If you’ve ever sailed to Istanbul, you know how chaotic and inaccessible the docks where cruise ships formerly tied up could be.
The newly opened Galataport Istanbul aims to be a seamless cruise port, cultural and lifestyle destination on the Bosporus. The facility built for up to three cruises ships officially opened Oct. 1 with the arrival of SeaDream II.
“We have dedicated ourselves to creating a welcoming, safe and remarkable visitor experience for all passengers in our world-class cruise facilities and to providing a wealth of lifestyle experiences for our guests to enjoy while staying in port. said Figen Ayan, Galataport Istanbul chief port officer. Characterized as a “main port,” the hope is that he new facility will revolutionize cruise ship tourism over a large area from the Mediterranean basin to the Black Sea, he added.
The cruise facilities including the world’s first underground cruise ship terminal, capable of accommodating up to 15,000 passengers a day, and ships as large as the Oasis-class that carry 8,000 passengers including crew. A unique hatch system creates a temporary customs area while ships are in port but then converts into a promenade after a ship departs. It opens an area that has been closed to public access for 200 years.
The $1.7 billion Galataport project, covers a three-quarter mile stretch of coastline on the Bosporus, and is designed as a destination for city residents as well. It includes a a Renzo Piano-designed new Istanbul Modern museum building of contemporary and modern arts as well as Mimar Sinan University of Fine Arts Istanbul Museum of Painting and Sculpture.
Its centerpiece is Tophane Square, with a restored clock tower dating back to 1848. Additional historical buildings are undergoing restorations that will preserve the heritage of the area. A 177-room The Peninsula Istanbul hotel will open in 2022.
