Istanbul is the go-to-destination to experience Turkish culture and an array of historical gems.
Featured Cruises from Istanbul, Turkey
Overview
Destinations
Destination Calendar
Cruise Lines
Attractions
Weather
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is famously known as the city where the East (Asia) meets the West (Europe). As such, it is a wonderful place to visit during a cruise vacation, especially if you are interested in learning more about history and culture. With well over 2,000 years of significant events in world history, you will discover a bunch of incredible landmarks in Istanbul that are a must on any traveler’s bucket list. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to explore many places of worship (including mosques, synagogues, and churches), museums, numerous high-end shops, local neighborhoods, restaurants, and more! Since there is so much to see in Istanbul, if you're taking a cruise that starts in Istanbul, you may want to consider staying a few days before or after your cruise. If that is the case, you can count on being able to find great accommodations, as there are also many hotels, hostels, and budget lodges in the area.
As a result of Istanbul's immense popularity as a vacation destination, There is a large variety of cruise lines that offer cruises that include Istanbul in their itineraries.
American Discount Vacations is proud to offer the best deals possible on all cruises from Istanbul, Turkey. Backed by our "Low Price Guarantee," and powered by our team of expert travel agents, we're sure to exceed your expectations when booking your next cruise departing from Istanbul, Turkey!
Destinations for Cruises from Istanbul, Turkey
The following cruise destinations can be visited on a cruise from Istanbul, Turkey. Select a destination to view the upcoming cruises that are available:
Make a selection below to view the cruises available during that month in that destination.
Pricing listed above is per person, based on double occupancy in the least expensive accommodations available, is subject to change, and may not reflect the most recent pricing (as pricing gets updated throughout the day). Prices include Required Cruise Fees & Expenses, as well as Government Taxes & Fees. Prices may not reflect discounts and special promotions that you may qualify for. Go to the Category selection step of the online booking process to view the live pricing and latest offers.
Cruise Lines with Cruises from Istanbul, Turkey
The following cruise lines feature cruises leaving from Istanbul, Turkey. Select a cruise line to view upcoming cruises that they're offering from Istanbul, Turkey:
Filters:
SHOW ALL
river
luxury
specialty
deluxe
mainstream
premium
Learn More
River Cruise Lines
Becoming more and more popular, a river cruise is an immerse and destination-focused vacation experience, on a small and luxurious vessel.
River cruises sail through the inland waterways of some of the world's most interesting vacation destinations (i.e. Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America), and provide their guests with a greater opportunity to spend time visiting more unique ports of call than a traditional cruise typically would.
Because the destination is the star of a river cruise, (typically guided) shore excursions are included at no additional charge by many River cruise lines. There are usually many interesting lectures given during the cruise, by experts on the history and culture of the region being visited.
Among the famous rivers that one may take a river cruise on are the Rhine, Mississippi, Seine, Danube, Mekong, Nile, Yangtze, Amazon and Douro.
Learn More
Luxury Cruise Lines
When the finest cruise vacation is your top priority, this is the place to start.
On a luxury cruise line, guests experience highly personalized service, a more intimate (and usually formal) onboard experience, gourmet cuisine, well-appointed accommodations, and fantastic amenities. Many of these brands have smaller ships, allowing them to reach ports of call that the larger ships can't, which results in unique itineraries.
All of these brands feature a version of all-inclusive pricing, and some of them have ships with all-suite accommodations. Although these cruise lines are usually more expensive than the rest, they also provide their guests with so much more, resulting in a fantastic value when considering all that's included.
Learn More
Specialty Cruise Lines
These cruise lines offer a truly unique vacation experience, with a wide range of possible amenities and itineraries. Some are expedition cruise lines, others have sailing yachts or are coastal ships.
On these types of cruise lines, there's usually a focus on a specific destination or theme. Itineraries are usually very destination intensive, aided by the fact that they're able to reach many ports of call that larger ships can't.
Expedition cruise lines are a great fit for adventure-seeking travelers, featuring exciting destinations like the Galapagos Islands, Antarctica, and the Norwegian coast. During the cruise, there will usually be plenty of interesting lectures given by experts on the destination being visited. Often, shore excursions are included in the cost of the cruise. In fact, some of these cruise lines have all-inclusive pricing. There's a definite focus on the ship's surrounding scenery, as well as opportunities to view wildlife in their natural habitat. Small, but comfortable, ships are commonplace here, with anywhere from basic to very luxurious public spaces, cuisine, and accommodations (depending on the cruise line and ship).
Sailing Yachts, sail-assisted motor ships, offer a really unique vacation experience. Accommodations and cuisine on these intimate vessels can be anywhere from good to fantastic, depending on the cruise line. Destinations offered by these cruise lines may include the Caribbean, Europe, Panama Canal, Tahiti, and Costa Rica.
Learn More
Deluxe Cruise Lines
These cruise lines fit (quality and, usually, price-wise) somewhere in between Premium and Luxury cruise lines.
A country club casual atmosphere can be expected on these lines, as can be elegant accommodations and gourmet cuisine. These cruise lines are a great option for adults looking for a upscale, yet laid back, vacation.
Unique itineraries are often available on these cruise lines, as their small-to-mid-sized ships can visit ports of call that large ones can't get to.
The pricing on Azamara Club Cruises includes select beverages and pre-paid gratuities, while the pricing of Viking Ocean Cruises includes shore excursions and select beverages.
Learn More
Mainstream Cruise Lines
Value is a key feature of these popular cruise lines, as they offer lots of activities, entertainment and dining options, along with a variety of stateroom types. Some of the cruise lines in this category have ships with unique innovations like water slides, rock-climbing walls, ice-skating rinks, surfing simulators, bowling alleys, and boardwalks.
Their ships are usually anywhere from mid-sized to very large "mega" ships, accommodating thousands of guests. These ships give the feel of being in a large resort.
Mainstream cruise lines are a great option for just about everyone (including multi-generation families, and first-time cruisers), and typically have great youth programs.
During the cruise, entertainment may include Broadway productions, Vegas-style shows, comedians, and music. Some of these lines have select formal nights during the cruise. Specialty restaurants are becoming more and more common (some which have a cover charge for this type enhanced dining experience). Buffets are usually available throughout the day, besides room service, and the main dining room(s).
Learn More
Premium Cruise Lines
These cruise lines enhance what mainstream cruise lines typically offer, by providing their guests with higher quality service and cuisine, along with more spacious public spaces and accommodations.
Depending on the cruise line, the ships in this class range in size from small to very large.
These cruise lines appeal to a more discerning traveler, and are typically more expensive than mainstream cruise lines, but more affordable than the luxury lines.
One of the world's leaders in luxury river cruising, AmaWaterways (formerly named Amadeus Waterways), is an excellent option for more discerning and experienced travelers. With exquisitely decorated twin-balcony staterooms, delicious locally sourced cuisine, a complimentary Wellness Program, the Sun Deck with a pool, and bicycles to explore on your own, AmaWaterways' new ships are among the most state-of-the-art ships cruising the rivers of Europe, Africa, Asia and South America.
Atlas Ocean Voyages is a "luxe-adventure" cruise line with intimate yachts, offering bucket-list trips to the world's most sought-after and remote destinations inaccessible to larger ships. Aboard its well-constructed vessels designed to deliver the ideal excursion experience while optimizing fuel efficiency, guests can explore Iceland and Greenland, the Arctic and Norwegian Fjords, and Antarctica or focus on cultural expeditions to Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the British Isles, and South America. The company's "Always Included" promise means you won't pay on board for dining, specialty drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and much more!
Azamara is a deluxe cruising experience that's geared towards discerning travelers yearning to travel, in luxury, to exotic and rare vacation destinations. On an Azamara cruise, you'll experience extremely high levels of service, gourmet cuisine, and fantastic accommodations. With a country club casual dress code and open dining format, this premium product is a fabulous choice for many travelers. Special amenities that all guests booked on an Azamara cruise benefit from include pre-paid gratuities, bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees, and teas. Select standard spirits, international beers, and wines are also included (available in the bars during regular opening hours, and not through room service). Guests who are booked in a suite get complimentary specialty dining, free internet, complimentary access to the Thalassotherapy pool and spa deck, and much more!
Costa Cruises enjoys the reputation of being Europe’s number one cruise line. This Italian company has a large fleet that sails Caribbean, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America, Asia, Indian Ocean, Middle East, Baltic and Russia, and Transatlantic itineraries. Spa accommodations are available on several of the newer Costa ships, and there are a wide range of things to do as you Cruise Italian Style with them.
Crystal, previously known as Crystal Cruises, is one of the world's leaders in ultra-luxury cruising. Their all-inclusive fleet includes two renovated ocean-going ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony. Extraordinary service, abundant space, gourmet cuisine (comparable to the finest restaurants on land), and excellent itineraries are some highlights of an unforgettable Crystal cruise. Combining the included amenities (fine wine, premium spirits, gratuities, and much more) with their exceptional accommodations and service, Crystal is a fantastic value in the luxury cruising market.
Cunard's glorious ocean liners are floating palaces of art deco splendor and Edwardian excess, surrounding guests with every comfort and luxury. They are the quintessence of luxury travel. With Cunard, the journey may be even more magnificent than the destination. There are currently four vessels in the Cunard fleet: Queen Anne, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria, and their flagship, Queen Mary 2. Regardless of which one you choose, you're going to be on a luxurious vessel with fabulous food, entertainment & service.
Founded in 2014, originally as Emerald Waterways, Emerald Cruises, is an award-winning deluxe cruise line well known for its great value and contemporary style, offering both river and yacht cruises. Included in an Emerald Cruises vacation is a wonderful selection of dining and beverage options, as well as a selection of shore excursions for when you are exploring on land. Wine, beer and soft drinks are included during lunch and dinner aboard their Star-Ships and their yacht, with complimentary tea and coffee all day long. Bottled water is provided in your room, and is replenished daily. Their onboard cuisine uses local, fresh ingredients, further immersing you into the destination being explored. WiFi is included standard and tipping is included, which are both otherwise significant expenses that you won't have to consider during your vacation.
Part of the MSC Group, Explora Journeys offers the ultimate all-inclusive luxury cruise experience, from architecture and design to technology and features. They are wellness-focused, offering a fantastic variety of experiences in each destination (both onboard and ashore). Explora Journeys offers a variety of beautiful voyages in destinations such as the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Africa & Indian Ocean, Canada & New England, and more.
MSC Cruises is the world's third-largest cruise line with a strong and growing presence in North America and is committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. With 23 ships and over 250 destinations to choose from, guests can enjoy beautifully designed ships with a diverse guest mix. MSC Cruises sails year-round from Miami, Orlando (Port Canaveral), New York City, and Galveston starting November 2025. Many itineraries include late-night and overnight stays at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the only private island marine reserve in The Bahamas. For guests wanting privacy and luxury, most U.S. ships offer the MSC Yacht Club, an exclusive sanctuary at the top of the ship only accessible by key card. MSC Cruises is a great vacation choice for families, with many activities and expansive kids' clubs for kids of all ages. In April 2025, MSC Cruises' newest flagship, MSC World America, will sail from Miami to the Caribbean. Beauty and discovery await with MSC Cruises.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is proud to present Freestyle Cruising, aboard one of the youngest fleets of cruise ships in the world. Enjoy open seating dining, where you can dine whenever and with whomever you wish. Don't want to pack formal wear on your vacation? With the resort casual evening attire, you don't have to! All of the Norwegian ships feature a slew of specialty restaurants and entertainment venues. An NCL cruise is perfect for guests of all ages, and includes complimentary youth programs. Their award-winning entertainment options include Broadway-style production shows, world-class acrobats, and much more. The Haven by Norwegian™, available on select ships, is an exclusive enclave for suite guests staying in NCL's most luxurious accommodations. Some Norwegian cruise ships have Studio accommodations, designed and priced for solo travelers. NCL is the only major cruise line to offer year-round Hawaii cruises.
Formed in 2002 by luxury cruise industry veterans Joe Watters and Frank Del Rio, Oceania Cruises is one of the the world’s leading deluxe cruise lines. The finest cuisine at sea, award-winning itineraries and outstanding value define Oceania Cruises’ five-star product and have positioned the company as the cruise line of choice for travelers seeking a truly refined and casually elegant travel experience.
Experience a different and magical way of cruising. Ponant prides themselves in providing modest-sized yachts that will transport you where most larger ships cannot reach. Included on board are restaurants that prepare the finest in French-inspired cuisine, as well as a well-trained and discreet staff whose goal is to provide you with the best service possible. For those who enjoy the luxurious life, some of their ships have butler service (for guests staying in select suites). All this and so much more is offered, along with all the privacy you could ask for. Come experience cruising "A la Française", the tasteful style of this company.
Princess Cruises has taken cruising to a whole new level, with spacious and accommodating ships packed with amenities. You'll always find the freedom to chart your own course. The Princess fleet includes a variety ships, from mid-sized to large feature-filled vessels, and features a wonderful Personal Choice Dining® program where you can choose between Traditional (assigned) and Anytime (open) dining setups to enjoy their great service and cuisine.
The six small to mid-size ships in Regent Seven Seas' award-winning six-star fleet include the intimate all-suite Seven Seas Navigator, the all-suite, all-balcony sister ships Mariner and Voyager, the all-suite, all-balcony Explorer and Splendor, and the recently introduced Grandeur. Regardless of which ship you choose, you're going to be on a luxurious vessel that's staffed with an ultra-attentive staff and a gourmet all-inclusive setup, in which gratuities, as well as select wines and spirits, are included.
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours is a 5-star luxury cruise line, providing all-inclusive river and ocean journeys through Europe, Asia, Australia, and more. Scenic Luxury provides award-winning service and exceeds expectations of comfort and luxury with a small ship experience. Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has a diverse selection of dining and beverage options, as well as a selection of shore excursions for when you want to explore land. Wine, beer and soft drinks are included aboard their Space-Ships. Bottled water is provided in your room, and is replenished daily. Their onboard cuisine uses local, fresh ingredients, further immersing you into the destination being explored. WiFi and tipping is included, which are both otherwise significant expenses that you won't have to consider during your vacation.
Seabourn is one of the world's most luxurious cruise lines, offering state of the art amenities such as complimentary welcome champagne, open bars, complimentary gourmet dining and personalized service. Since its founding, Seabourn's ultra-luxury ships have consistently ranked among the very best vacation experiences in surveys, polls and the annual honors lists of international guidebooks and travel critics. New for Seabourn in May 2018 was Seabourn Ovation, sister ship to the innovative Seabourn Encore.
Discover a new age of sailing, where the romantic traditions of the past are combined with the modern comforts and amenities of the present. Star Clippers' tall ships are perfect for cruising in casual elegance. On board you will enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, friendly crew, and international cuisine, all in pampered comfort. If you're a boating enthusiast, you can lend a hand hoisting the sails, learn to climb the mast, tie marine knots, or just lay back and let the crew do all the work.
With over 70 years of expertise in extraordinary remote destinations, Swan Hellenic offers a truly unique luxury cruise experience with its brand-new fleet of expedition ships. The company focuses on guests' preferences and needs, environmental safety, and once-in-a-lifetime adventures, proposing enriching cultural expeditions with unforgettable itineraries to Iceland, Greenland, Canada, Antarctica, Lands of the Celts, Lands of the Vikings, and more.
Designed to combine the luxury lifestyle of The Ritz-Carlton® and the untethered freedom of a yachting vacation, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers all-inclusive voyages onboard custom-built yachts. Most voyages range from seven to ten nights, offering many overnight calls and uniquely curated experiences ashore at distinguished destinations. As with The Ritz-Carlton® on land, each yacht will feature personalized service, elevated dining and luxury amenities. All of this is delivered in an intimate setting, with a heightened level of care and attention.
Uniworld, one of America's leaders in river cruise/tour programs to Europe, Portugal, Russia, China, India, and Egypt offers more itineraries on more rivers aboard more ships than any other travel company. Few river cruise lines even come close to offering the quality and diversity of choices you have with Uniworld. With over 500 departures, more than 40 itineraries, and a great crew-to-guest ratio (1 to 3) there is simply no better way to travel.
Viking Ocean Cruises is the sister company of world-renowned Viking River Cruises. This line launched with one vessel, Viking Star, in 2015, with 3 sister ships to follow (in 2016-2017). Itineraries include 10- to 50-day adventures all over Europe. All staterooms on Viking Ocean cruises have a veranda, so you can enjoy the sights and smells of the open ocean at all times. With a concentration on ports with rich heritages and plenty of local experts to learn from, cruises on Viking Ocean Cruises cater to those yearning to learn as they vacation. There's a great value here, with meals, guided shore excursions, WiFi, select beverages, hotel accommodations during city portions of your Viking Ocean Cruises itinerary (if you purchase a cruise tour), as well as lectures and various live performances all being included in the pricing.
Windstar was created with the vision to offer an alternative to the typical cruise or resort vacation. The Windstar passenger sees the world with luxurious accommodations, a casual yet elegant atmosphere, and exquisite service and cuisine. Well known for cruising off the beaten path and pampering without pretense, they sail to exotic locales and hidden harbors that larger ships can't access. Windstar Cruises operates three sailing yachts and three power yachts throughout Europe, the Caribbean, and the Americas.
View
cruise deals on Windstar Cruises from Istanbul, Turkey
Things to do near Istanbul, Turkey
These are just a few of the more popular tourist attractions in Istanbul, along with a brief description:
♦ Mosques
Istanbul is famous for its many places of worship. When spending time in Istanbul before or after your cruise, you can explore its many mosques, temples, and churches. Among the most notable points of interest is The Blue Mosque, which is a 17th century Turkish mosque that serves as the symbol of Istanbul. This mosque also features a carpet museum with many age-old exhibits (perfect for history buffs). There is also the Hagia Sophia, which is part church/mosque and part museum, and showcases Byzantine-era architecture. Topkapi Palace, Suleymaniye Mosque, Dolmabache Palace, and the Basilica Cistern are all other noteworthy religious icons that are worth a visit. Please note that religious sites in Istanbul require a conservative dress code, so it is important to pack accordingly if you plan to visit these landmarks.
♦ Bazaars
Bazaars are another staple of Istanbul! You can find all sorts of unique goods, such as fresh produce, leather goods, colorful carpets, handmade jewelry, and more! One of the most popular markets is the Grand Bazaar, whose operations date all the way back to the 1400s. Another must-visit bazaar is the famous Spice Market, where you can take in the aromatic fragrance of many different spices from around the world! Book lovers will be blown away by the Sahaflar Carisi (or Beyazit Book Bazaar), where you can peruse hundreds of titles from the Quran to ancient texts, atlases, and more! While some markets only open once a week, many are available every day of the week, so if you plan on visiting any bazaars, ensure that you confirm their operating hours.
♦ Local Cuisine
Istanbul is a fabulous city where your taste buds can go on a cultural adventure, too! The culinary scene dates back all the way to the Ottoman Empire, so it also comes with a history lesson, too! Some of the local staples include rice, lamb, chicken and eggplant, which comes prepared in a variety of ways. Sandwiches and kebabs are a popular style of street food. You can discover plenty of local foods at many of the bazaars, and there are a few nice restaurants in town. Don’t forget to satisfy your sweet tooth with some mouthwatering dessert specialties, such as baklava or milk pudding!
Average Monthly Weather for Istanbul, Turkey
Temperature
Average monthly high and low temperatures. Values are in Fahrenheit (switch to Celsius):
The information above is provided for informational purposes only. Monthly statistics are based on the most recent instance of that month. Weather is subject to change and cannot be guaranteed. The data is provided by a third-party and we accept no liability regarding its accuracy.