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Istanbul: when your ship stops here

A great domed church turned mosque, the Blue Mosque across the square, and one of the oldest covered markets.

Facts checked Nov 5, 2026, each with its source. No prices on this page.

Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey, with over 15 million people, and it sits on both sides of the Bosphorus, between Europe and Asia. A cruise port guide says ships dock at the Galataport terminals at Karakoy, on the Bosphorus near the Galata Tower, in a cruise port that opened in August 2021, and that the Galata Bridge is a 10 minute walk from the terminal.

Sources: Wikipedia: Istanbul; CruiseMapper (a cruise port guide site): Istanbul

Top 3 things to do

  1. 1. Hagia Sophia

    Completed in AD 537 as a church, it became the world's largest interior space and is considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture. It was a church from 360 to 1453, a mosque after that, a museum from 1935 to 2020, and was made a mosque again in 2020.

    Tip: It is a mosque now. Our sources give no visiting hours or rules, so check them locally.

    Source: Wikipedia: Hagia Sophia

  2. 2. The Blue Mosque

    The Sultan Ahmed Mosque was built from 1609 to 1617 and has six minarets. Inside, thousands of Iznik tiles in mostly blue give it its popular name. It stands across from Hagia Sophia, next to the former Hippodrome.

    Tip: Because the two stand opposite each other, they fit into one walk. Our sources give no visiting hours.

    Source: Wikipedia: Blue Mosque

  3. 3. The Grand Bazaar

    One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops. Building began in the winter of 1455 to 1456. It can be reached by tram from Sultanahmet and Sirkeci, at the Beyazit-Kapalicarsi stop.

    Tip: Our sources give no tram times or opening hours, so plan your way back to the ship with room to spare.

    Source: Wikipedia: Grand Bazaar, Istanbul

What to skip

  • Planning to walk to the big sights

    A cruise port guide says the big sights are across the Galata Bridge, and lists the tram from the Findikli stop near the port to Sultanahmet (Blue Mosque), Topkapi, Eminonu and Beyazit. It gives no ride times, so ask your ship before you set a plan.

    Source: CruiseMapper (a cruise port guide site): Istanbul

Before you go ashore

You do not have to book a tour: you are free to go ashore on your own. Royal Caribbean sets the all aboard time about 30 minutes before the ship sails, posts it near the gangway, and says the ship does not wait for guests touring on their own.

Source: Royal Caribbean FAQ: Do I need to book a shore excursion?

Back-to-backs that stop in Istanbul

Back-to-back cruises from these home ports have a stop in Istanbul, from the Royal Caribbean sailings we track:

Sources

Read on Nov 5, 2026. Opening days, hours and rules change: check with the place itself before you go. legtolegcruises.com is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by Royal Caribbean International or any place named here.

Find back-to-backs that stop in Istanbul

Two or more Royal Caribbean cruises in a row, with a day in Istanbul on the way.

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