Best 9 Cruise Ships that includes Istanbul

Discover the Best 9 Cruise Ships that includes Istanbul on a grand voyaget. Discover the beauty of the East and West, and let the city’s captivating skyline serve as an unforgettable backdrop.

In this article, we set sail on a journey of discovery, aboard the best 9 cruise ships that include Istanbul in their itinerary. These floating palaces are not just modes of travel, but experiences in themselves, each offering a unique perspective of this mesmerizing city.

Cruise Ships in Istanbul

Is your European cruise ship stopping at the enthralling city of Istanbul? You may be confident that this is a wonderful stopover on your cruise ship travel. Istanbul is often regarded as one of the most vibrant cities in Europe and the world.

For cruise-ship guests, visiting Istanbul on a cruise would be a great experience. Istanbul has a wide range of activities ideal for all age groups, as well as historical buildings, architecture, scenery, tourism amenities, and is one of the world’s top shopping and entertainment destinations.

This article provides tourists with information about best cruise ships that passes by Istanbul as a stop.

Our guide is especially beneficial whether you are in Istanbul for a short vacation, whether you are a cruise ship passenger or not.

Best 9 cruise ships that includes Istanbul

Royal Caribbean: Setting Sail in Style ??

Royal Caribbean is well-known for its impressive fleet, which pioneered the concept of mega-ships. It is a trailblazer, with amenities such as rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, and boardwalks.

Sailing through Istanbul on a Royal Caribbean ship feels like being a part of a floating city with a cosmopolitan vibe, echoing Istanbul’s multicultural essence.

Cunard Line: Experience Heritage and Class ??

Cunard Line, which has been in operation since 1840, has a timeless elegance that hearkens back to the heyday of ocean travel. The ships are replete with art deco touches, lavish public spaces, and plush staterooms.

The Queens Grill Suites even come with your very own butler. As you float down the Bosporus with a vintage cocktail in hand, you might even forget that it’s the twenty-first century!

Celebrity Cruises: Floating Celebrity Life ??

Celebrity Cruises strives to provide a vacation fit for a celebrity. It includes collaborations with well-known chefs and focuses on fine dining.

The cruise line is well-known for its excellent enrichment options, which include destination-specific lectures and a floating museum. As you glide past Istanbul’s famous landmarks while dining on a gourmet meal, you’ll feel like a celebrity.

Holland America Line: Tradition Meets Modernity ??

The Holland America Line is the perfect combination of traditional and cutting-edge. It combines classic shipboard activities with cutting-edge ones like computer and cooking classes.

It’s perfect for those who prefer a leisurely cruise. Envision yourself taking in Istanbul’s sights while also learning to cook or attending a tech workshop.

Viking Cruises: Embracing the Exploratory Spirit ??

The exploratory spirit in each of us is honored by Viking Cruises. Itineraries are planned to allow for more time in port, emphasizing immersive experiences.

Their “Culture Curriculum” features illuminating events like folk music concerts, cooking demonstrations, and art history discussions. A cruise through Istanbul on a Viking ship is the best way to take in the city’s history, architecture, and culture.

Princess Cruises: The Sway of Royalty ?⛴

As you sail through the waters of Istanbul, Princess Cruises will treat you like royalty. The ship is well-known for its attentive staff and the one-of-a-kind “Movies Under the Stars” outdoor movie theater that it provides to passengers. When you add in Istanbul’s breathtaking scenery, you’ll have a princess-worthy adventure.

Oceania Cruises: Comfort in the High Seas ??

Luxury travel with Oceania Cruises is now practically a cliche. It’s well-known for its plush staterooms and suites and for providing the best dining experiences at sea thanks to the restaurants overseen by Master Chef Jacques Pépin.

Just picture yourself dining on exquisite cuisine while cruising Istanbul in style.

MSC Cruises: Mediterranean Vibes in Istanbul ??

With its origins in the Mediterranean, MSC Cruises is a great choice for vacationers interested in a blend of the traditional and the cutting edge. It offers a variety of unique dining and entertainment experiences that are true to the local culture. With MSC Cruises, you can take in the sights of Istanbul while getting a taste of the Mediterranean.

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How to Spend a Day in Istanbul from a Cruise Ship?

It will take you somewhere between six and twelve hours to explore in Istanbul if you’re visiting on a cruise ship. We hope this quick guide will be useful in organizing your time in Istanbul during your cruise.

The following excursions are available to you depending on the duration of your layover. Following this plan, you can see all the top sights during your 12-hour layover.

If you are lucky enough to have a 24- to 72-hour stay in Istanbul, you will have plenty of time to see and do everything the city has to offer.

What are the ways to reach the Istanbul city center from the cruise port?

You are fortunate that Istanbul’s primary cruise port, Galataport, is located in the city center, conveniently close to all of the city’s iconic sights and sounds. Galataport is a state-of-the-art facility situated on the European side, near the lively Karakoy and Beyoglu neighborhoods, offering highly convenient access to main attractions.  

The best way to get to Istanbul’s main tourist areas – Sultanahmet, Galata, and Taksim – is to take the Bagcilar-Kabatas tram (T1 line) or public buses. For Sultanahmet, the T1 tram is highly recommended. As of 2025, a new infill stop specifically within Galataport will provide direct access to the T1 tram line, running to Beyazıt station for easy access to the Grand Bazaar and Sultanahmet. The estimated cost for this tram journey is around ₺27. For Galata Tower, walking is often the easiest and most scenic option, taking about 15-18 minutes from Galataport. For Taksim, a walk of 10-18 minutes (uphill) is feasible, or a quick taxi ride.

You can also check the Istanbul Railway Network Map for the Tram stops.

You can also catch a taxi Though this method will undoubtedly be the most expensive, it will provide reassurance that you will arrive at your cruise on time.