Today, I am showing the new cruise port terminal, in Istanbul……it is quite impressive. However, we were worn out by the time we got to the ship…. First, I am showing some photos of the streets of Istanbul in different neighborhoods, so you can see how the older shops and restaurants are laid out.

I like this photo, because it reveals how the restaurants are layered and open.

We didn’t know what to expect at the new cruise terminal……..what a place! The new five-berth cruise port is part of a waterfront complex of marina, hotels and shops about four miles away from the Golden Horn. The new terminal is underground and HUGE with mega security. The lowest level allows buses to come in and drop off passengers, if they have the proper security clearances. At the first checkpoint, before the bus goes underground, armed security guards enter the bus with their bomb-sniffing dogs. After the bus is cleared, it can pass the check point and go underground.

Here, you can see the bus terminal drop off area. The terminal is five cruise ships in length; a long , long, long, long row. How far down the row you are, depends on where your ship is parked in the row.  And, here is where the drama started.

After our luggage was taken off the bus it went through another screening and x-ray. You were not allowed to leave this area, until you were matched with your luggage and both your luggage and you were scanned again. Only then, would they allow you inside the terminal doors.

Then we walked and walked and came to another screening area.

After going through this checkpoint, we went up the escalator to the next floor. This photo is looking back at what we just came up!

Then we walked some more………..mind you we are walking along a row of five parked cruise ships, you just can’t see them from here! Walking is one-way only……you are going either going in or coming out and the corridors are kept separate.

Then we came to another check point…….just keep out your passport and cruise documents, by the time you put them away, you’ll need to get them out again!

Finally, to the Cruise Check in Points, where we got our ships documents to board.

And then to Passport Control! Show all that stuff one more time! Passport, Covid records, Medical insurance and Ship documents……………..

Then to the checkpoint, where only cruise document verification was allowed or you didn’t go any further…..

YOU MEAN WE HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE ENTIRE DUTY FREE STORE NOW? What? I was so pooped from walking, I could have cared less!

Are they serious? Are we finally almost there?

Another gangway, but at least I can see blue sky! How many floors have I gone up? How many ships have I walked by? All five? I think so!

And, then another loooooong stroll to finally board!

Yikes, I just want to sit down and have a drink, maybe three! Then, I took a gander at the view from the ship!

A view of just a teeny part of the cruise port, where the ships line up for boarding and departure.

Another view from the ship………..

Here are some of the new buildings around the terminal. Below that walkway, is the terminal itself, all the many layers! There are many businesses trying to get into this area of high-end shops and restaurants and it is the place that is hopping in Istanbul………..

Another look from the ship; the many roof top gardens on the new business buildings. All very upscale!

Well, I feel as if I got my exercise in today and I am ready to set sail! See you again in two and a half weeks, Istanbul! Next time I’ll be prepared for the long walk!