Istanbul is the largest city as well as the cultural center of Turkey. Sitting gracefully between Asia and Europe across the Bosphorus strait, this city is an intersection of Arab and European cultures – a unique blend of the two most popular religions on the planet, Islam and Christianity. The city which was once called Constantinople is now the most populous urban center in Europe and a major Turkish port. Famous for its tourist locations, this city is a sight to behold. Here are some cruises from Istanbul to add a finishing touch to your Turkish getaway.
10 Best Cruises From Istanbul
Choosing the right cruise is important and can be a topic of immense confusion. Based on the overall statistics, we present to you the best of all the cruise trips originating from Istanbul.
1. Celebrity Equinox
Celebrity Equinox cruise is a German beauty and the second of the five Solstice-class cruises. Visit some of the ancient ruins of Europe on a 7 night Cruise aboard the 7-star luxury cruise liner Celebrity Equinox. Start from Istanbul, visit the ancient ruins of the Greek Pantheon and the ever so charming Mykonos island in Greece. Sit atop an active volcano, Mt. Etna, experience the valor of Knights of the Order of St. John by visiting their fortification in Malta and finally make your way through the rich Roman history by getting a chance to stop in Rome.
Duration: 7 nights
Cost: Starting at USD 600
Highlights: Athens, Mykonos, Mt Etna, Malta, Rome
Looking To Book An International Holiday?
Book memorable holidays on TravelTriangle with 650+ verified travel agents for 65+ domestic and international destinations.
2. Holland America’s MS Prinsendam
Holland America’s MS Prinsendam is rightfully nicknamed as the ‘Elegant Explorer’. This is a unique cruise trip which travels to 3 continents. Departing from Istanbul in Asia and ending in Barcelona in Europe with the main destination being Egypt in Africa. Visit the historic cities of Cairo and Alexandria and experience the beauty of Egypt. Visit the four most important ancient civilizations, namely – Egyptian, Hebrew, Greek, and Roman.
Duration: 11 nights
Cost: Starting from USD 1500
Highlights: Athens, Cairo, Alexandria, Nazareth, Jerusalem, Corfu, Pompeii, Rome, and Naples
Must Read: 23 Intoxicating Things To Do In Turkey That Will Sink Deep Into Your Soul
3. Celestyal Crystal
This is a cruise which starts in Istanbul and ends in Istanbul but covers all the major destinations of Turkey and Greece. These two Sea neighbors offer visitors some of the most ecstatic views in the serene and blue waters of the Aegean Sea. The ship is resplendent with all the luxuries that you can dream of and is a steal for the price it offers.
Duration: 7 Nights
Cost: Starting from $ 1200
Highlights: Istanbul, Canakkale, Volos, Crete, Santorini, Mykonos and Athens
Suggested Read: 8 Incredible Restaurants In Turkey That Are Creating A Lot Of Buzz
4. Seven Seas Splendor
Seven Seas Splendor is a sister to the Seven Seas Explorer, which was proclaimed the “most luxurious ship ever built” by the cruise line. Get aboard the most luxurious cruise liner in the world and explore the best of the four amazing countries of Greece, Turkey Italy, and Croatia. The cruise starts from Turkey and ends in Italy. That’s heaven served on the sea as your journey begins in Istanbul and ends it in Venice – two of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Duration: 10 Nights
Cost: starting from $ 5000
Highlights: Istanbul, Lesbos, Kusadasi, Santorini, Athens, Olympia, Corfu, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Venice
5. Ponant’s Le Bougainville
Operated by Ponant Cruise, this tour is done by Le Bougainville liner. This cruise expedition includes best destinations from the countries near and around the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas. Start your cruise trip in Istanbul and end it in Athens, Greece. From head to toe, this cruise ship is filled with all kinds of luxury you can dream of.
Duration: 7 nights
Cost: Starts from $2680
Highlights: Istanbul, Lemnos, Peros, Syros, Bodrum, Symi, Patmos, Athens
Suggested Read: 10 Routes For Trekking In Turkey For Both Beginners And Advanced Trekkers
6. Regent Seven Star
Embark on a beautiful journey through the cities of Europe in the Aegean Sea, the Black Sea and Mediterranean sea regions of Europe. Receive personalized recommendations and an all-inclusive tour of European Cities along with luxurious accommodations aboard Regent Seven Star Cruises. Start your journey in Istanbul and end it at Piraeus Port of Athens in Greece.
Duration: 8 Nights
Cost: Starting from $6299
Highlights: Istanbul, Lesbos, Kusadasi, Rhodes, Heraklion, Gythion, Santorini, Mykonos, Piraeus
Suggested Read: 5 Places To Visit In Pamukkale That’ll Help You Witness The True Natural Beauty Of Turkey
Planning your holiday but confused about where to go? These travel stories help you find your best trip ever!
Real travel stories. Real stays. Handy tips to help you make the right choice.
7. Black Sea Cruise From Istanbul
This 11 night round trip cruise from Istanbul gives you an experience of the beautiful and serene places along the black. Visit the numerous Crimean and Ottoman memorials and monuments, witness the rich Roman and Byzantine History and get immersed in the beauty of the black seashores of Europe.
Duration: 11 nights
Cost: Starting from $2000
Highlights: Istanbul, Odessa, Sochi, Sevastopol, Yalta, and Burgas
Suggested Read: 9 Istanbul Restaurants For That Perfect Turkish Culinary Affair
8. Istanbul, The Black Sea, And Greece Cruise
Embark on an amazing journey showcasing the Black Sea system as well as the party islands of Greece. Take this 14-night cruise and enjoy the best of what Europe has to offer. Go beyond imagination and see the scenic beauty of Europe along the Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea shores.
Duration: 14 Nights
Cost: Starting from $3300
Highlights: Istanbul, Odessa, Yalta, Med, Athens, Santorini and Mykonos
9. Rhapsody Of The Seas
Get aboard the flagship of the Royal Caribbean cruise liners and experience the beauty of Turkey, Greece, and Italy. This 9-day cruise takes you to all major cities and tourist destinations in the Mediterranean shores of Asia and Europe. Witness the medley of Roman, Greek, Byzantine and Ottoman cultures.
Duration: 9 Days and 8 Nights
Cost: Starting from $906 plus taxes
Highlights: Istanbul, Rome, Naples, Sicily, Athens, Mykonos and Santorini
10. Budapest Cruise
Get aboard the Scenic Crystal and explore the Rivers and Hinterlands of Europe. Starting at Istanbul and going all the way up to Budapest, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to discover and explore the hinterlands of Europe and Asia aboard a cruise liner. The cruise has a huge viewing deck which offers scenic, panoramic views of both land and the sea.
Duration: 17 Night
Cost: Starting from $8579
Highlights: Istanbul, Canakkale, Gallipoli, Nessebar, Bucharest, Giurgiu, Silistra, Nikopol, Iron Gates, Belgrade, Osijek, Kalocsa, Budapest.
Further Read: 8 Best Homestays In Turkey That’ll Help You Experience Every Bit Of The Turkish Culture
Istanbul has always been a tourist hotspot, but with the growing interest of sea-lovers, many cruises have popped up on the radar. While choosing one can be a tough call, the list above holds the best cruises from Istanbul that should definitely be on your customized holiday to Turkey.
Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.
Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cruises From Istanbul
What places does the Celebrity Equinox cruise cover from Istanbul?
You can take a 7-night cruise from Istanbul choosing this cruise that covers most of the charming places in Greece. Mount Etna, Mykonos Island, a few places in Athens and Malta. You also get to hop on to Roman history, taking a few stops in Rome.
Which is the unique cruise from Istanbul that travels to 3 continents?
MS Prinsendam is the cruise ship that travels to 3 continents from Istanbul. This is the best cruise you can take to travel to the ancient sites in Greece, Rome, and Egypt. It lasts for 11 nights.
Which is the most affordable and scenic cruise you can take from Istanbul?
Celestyal Cruise is the most affordable cruise that takes you through the most scenic cruises in and around Istanbul. It has all the luxurious amenities you can have.
Where does the Seven Seas Splendor take you from Istanbul?
This is one of the most luxurious ships that take you through the most scenic locations in 4 countries. It covers many places in Greece, Croatia, Turkey, and Italy. It lasts for 10 days and comes at a reasonable price.
Which is a luxurious cruise you can take to European cities?
Regent Seven Sea is one of the most luxurious cruise ships that come with lavish amenities at a reasonable price that takes you to most of the Mediterranean regions in Europe.
Do all the cruise ships have clean washrooms?
All the rooms and bathrooms on these cruise ships come with many amenities and facilities in the cabin as well as bathrooms. The cabins and bathrooms are squeaky clean with daily housekeeping facilities available.
What is the best time to take a cruise to the Istanbul?
September to November the weather is pleasant and is the best time to take a cruise in Istanbul. Summers are hot and April to May is suitable for cruises. Monsoons are to be avoided as there are heavy rains in Istanbul during this season.
Are there clean washrooms in the cruise?
Yes! The washrooms and bathrooms in a cruise are usually small in size but are efficiently maintained. The essential toiletries are also generally made available inside these spaces so you may not need to carry any of those.
What are the major attractions located near the Istanbul Cruise Port?
Some of the major attractions located near the Istanbul Cruise Port are:
1. Galata Tower
2. Istanbul Museum of Modern Art
3. Tophane-İ Amire Kultur Ve Sanat Merkezi Museum
4. Galata Mevlevihanesi Müzesi (Museum)
Looking To Book A Holiday Package?
Book memorable holidays on TravelTriangle with 650+ verified travel agents for 65+ domestic and international destinations.
People Also Read:
Dubai With Kids 3 Days In Dubai Cruises From Turkey
