Starting your cruise trip from Istanbul, the correct terminal information is the foundation of your transport plan. In a large city, build the connection between the airport, hotel and port according to your ship's name and boarding document. Ask at the outset whether "İstanbul hareketli" refers to the start of your flight or to boarding the ship.
Recognize the Galataport passenger terminal correctly
The official port presentation of Galataport explains that baggage, passport and customs procedures for cruise passengers are carried out in the underground terminal. Reaching the waterfront area and reaching the passenger entrance where boarding procedures take place are not the same step. Follow the passenger entrance and directions in your sailing documents.
For MSC and Costa, check whether it is a departure or a port call
For an MSC program connected to Istanbul, check the ship and date information separately; for Costa, check Istanbul's position on the route separately. A port presentation or an old program title does not guarantee that boarding from Istanbul is possible on your desired date. Request in writing the starting and ending ports of the sailing you choose.
Consider the airport and city transport together
Do not complete your transfer plan before deciding which airport you will use. Allow time for traffic, baggage and entry to the terminal; do not use the ship's departure time as your target arrival time. If you choose public transport, learn about the need to transfer with luggage; if you choose a private transfer, learn the passenger drop-off and meeting point.
Plan the return separately for a one-way cruise
For a sailing that starts in Istanbul and ends in another country, check whether the return flight and transfer are included in your offer. Likewise, for a ship tour ending in Istanbul, take into account that transfer from the port to the airport will take time until departure procedures are completed. Do not compare one-way and round-trip programs only by the number of nights.
Add the city visit after the boarding plan
Pre-cruise accommodation in Istanbul can be an enjoyable part of your journey. Set up your hotel, luggage drop-off and city visit plan according to the current boarding window. The time set aside for exploring the terminal surroundings does not replace your check-in procedures for the ship. Keep your identity and travel documents in a hand luggage you can reach.
You can explore the options under the Cruise Tours category, and get information from the Güven Travel team for programs and availability for your departure date.
Related guides: MSC Cruise Guide: Travel Planning from Kuşadası and Istanbul · Costa Cruise Guide: How to Choose Route, Ship and Departure Port?.
