Galataport Istanbul expands its homeport role
Passenger totals rose in 2025 as the underground cruise terminal attracted new Eastern Mediterranean operations.
Istanbul’s homeport passenger total increased from roughly 96,000 in 2024 to about 225,000 to 230,000 in 2025, according to publicly reported figures. Galataport’s operator is targeting further growth in 2026.
Galataport Istanbul opened in stages beginning in 2021. Official project information describes a 29,000-square-meter terminal below street level, with access managed through hinged hatches designed to keep the waterfront promenade publicly accessible when ships are docked.
The terminal places check-in, security and baggage operations beneath the quay, allowing it to process multiple large vessels while maintaining a walkable waterfront above. It also connects with Istanbul’s tram system, roads to Istanbul Airport and hotels in Beyoğlu and the historic peninsula.
Public announcements from Cruise Saudi’s AROYA Cruises named Galataport as the main homeport for the line’s first ship on Eastern Mediterranean itineraries starting in June 2025. Published plans for the inaugural season called for weekly Saturday departures through mid-September, with about 90,000 passengers expected to travel through Istanbul during that period.