Question 1

Do I need a visa for a cruise to Greece from Turkey?

Accepted Answer

No, you don't need a Schengen visa. Cruise transit mode is in effect — you can freely disembark at all Greek ports (Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Athens, Crete) without a visa. The only condition is that the start and end of the route must be at a Turkish port (Istanbul, Kusadasi, Izmir or Bodrum). If you want to stay in Greece after the cruise, you will need a Schengen visa.

Question 2

How much does a Mediterranean cruise from Turkey cost?

Accepted Answer

Prices start from $1,240 for a 4-night mini-cruise and from $1,680 for a classic week-long Greek island cruise.
Cost depends on cabin type: interior cabins are cheaper, balcony cabins cost 30-40% more.
Early booking for 2026 offers discounts up to 30-35%.
Thanks to BIOHACTOUR's partnership with La Voyage, our prices are 8-18% lower than official cruise line websites.

Question 3

Which Turkish ports do cruises depart from?

Accepted Answer

Mediterranean cruises depart from four Turkish ports: Istanbul (Galataport), Kusadasi, Izmir (Adnan Menderes Port), and Bodrum.
The most popular and convenient port is Istanbul, where MSC Cruises, Celestyal Cruises, and Costa Cruises operate. Direct flights to Istanbul from major European cities (London, Paris, Frankfurt, Rome, Amsterdam), flight time 2.5-4 hours. Airport-to-port transfers included in most cruise packages.
Kusadasi is ideal for shorter Greek island cruises and is close to ancient Ephesus. Bodrum serves as a gateway to Aegean routes, while Izmir offers convenient access to Turkey's western coast.

Question 4

Which Greek islands can I visit on a cruise from Turkey?

Accepted Answer

The most popular islands are Santorini (snow-white houses on the cliffs of a volcano), Mykonos (a cosmopolitan island with windmills), Rhodes (a medieval fortress of the Knights of St. John), Crete (the Palace of Knossos of the Minoan civilization), Patmos (monastery of St. John the Theologian). Mainland Greece is also visited — Athens with the Acropolis and the Parthenon. There is a 6-10—hour parking lot in each port, which is enough time for shore excursions.

Question 5

Do kids go on free cruises?

Accepted Answer

Yes, on MSC Cruises and Celestyal Cruises, children under 18 travel free when occupying 3rd or 4th berth in parents' cabin. Only port fees apply — approximately €50-100 per child for the entire cruise (depends on route). For Costa Fascinosa, confirm terms during booking. Kids clubs for ages 0-3, 3-6, 7-11, and 12-17 included in price.

Question 6

What is included in the price of the cruise?

Accepted Answer

The price includes: accommodation in the selected cabin, buffet meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea), a la carte restaurants, on-board entertainment (theater shows, live music, casinos, discos), swimming pools and jacuzzis, children's clubs, fitness center, airport transfer to the cruise port. Drinks (wine, beer, ouzo) and 1-2 shore excursions are additionally included on Celestyal liners.

Question 7

Which liners sail across the Mediterranean from Turkey?

Accepted Answer

The main liners are MSC Lirica (2,000 passengers, family with 4 kids clubs), Celestyal Olympia (1,450 passengers, Greek style with drinks included), Costa Fascinosa (3,800 passengers, the largest with an aquapark). There are also MSC Sinfonia, MSC Bellissima, Celestyal Discovery and MSC Opera on short routes. All the liners are modern, built in the 2000s and 2010s, and are regularly upgraded.

Question 8

When is the best time to go on a cruise in the Mediterranean?

Accepted Answer

Best season: May-October, when Greece enjoys temperatures of +25°C...+30°C, warm seas, and sunny weather.
Peak season July-August — highest prices, most tourists.
Best value: May-June and September-October (shoulder season) — excellent weather with lower prices.
Off-season November-April — 20-30% cheaper, but cooler (+15°C...+20°C), fewer route options, possible rougher seas.

Question 9

Is travel insurance needed for a cruise?

Accepted Answer

Travel insurance is not mandatory but highly recommended. Cost from $6-13 per person per week.
Insurance covers: ✓ Medical expenses onboard and in ports ✓ Emergency helicopter evacuation ✓ Trip cancellation for valid reasons ✓ Lost baggage
Important: Ships have medical centers onboard, but services are expensive (~€100-200 per visit). Insurance provides peace of mind and financial protection.

Question 10

Do Russian bank cards work on the ship?

Accepted Answer

Russian bank cards (Visa, Mastercard and Mir) are not accepted on board the cruise ship due to international sanctions. It is recommended to bring euros or dollars in cash. They may be needed for additional expenses such as shore excursions (the cost varies from €40 to €80 per tour), visits to premium restaurants, purchase of alcoholic beverages (if they are not included in the price), purchase of souvenirs, payment for Wi-Fi (€15-20 per day) and tips for staff (about recommended €10-15 per person per day). There is also an exchange office on board.

Question 11

Do I get seasick on a cruise ship?

Accepted Answer

Modern airliners are equipped with rocking stabilizers, so motion sickness is minimal. The Aegean Sea is very calm in summer — waves rarely exceed 1-2 points. If you are prone to motion sickness, take motion sickness pills (Dramina, Aviamarine) or motion sickness bracelets. Choose cabins on the middle decks closer to the center of the liner — there is less rocking there. Big liners pump less than small ones.

Question 12

Is it possible to book a cruise at the last moment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but prices for last minute deals are usually HIGHER, not lower (a common misconception). The best prices are for early bookings 6-12 months in advance (discounts up to 30-35%). 2-3 months before the cruise — standard prices. In 2-4 weeks— prices are 20-40% higher, the choice of cabins is limited (the most expensive or inconvenient ones remain). Last-minute cruises are rare and only in the off-season (November-April) on unpopular routes.

Question 13

How to get to the ports in Turkey?

Accepted Answer

There are direct flights to Istanbul from 25 Russian cities (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, etc.), the flight time from Moscow is 3-3.5 hours. The transfer from Istanbul Airport to Galataport Cruise Port takes 45-60 minutes, usually included in the price of the cruise package. To Izmir — direct flights from Moscow, transfer to the port in 30 minutes. To Kusadasi — via Izmir or Bodrum airport, transfer 1-1.5 hours.

Question 14

Is it possible to stay in Greece after the cruise?

Accepted Answer

No, this will disrupt the cruise transit regime and may lead to problems with the border guard service. Cruise transit is valid only if you return to the Turkish port of departure. If you want to extend your stay in Greece, you will need to apply for a Schengen visa in advance. Alternative: Book a separate tour to Greece after the cruise, but it will be a different trip with a visa.

Question 15

What are port charges and how much do they cost?

Accepted Answer

Port charges are mandatory payments to the port authorities for the entry of the liner into the port. They are usually already included in the price of the cruise when booking through a tour operator. The amount of port charges depends on the route: for a 7-night cruise in Greece, usually €150-250 per person. For children traveling for free on MSC and Celestyal, port fees ~€50-100 must be paid separately. This is NOT a tip for the staff.

Question 16

How are shore excursions going?

Accepted Answer

Shore excursions are organized by the cruise company or local tour operators. The price is not included in the cruise package (except Celestyal, where 1-2 excursions are included). Prices are €40-80 per tour for 3-4 hours. You can buy on board the ship or in advance online. An alternative is independent walking: in most ports, the city center is a 10-30 minute walk from the pier. The liner gives 6-10 hours in the port, which is enough time for inspection.

Question 17

Do I need to tip on a cruise?

Accepted Answer

Gratuities/service charge are usually automatically added to the bill at the end of the cruise — approximately €10-15 per person per day. This is a mandatory fee on MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises. Tipping is recommended at Celestyal, but not mandatory. Tips are distributed among waiters, cabin stewards, and bartenders. You can additionally thank a specific employee in cash for excellent service, but this is not necessary.

Question 18

Is there Wi-Fi internet on the ship?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Wi-Fi is available on all modern airliners, but it is paid and expensive. The cost of Internet packages: €15-20 for a day of unlimited access or €50-80 for the entire cruise. The speed is low (satellite Internet) — suitable for instant messengers and mail, but not for videos and social networks. At ports of call (Istanbul, Greek islands), you can connect to Wi-Fi for free in cafes, restaurants, shopping malls. We recommend downloading offline maps and entertainment in advance.

Question 19

What is the dress code on cruise ships?

Accepted Answer

By day casual (casual clothes): shorts, T-shirts, swimsuits by the pool. In the evening at smart casual restaurants: trousers/jeans and shirt for men, dress/blouse with skirt for women. MSC and Costa usually have 1-2 formal evenings (gala night) per cruise — a suit/tuxedo for men and a cocktail dress for women are recommended, but this is not necessary. Celestyal has a more relaxed atmosphere — strict dress code is not required.

Question 20

How do I book a cruise through BIOHACTOUR?

Accepted Answer

Book on our booking page through La Voyage system — instant cabin confirmation in real-time.
Process:
1. Select destination and dates in the widget
2. System shows all available cabins with prices
3. Choose your cabin and complete booking
4. Pay with international credit card or arrange installment payment options
Can't find the right sailing? Submit an inquiry — BIOHACTOUR and La Voyage managers will find the best option within 5 minutes.
TÜRSAB License A-14433, La Voyage Partner Agreement № LV-TR-2025/178

Question 21

When are the cheapest cruises from Turkey?

Accepted Answer

The lowest prices for cruises from Turkey are during the off-season (November-April), when prices are 20-30% lower than in summer. However, the choice of routes is limited, the weather is cooler (+15°C...+20°C), pitching is possible. The best value for money is May—June and September-October (shoulder season): prices are average, the weather is excellent, there are fewer tourists than in July-August. Early booking for 2026 offers discounts of up to 30-35%.

Question 22

Is it possible to book a cruise from Turkey to Europe?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many cruises from Istanbul include ports in Italy (Bari, Venice), Greece (Corfu, Athens) and other European countries. For example, the MSC Lirica and Costa Fascinosa routes cover Istanbul → Greece → Italy → Istanbul. To visit European ports (except Greece), you may need a Schengen visa — please specify when booking. Visa-free cruise transit only works for Greek ports.

Question 23

Which cruise companies operate from Turkey?

Accepted Answer

From Turkish ports (Istanbul, Kusadasi, Izmir, Bodrum), three major cruise companies operate:
MSC Cruises (Italian company, ships: MSC Lirica, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Bellissima)
Celestyal Cruises (Greek company, ships: Celestyal Olympia, Celestyal Discovery)
Costa Cruises (Italian company, ship: Costa Fascinosa)
Additionally, Astoria Grande operates extended routes connecting the Black Sea and Mediterranean regions.

Question 24

Do I need a visa for an Astoria Grande cruise?

Accepted Answer

Most European passport holders do not need visas for cruise ports. Citizens of EU countries, UK, USA, Canada, Australia can freely go ashore in all Turkish, Greek, and most Mediterranean ports. Valid passport with at least 6 months validity from cruise end date required.
Visa requirements by destination:
 • Turkey & Greece: Visa-free for most European nationals
 • UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi): Visa on arrival or visa-free for most Western passports
 • Saudi Arabia (Jeddah): E-visa required (easily obtained online, ~$150)
 • Egypt: Visa on arrival ($25) or e-visa
Check specific requirements for your nationality when booking.

Mediterranean Cruises from Turkey 2026

Sea Cruises to Greece and the Mediterranean from Turkish Ports

Simplified Visa Access for Cruise Passengers

Popular Aegean Sea Routes

Cruise Pricing from Turkey

What's Included in the Price

Best Time for Mediterranean Cruises

Key Facts:

Why Choose Mediterranean Cruises from Turkey?

SIMPLIFIED VISA ACCESS

CLOSE AND CONVENIENT

EXCELLENT VALUE

CHILDREN TRAVEL FREE

ALL INCLUSIVE

MULTILINGUAL SERVICE

Popular Mediterranean Cruise Routes from Turkey

Cruise Liners in the Mediterranean from Turkey

How much does a Mediterranean cruise from Turkey cost?

Frequently Asked Questions About Mediterranean Cruises from Turkey

Do I need a visa for a cruise to Greece from Turkey?

How much does a Mediterranean cruise from Turkey cost?

Which Turkish ports do cruises depart from?

Which Greek islands can I visit on a cruise from Turkey?

Do kids go on free cruises?

What is included in the price of the cruise?

Which liners sail across the Mediterranean from Turkey?

When is the best time to go on a cruise in the Mediterranean?

Is travel insurance needed for a cruise?

Do Russian bank cards work on the ship?

Do I get seasick on a cruise ship?

Is it possible to book a cruise at the last moment?

How to get to the ports in Turkey?

Is it possible to stay in Greece after the cruise?

What are port charges and how much do they cost?

How are shore excursions going?

Do I need to tip on a cruise?

Is there Wi-Fi internet on the ship?

What is the dress code on cruise ships?

How do I book a cruise through BIOHACTOUR?

When are the cheapest cruises from Turkey?

Is it possible to book a cruise from Turkey to Europe?

Which cruise companies operate from Turkey?

Do I need a visa for an Astoria Grande cruise?

Похожие направления круизов

Greek Island Cruises from Turkey

Black Sea Cruises on Astoria Grande

Winter Cruises to Dubai and the Persian Gulf

Aroya Cruises — First Premium Arabian Cruise Liner

Ready to Choose Your Cruise?