MSC Cruise Guide: Kuşadası and Istanbul Departure Travel Planning

19-10-2026 Cruise Travel Guide
MSC Cruise Guide: Kuşadası and Istanbul Departure Travel Planning

If you are considering a cruise holiday with MSC, your first decision should not be only which countries you will visit. Whether you board from Kuşadası or Istanbul, where the voyage ends, and which ship you will sail on also change your plan. When comparing similar route names, read the departure date and the daily schedule side by side.

Read the MSC name and the ship name together

MSC is a cruise brand; ship names such as Divina, Lirica and Fantasia identify a specific vessel. Do not assume that a cabin layout, public areas or services of one ship apply to another MSC ship. Start your selection by writing down the ship and date information first.

Kuşadası or Istanbul?

When weighing Kuşadası and Istanbul as alternative starting points, first ask whether the sailing you chose accepts passengers from that port. A port appearing in the itinerary alone does not mean your booking starts there. The calling port and the embarkation port can be different.

For Istanbul, get the terminal name from your embarkation document; for Kuşadası, get the passenger entry point. Make your flight, hotel and transfer decisions only with this information in hand. A package starting from a city through an agency may not mean you will board the ship in that same city.

Make the same comparison for cabins and packages

For inside, outside and balcony cabin offers, check the cabin code, number of guests and bed arrangement. State any view obstruction, location or connecting-cabin needs before booking. For drinks, internet, service charges and shore excursions, read each offer's own included and excluded list.

Note the embarkation and disembarkation ports separately

On itineraries where one direction is in Turkey and the other is in another country, the return flight and transfer may need to be planned separately. Look at the number of nights as well as days; the embarkation and disembarkation days may not be full sightseeing days. Finalize your leave and accommodation plans once the times in the schedule are clear.

Quick check before booking

  • Are the ship, date, and embarkation and disembarkation ports all stated in the same offer?
  • Is the cabin code and total price for all passengers clear?
  • Is the scope of flights, transfers and additional expenses written down?
  • Have document requirements and embarkation notice been checked for the chosen sailing?

To get to know the ship options, review MSC's official ship and itinerary page, and evaluate the schedule for your own departure date together with your booking document.

You can browse options in the Cruise Ship Tours category, and ask the Güven Travel team for the schedule and availability for your departure date.

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Frequently Asked Questions

GÜVENTUR offers Lesvos tours and ferry services from Dikili, Ayvalık, Akçay and Aliağa. Available departure ports and sailing times vary by season and programme; check the details of your chosen trip before booking.

Options include day trips, 2 days / 1 night and 3 days / 2 nights. Please be at the port at least one hour before departure for check-in and passport procedures, and follow any earlier reporting time stated on your ticket.

The Greek island facilitated-entry visa scheme is intended for eligible Turkish citizens travelling by sea from Türkiye to participating Greek islands. It requires an application and approval; it is not a visa that every traveller can obtain simply by arriving at the port.

Contact GÜVENTUR before booking to confirm whether the scheme is operating for your travel dates, the permitted stay, fees, required documents and submission deadline. Prepare your passport copy, biometric photographs, financial documents, return ferry booking and accommodation details as requested. Entry remains subject to the Greek authorities’ decision.

Browse the Lesvos tours or ferry tickets on the GÜVENTUR website. Open the product details, choose an available date and departure port, and review the programme, inclusions and conditions before completing your booking.

For help choosing a trip or checking availability, contact GÜVENTUR through the website’s contact or WhatsApp options. Your booking confirmation will include the relevant travel and document instructions.

The file generally includes a valid passport and copy, recent biometric photographs, the completed and signed application form, financial documents, a return ferry booking and accommodation confirmation. Additional documents may be required for your circumstances.

Ask GÜVENTUR for the current checklist and submission deadline before preparing your file. Passport validity, blank pages, photograph requirements and supporting documents must meet the Greek authorities’ current rules. Submitting documents does not guarantee visa approval or entry.

Travellers must carry a valid passport and meet the entry requirements applicable to their nationality and passport type. Turkish citizens holding ordinary passports generally need a valid Schengen visa or an approved visa under the Greek island facilitated-entry scheme, where available.

Visa exemptions apply to certain Turkish special, service and diplomatic passport holders. These rules do not apply automatically to travellers of other nationalities. Confirm your eligibility and current document requirements before booking; GÜVENTUR can assist with document checks and the application process.

GÜVENTUR can help arrange car rental on Lesvos. Port or hotel collection may be available, depending on the rental company, vehicle availability and your booking.

Book in advance, especially in busy periods. Before confirming, check the accepted driving licence, minimum age, deposit, insurance, collection point and return conditions with the rental provider. Turkish-language support is available through GÜVENTUR.

GÜVENTUR offers day trips, 2-day tours with 1 night and 3-day tours with 2 nights on Lesvos. Day trips usually return on the same day; overnight programmes allow more time to explore the island.

Depending on the itinerary, visits may include Molyvos, Petra, Plomari or Agiasos. Not every programme visits every destination. Check the selected tour page for the exact itinerary, accommodation, departure times and included services.

Children and infants need their own valid travel documents and must be included in the ferry booking. Visa requirements depend on the child’s nationality and passport type; being a child does not by itself create a visa exemption.

Child and infant fares, age limits and any visa-related charges vary by operator and programme. Check the selected trip and contact GÜVENTUR about the documents needed for minors, including any consent or accompanying-adult requirements.