After a long hiatus, Ege Port Kuşadası, part of the Global Ports Holding port network, welcomed its first cruise ship, the Blue Sapphire, today. Three hundred guests arrived and brightened the day in the Port and City of Kuşadası.
The Blue Sapphire, operated by Selectum Blu Cruises, arrived this morning with its 300 passengers, greeted with a grand water salute by the Ege Port Kuşadası tugboat and an excited crowd at the port. The arrival of this cruise ship marks the start of the cruise season in Kuşadası and Türkiye.
The cruise passengers were also welcomed with a spectacular performance by a brass band and a folk dance troupe, courtesy of the Kuşadası City Council. Meanwhile, the Kuşadası Chamber of Commerce distributed local souvenirs to the passengers.
“We are delighted to welcome a cruise ship with passengers after such a long hiatus here in Kuşadası. It has been a tough two years for Turkey’s tourism sector, and today the wait is over. We are finally welcoming our cruise ship guests with delightful celebrations,” commented Aziz Güngör Ege, General Manager and Global Ports Holding Regional Director for East Med.
“We will be hosting the Blue Sapphire for the next 13 weeks in our port. This is not only a great start for us, but for all of Kuşadası. The cruise sector in Turkey generates many economic benefits. It is not only a key part of the travel industry, but also a major support for local businesses, both small and large. From Ege Port Kuşadası, we look forward to welcoming more cruise ships and passengers and continuing to represent the city of Kuşadası and Turkey,” said Güngör.
Ege Port Kuşadası, one of the busiest cruise ports in the Eastern Mediterranean and part of the Global Ports Holding network, is the gateway to the world-famous ancient city of Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary. The port has held Safe Travels (WTTC) and Safe Tourism (TÜV) certifications since 2021 and has implemented protocols to ensure the health and safety of all its passengers and visitors
