Marmaris is Running Towards a Record in Cruise Tourism

Cruise tourism in the district of Marmaris in Muğla is experiencing great activity in 2026. Passenger ships docking at Marmaris Port, recognized as one of the world's safest cruise ports, continue to bring thousands of foreign visitors to the district.

While the number of passengers and crew expected to arrive in Marmaris by the end of the season is approaching 250 thousand, many sectors, from market tradesmen to restaurants, from the marina to tour boats, and tours organized to surrounding districts, are taking their share from the cruise activity.

A flood of tourists by sea to Marmaris

So far, 28 passenger ships have anchored at Marmaris Port in the 2026 cruise season. While 43 cruise ships visited the district in total last year, with the trips that will continue until October, it is expected that this year will exceed last season.

Thousands of foreign tourists arriving in the district by ships create crowding in the streets of Marmaris during their short visits. Especially market tradesmen, souvenir sellers, cafes, and restaurant operators are pleased with the activity.

Astoria Grande will organize 10 new voyages

The latest situation in the cruise season was evaluated during a visit by Murat Tugay, General Manager of Marmaris Port Management Inc., to S. Mutlu Ayhan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Marmaris Chamber of Commerce.

The meeting covered the part of the season that has passed, the occupancy rates of the ships, and tourists' opinions about the district. Planning for the remaining months of the season was also evaluated, and developments regarding new voyages were shared.

It was announced that the cruise ship named Astoria Grande, which has a capacity of about 1,500 passengers and crew, will add 10 new voyages to its existing schedule starting from the first week of August.

With the new voyages, the number of visitors to Marmaris is expected to increase further, especially causing congestion in the port and district center in August and September.

Marmaris to be promoted at international fair

During the meeting, the Seatrade Cruise Med Cruise Fair, to be held on September 16-17 in Las Palmas, Spain, was also discussed.

The efforts to promote Marmaris more strongly as a cruise destination at the fair and to attract more ships and passengers to the district in the 2027 season were evaluated.

It was stated that Marmaris Port Management and Marmaris Chamber of Commerce will conduct joint efforts to strengthen the international promotion of the district.

Bringing vitality to the district's economy

Tourists arriving in Marmaris by cruise ships shop in the market during their short visits, spend time in cafes and restaurants, and visit historical and touristic sites. Some tourists also visit surrounding districts through organized tours.

While about 250 thousand passengers and crew are expected to arrive in Marmaris by the end of the season, it is anticipated that cruise tourism will continue to make a significant contribution to the district's economy.