After a long pause, today, Ege Port Kuşadası, part of Global Ports Holding network of ports, welcomed its first cruise vessel Blue Sapphire cruise ship. 300 guests arrived and brightened the day at the Port & City of Kuşadası.
Blue Sapphire operated by Selectum Blu Cruises arrived this morning, September 2nd , with its 300 passengers, welcomed with a grand water salute by Ege Port Kuşadası’s Tugboat and an excited crowd at the port. The call of this cruise ship has marked the start of the cruise season in Kuşadası and Turkey.
The cruise passengers were welcomed by Ege Port Kuşadası with a great show of a marching band and folk-dance team courtesy of the Municipality of Kuşadası. All the while Kuşadası Chamber of Commerce presented local souvenirs to the passengers.
“We are delighted to see a cruise ship with passengers after such a long break here in Kuşadası. It has been a tough two years for those in the travel industry of Turkey and today the wait is over. We are finally welcoming our cruise guests with delightful festivities.” commented Aziz Güngör Ege Port Kuşadası General Manager and Global Ports Holding Regional Director for East Med.
“We will be hosting the Blue Sapphire for the next 13 weeks at our port. This is not only a major starting for us but all of Kuşadası. The cruise industry in Turkey creates many economic benefits. It is not only a key part of the travel industry but also a main support to local merchants, both small and large. As Ege Port Kuşadası, we hope to welcome more cruise ships and passengers and continue to represent the city of Kuşadası and Turkey.” Said Güngör.
Ege Port Kuşadası, one of the busiest cruise ports in Eastern Mediterranean, part of the Global Ports Holding network of ports, is the gateway to the world-famous ancient city of Ephesus and the House of Virgin Mary. The Port has been awarded with Safe Travels (WTTC) and Safe Tourism (TÜV) certificates since 2021 and has established protocols to secure the health & safety of all its passengers and visitors.
