengers with mobility needs. The port also practices eco-friendly waste management and disposal, participates in local environmental conservation initiatives and carries out regular environmental impact monitoring for continuous improvement. 

Cruise lines can also benefit from the close proximity of anchorage areas, with tendering to the port taking less than 10 minutes.

Additionally, the port can provide fresh water and handle waste, including bilge/sludge.

A 30t BP modern tugboat is on standby 24/7 and the Coast Guard HQ is situated adjacent to the port.

From the port, a ferry goes to and from Rhodes (25nm) eight times a day in the season, dropping to four in the winter.

‘Passengers can visit two countries with one call, Türkiye and Greece,’ states Sukru Tugay. ‘Straight from the gangway, they can take a one-hour ferry crossing, spending four to five hours on land tours in Rhodes, before returning by ferry.’

Turtles, seals and dolphins can be seen in the waters in and around Marmaris; Iztuzu Beach is one of the last breeding areas for the endangered Caretta Caretta turtle. (PHOTO: TGA)

Importantly, he adds, ‘Our naturally sheltered position and calm seas means we’re an all-weather harbour and can accept unscheduled cruise calls for this reason. Follow

Lord Nelson and shelter your ships in Marmaris when storms come!’

Marella Discovery

Marella Discovery became the first cruise ship in almost a decade to homeport in Marmaris, with the operations scheduled to continue through to November.

Looking out over the marina, Marella Cruises’ hotel director Octavian Serbanescu said:

The vessel, which made its inaugural turnaround call at the Turkish port on May 6, will embark/disembark approximately 1800 passengers weekly, racking up a total of 26 turnarounds this year.

L-R: Deniz Tugay, operations and management, Marmaris Cruise Port; Octavian Serbanescu, hotel director, Marella Cruises; Murat Tugay, GM, Marmaris Cruise Port. (PHOTO: HOLLY PAYNE)

This year, Marmaris Cruise Port expects to receive a total 45 calls, including from Explora Journeys’ Explora I, MSC Cruises’ MSC Divina, Seabourn’s Seabourn Encore and Oceania’s Oceania Vista to name a few.

So far, 35 calls are booked for next year – ships from Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Seadream Yacht Club, Silversea Cruises and Windstar Cruises among them. 

Between 2010 and 2015 the line recorded a sweeping 120 cruise calls on average, annually.