On cruises departing from Istanbul, you board the ship in Istanbul without flying abroad. This page lists Greek Islands, Aegean–Adriatic and Western Mediterranean cruise programs departing from Istanbul.
For sailings from Istanbul, you board the ship at Istanbul’s cruise port; no flight ticket, airport transfer or hotel abroad is needed. The return is also to Istanbul.
The itineraries departing from Istanbul currently available call at Athens (Piraeus), Santorini, Mykonos, Kuşadası and Corfu. Aegean–Adriatic sailings extend to Bari and Trieste, while Western Mediterranean sailings reach Rome and Barcelona.
Costa Pacifica, Costa Toscana, MSC Orchestra, MSC Splendida, MSC Lirica and MSC Fantasia operate on departures from Istanbul.
Programs range from 6 to 10 nights. Prices start at around 1.044 euros per person, depending on cabin type and date.
A Schengen visa is required because the ports of call are in Schengen countries such as Greece and Italy.
On sailings departing from Istanbul, passengers board at the Galataport cruise port in Karaköy. Check-in usually takes place in the afternoon; passports and Schengen visas are checked during boarding. Luggage is handed in at the terminal and brought to the cabin. The ship sets off from Istanbul in the evening, passing through the Bosphorus; views of the Bosphorus and the historic peninsula are among the first highlights of the cruise.
From Piraeus, Athens’ port, the Acropolis and the Parthenon are just a short journey away. In Santorini, the ship anchors in the caldera, and passengers take boats to Fira; Mykonos is known for its windmills and Little Venice district. Corfu’s old town bears traces of Venetian influence. Bari and Trieste feature on Aegean–Adriatic itineraries, while major cities such as Rome and Barcelona are included on Western Mediterranean itineraries.
Cabin accommodation, meals in the main restaurant and buffet, evening shows, pools and kids’ clubs are included in the price. Beverage packages, specialty restaurants, spa services, internet and shore excursions are charged separately. A service charge, set by the cruise ship, is applied per night; whether it is included in the price is stated on each sailing’s page.
Departing from Istanbul eliminates the cost of flights, airport transfers and an overseas hotel stay before departure; baggage allowances are also more flexible than on flights. This convenience is especially appealing to families and first-time cruisers.
Departures from Istanbul operate mainly between April and October. May–June and September are the most balanced months for swimming and sightseeing in the Aegean; July and August are hot and crowded. It is recommended to apply for a Schengen visa a few months before the departure date.
Departing from Istanbul is the easiest way to start for first-time cruisers, people who don't like flying and families with children. You unpack once, wake up at a different port each day and return to Istanbul at the end of the trip.
Yes; itineraries departing from Istanbul with Costa and MSC ships are available.
No; you board the ship in Istanbul and return to Istanbul.
Athens (Piraeus), Santorini, Mykonos, Kuşadası, Corfu, and ports in Italy, depending on the itinerary.
Yes; a Schengen visa is required.