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Turkey · Ships call at Istanbul, Turkey
Ships use Galataport in Karaköy, on the European side, across the Golden Horn from the old city. Istanbul Airport is about 45 minutes to over an hour away by car, and the T1 tram to Sultanahmet stops across the road from the terminal.
Ships leave from Galataport Istanbul, Meclis-i Mebusan Caddesi No. 8, Beyoğlu, Istanbul 34433. (Source: Cruise Deals Tips and Tricks)
Prices and drive times were checked in October 2026 and change. Allow extra time on busy sailing days.
What cruisers do the day before boarding or after getting off, collected in October 2026. Each item links to where it came from.
The old city: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace and the Cistern of Theodosius. The T1 tram from outside the terminal gets there in 20 to 25 minutes.
Source: Chasing the Donkey
Two of the old city’s markets, good for shopping on a rainy day.
Source: Chasing the Donkey
A tower above Karaköy with a viewing level and wide views over the city.
Source: Chasing the Donkey
A boat trip on the strait between Europe and Asia.
Source: Chasing the Donkey
The city’s modern art museum, near the terminal at Galataport.
Source: Chasing the Donkey
A busy shopping street that runs to Taksim Square.
Source: Chasing the Donkey
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Tours via Viator. Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews. Booking through our links keeps this site free at no cost to you.
Updated daily from cruise line schedules.
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The best months to visit Istanbul by cruise ship are May, June, September. During these months you can expect the driest weather and the most comfortable temperatures for port excursions.
Cruisers most often mention: Sultanahmet; Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar; Galata Tower; Bosphorus cruise; Istanbul Modern; Istiklal Street.
Istanbul is a regular port of call for many cruise lines. The ships-calling list above has the next sailings for live departure dates, or search all itineraries that include Istanbul.