A Turkish shipping company is starting to operate a passenger line from Istanbul to Burgas. The sailing will be done on a luxury catamaran. The first course is scheduled for October 11th. The main passengers expected on the maiden voyage are Turkish citizens. Until the end of the year, 6 trial voyages are scheduled at promotional prices of 60 euros in both directions. The stay in the seaside town will be one day, BNR specified.
The idea of this important project for tourism and our economy is that from April next year, the cruise ships that dock in Istanbul will include Burgas and the region in their one-day excursions. Catamarans of a large Turkish shipping company will be used for this purpose. They are luxurious and have 423 seats.
The first sailing is already being prepared – on October 11th. Some of the tickets have already been sold. This will be a trial voyage, explained Panayot Zolumov, owner of the Bulgarian shipping agency, which is a partner of the Turkish tour operators. He is optimistic about the development of this sea passenger line. The reasons: we will not rely only on Bulgarians and Turks, and the trip will be offered as part of tourist packages.
This is not the first time attempts have been made to establish a sea connection between Burgas and Istanbul. The last unsuccessful attempt was in 2018, when a small catamaran sailed from Burgas to the Turkish Black Sea town of Ineada. It was then realized that such a project was difficult to implement with smaller vessels. However, now the situation is different, assures Panayot Zolumov.
"Extremely serious companies are behind this project."
From April, the line is expected to become regular, and the Turkish shipping company plans to sail 2-3 times a week, but only during the summer months. Thus, passengers who want to stay more than one day will be facilitated for their return.
The price from next year will be 70 euros. The journey lasts about 4 hours.