Kusadasi welcomes the Blue Sapphire, the first cruise ship since the pandemic – Cruise Industry News

After a long hiatus, Ege Port Kusadasi welcomed its first cruise ship, the Blue Sapphire sailing for Turkey-based cruise line Selectum Blu Cruises. The ship was formerly known as the Saga Sapphire sailing for Saga.

The Blue Sapphire carried 300 guests on arrival at the port of Kusadasi, which is part of the Global Ports Holding network of ports.

According to a press release, the ship was greeted with a big salute on the water by the tugboat of Ege Port Kusadasi and an excited crowd at the port. The stopover of this cruise ship marked the start of the cruise season in Kusadası and Turkey.

Cruise passengers were greeted by Ege Port Kusadasi with a great performance of a marching band and folk dance team offered by the Municipality of Kusadasi. The Kusadasi Chamber of Commerce presented local souvenirs to passengers.

“We are delighted to see a cruise ship with passengers after such a long break here in Kusadasi. It has been two difficult years for professionals in the travel industry in Turkey and today the wait is over. We finally welcome our cruise passengers with delicious festivities, ”commented Aziz Güngör, Managing Director of Ege Port Kusadasi and Regional Director of Global Ports Holding for East Med.

“We will be hosting the Blue Sapphire for the next 13 weeks in our port. This is not only a major start for us, but for all of Kusadasi. The cruise industry in Turkey creates many economic benefits. It is not only a key part of the travel industry, but also the main support for local traders large and small. As Age Port Kusadasi, we hope to welcome more cruise ships and passengers and continue to represent the city of Kusadasi and Turkey, ”added Güngör.

Ege Port Kusadasi, one of the busiest cruise ports in the eastern Mediterranean, is the gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary. According to the press release, since 2021, the port has obtained Safe Travels (WTTC) and Safe Tourism (TÜV) certificates, as well as established protocols to ensure the health and safety of all its passengers and visitors.