Ege Port Kuşadası announced that it closed the 2025 cruise season with record-breaking numbers of cruise calls and passenger traffic.

According to a press release, the Global Ports Holding-operated port welcomed nearly 620 cruise calls this year, reinforcing its leadership position in Türkiye.

The vessels brought 995,303 passengers to Kuşadası during the same timeframe, marking the highest figures in the port’s history.

The destination is now getting ready to kick off its 2026 season on January 1, with a visit from the 998-guest Viking Vesta.

According to Ege Port Kuşadası, the 2025 numbers position the port as the busiest in Türkiye and the fourth busiest in the Eastern Mediterranean.

“As Türkiye’s most preferred cruise port, Ege Port Kuşadası continues to invest in infrastructure capable of managing growing ship and passenger volumes efficiently and safely, while further positioning Kuşadası as a must-call destination for cruise lines operating in the Eastern Mediterranean,” said Aziz Güngör, Eastern Mediterranean regional director of Global Ports Holding and general manager of Ege Port Kuşadası.

He added that the results reflect a “long-term vision supported by strong operational discipline and close cooperation with stakeholders.”

Ege Port Kuşadası noted that it welcomed cruise lines operating across market niches, including luxury, contemporary and boutique vessels.

Highlights included maiden calls from the Resilient Lady, the Costa Fortuna, the Elysium, the National Geographic Orion, the Spirit of Adventure, the Viking Vela, the Viking Vesta, the Aroya and the Norwegian Pearl.

The port operator also stated that its strategic location provides direct access to cultural and historical attractions in the region, particularly the ancient city of Ephesus.

In parallel with its growing operational scale, Ege Port Kuşadası is also advancing its sustainability agenda through investments in renewable energy.

A solar power plant installed on the roof of the passenger terminal became operational in June 2025, with an annual electricity generation target of approximately 312,552 kWh.

Through this investment, the entire energy demand of the passenger terminal and operational areas is met from renewable sources, Ege Port Kuşadası said. The project included the installation of 426 solar panels and five inverters.