Cruises from Istanbul, Turkey

Bosphorus Views. Historic Mosques.

There's a new aura of excitement in Istanbul these days, as this center of the Ottoman empire has become one the world's focal points for art, fashion, haute cuisine and nightlife. Of course there's always an abundance of ancient monuments and grand mosques with stunning frescoes to see here, like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Head to any park and you'll see why tulips have long been the symbol of this city. Explore more of Istanbul on a Middle Eastern cruise!

Exciting Shore Excursions

Immerse yourself in authentic experiences with our Shore Excursions, expertly guided by locals.

Snapshots of Istanbul

A visual preview of the amazing sites that await you.

Suleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul.

Stunning Dolmabahce Palace.

Beylerbeyi Palace was the summer palace of the Ottoman Sultans.

Beautiful view of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey

Hagia Sophia in Istanbul Old City.

The Kariye Mosque.

Travel Tips & Interesting Info

Uncover Hidden Gems & Fun Facts

Famous For

Known for its Byzantine art, bustling bazaars, lavish palaces and exotic food, Istanbul has thousands of years of history to see with just a leisurely stroll.

Exquisite Flavors

Be sure to try succulent kebabs, aromatic Turkish delight, and freshly caught seafood. Istanbul's street food, like simit and balık ekmek, is a must, offering crisp and flaky pastries.

Famous Hagia Sophia Mosque (Ayasofya) at summer sky with cloudy dahlia flowers in Sultanahmet Park, Istanbul, Turkey

Fun Facts

Don't miss the Hagia Sophia, built in 537 CE, which was the largest church in the world for 900 years before the Seville Cathedral was built.

Port Name & Location

Port of Istanbul
Ship will DOCK at this port.

Language

The local language is Turkish. Say "hello" in Turkisy: "merhaba."

Time Zone

EET (Eastern European Time)
UTC/GMT +2 hours

Currency & Shopping

Turkish Lira (TRY)
Native crafts, jewellery, leather goods and ceramics.

Majestic Hagia Sophia Museum

Istanbul's Hagia Sophia invites you to uncover its historic splendor. This architectural gem seamlessly fuses Byzantine and Islamic art, providing a rare peek into ages of history and culture. Admire its breathtaking mosaics and grand dome. Essential for anyone fascinated by Istanbul's historical mosaic.

Hagia Sophia domes and minarets in the old town of Istanbul, Turkey, on sunset

Wonders of the Grand Bazaar

Istanbul's Grand Bazaar offers a vibrant glimpse into Turkish commerce and culture. This historic market brims with artisan jewelry, fragrant spices, and unique treasures, making it a must-visit destination for experiencing Istanbul's lively essence.

Featured Istanbul Itineraries

See Itineraries

Learn More about Istanbul

7 Food & Wine Tours to Enjoy on Your Greek Isles Cruise

When you book a cruise to Greece with Norwegian, you’ll find no shortage of things to see and do in each beautiful port. That includes the sampling of delicious Greek cuisine. Let's explore some of the food & wine tours you can enjoy in the Greek Isles.

Observation Lounge couple strolling-Alaska.

Cruise Tips: What to Expect on Embarkation Day

If you're reading this article, then most likely your cruise vacation date with Norwegian is quickly sailing your way! Embarkation day is very exciting and involves a lot of moving parts as guests check in and board, luggage is delivered to staterooms, and you get settled in and explore the ship. One of the many great things about sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line is that they have worked hard to ensure that the embarkation process goes as smoothly as possible.

What to Pack for Your Cruise

What to Pack for your Cruise Vacation: Packing list and other considerations.

Cruises From Istanbul, Turkey