About the Port
Set on Turkey's southwestern coast, Bodrum occupies the ancient site of Halicarnassus, once home to the Mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, built for the ruler Mausolus in the fourth century BC. Bodrum Castle, raised by the Knights of St. John in the fifteenth century, still anchors the harbor and now houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, with treasures recovered from Aegean shipwrecks on display. The castle sits an easy walk from the pier, making it a natural first stop for those exploring on foot.
Beyond its layered history, Bodrum thrives as a modern seaside town, its twin bays lined with marinas, whitewashed houses, and a lively waterfront promenade. Turquoise waters and pebbly beaches draw visitors for swimming and sailing, while cafes and shops keep the harborfront animated well into the evening. The blend of ancient ruins and contemporary energy gives the port a character distinct along Turkey's Aegean coast.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Bodrum.
Explore Bodrum Castle
Wander the fortress ramparts and towers built by the Knights of St. John, then browse the Museum of Underwater Archaeology's shipwreck treasures inside; an easy walk from the pier and worth an hour or two.
See the Mausoleum Ruins
Visit the foundations of the ancient Wonder built for Mausolus, now an open-air site with scattered marble fragments and a small on-site museum explaining its original scale and grandeur.
Stroll the Harbor Promenade
Follow the waterfront path linking the twin bays, past marinas, whitewashed houses, and cafes, for a relaxed look at Bodrum's contemporary seaside character between historic stops.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit Bodrum
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 16, 2026 | Silversea | Silver Nova | 7 | $9,180 | |
| Aug 22, 2026 | Emerald Yachts | Emerald Azzurra | 7 | $19,860 | |
| Aug 30, 2026 | Silversea | Silver Nova | 7 | $6,223 | |
| Aug 30, 2026 | Crystal | Crystal Serenity | 23 | $17,100 | |
| Sep 8, 2026 | Lindblad Expeditions | NG Orion | 10 | $9,359 | |
| Sep 10, 2026 | Virgin Voyages | Scarlet Lady | 10 | $2,090 | |
| Sep 13, 2026 | Silversea | Silver Nova | 7 | $7,600 | |
| Sep 15, 2026 | Crystal | Crystal Serenity | 4 | $5,400 | |
| Sep 15, 2026 | Crystal | Crystal Serenity | 7 | $6,000 | |
| Sep 18, 2026 | Lindblad Expeditions | NG Orion | 10 | $11,525 | |
| Sep 20, 2026 | Virgin Voyages | Scarlet Lady | 7 | $1,540 | |
| Sep 23, 2026 | Holland America | Oosterdam | 10 | $1,479 | |
| Sep 24, 2026 | Ritz Carlton | Evrima | 6 | $39,600 | |
| Sep 27, 2026 | Virgin Voyages | Scarlet Lady | 7 | $1,680 | |
| Oct 3, 2026 | Windstar | Star Legend | 16 | $8,128 | |
| Oct 5, 2026 | Royal Caribbean | Brilliance of the Seas | 7 | $1,934 | |
| Oct 8, 2026 | Holland America | Volendam | 45 | $6,224 | |
| Oct 8, 2026 | Holland America | Volendam | 48 | $6,724 | |
| Oct 10, 2026 | Emerald Yachts | Emerald Azzurra | 17 | $16,290 | |
| Oct 10, 2026 | Emerald Yachts | Emerald Azzurra | 7 | $6,960 |
Showing the next 20 of 195 upcoming departures. Browse them all in cruise search → or call 800-528-9300 for today's best pricing.