After a series of terrorist attacks and an attempted coup this summer, Turkey’s tourism industry has suffered significant setbacks. As a result, major cruise operators have revised their 2017 schedules: Carnival Corporation’s Cunard Line and P&O Cruises announced they will cancel all port calls to Turkey next year, citing ongoing security concerns.
Both cruise lines have substituted calls in Turkey with alternative ports in Greece and Albania. Cunard and P&O are part of a broader trend: several cruise companies halted visits to Turkey earlier in the year as risks escalated.
“After careful consideration, we have taken the decision to remove Turkey from all itineraries in 2017 for both Cunard and P&O Cruises, based upon various sources including advice given by the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office,” Carnival Corporation said in a statement.
Earlier this year, other operators including Disney Cruise Line, Crystal Cruises and MSC Cruises announced the cancellation of all Turkish calls after the situation deteriorated in July.
Government travel advisories have amplified industry concerns. The U.S. State Department has warned Americans about increased threats throughout Turkey and specifically advises avoiding travel to the southeast of the country. The UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office recommends staying at least 10 kilometers away from the Syrian border. In addition, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration temporarily banned flights operated by U.S. aircraft to and from Turkey in July.
“U.S. citizens should avoid travel to southeast Turkey and carefully consider the risks of travel to and throughout the country,” the U.S. State Department stated in a travel warning issued Oct. 29.
These developments have reshaped cruise itineraries and prompted travelers and operators to seek safer alternatives in the region. While some ports remain open and popular, the industry continues monitoring security and government guidance when planning routes and advising passengers.