Buoyant start to GPH’s Turkey cruise seasonBuoyant start to GPH’s Turkey cruise season

This improving trend is supported by the most recent data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (Turkstat), which stated that tourist numbers for
Q1 2018 rose 26.4% compared to the same period last year.

Antalya welcomed its first cruise ship of the season, Serenissima, on March 26, followed by Mein Schiff 1 on March 30.

Oceania and Regent Seven Seas returning

On the western coast of Turkey, Serenissima visited Ege Port-Kusadasi on March 30, with Celestyal Majesty arriving on March 31, while later in the season it is set to welcome the returning Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas.

Azamara Club Cruises will make its first 2018 call to Kusadasi with Azamara Journey on May 15.

The port is close to historic sites such as Ephesus, while passengers will get to experience the completely renovated Scala Nuova Village, which offers authentic local shopping among a picturesque array of Aegean village-like streets, with colourful shops, chic cafés, bars and restaurants.

Bodrum awaiting inaugurals from TUI, Marella and Ponant

Bodrum Cruise Port is also set to be busier this year with a number of inaugural calls.

These include Marella Cruises' Marella Discovery 2 on May 22, TUI Cruises' Mein Schiff 4 in the first week of October and Ponant`s La Perouse calling in the second half of October.

On April 29, Bodrum Cruise Port hosted the 5th edition of GPH's Global Run held every year to promote people travelling to different countries and getting to know new cultures, surroundings and cuisine, while keeping fit.