Bosphorus Lunch Cruise — Menu, Prices & What's Included

While the dinner cruise gets most of the attention, the Bosphorus lunch cruise is a hidden favourite among experienced Istanbul travellers. The reason is simple: daylight. During a lunch cruise, you see the Bosphorus in full natural light — the marble of <a href='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolmabah%C3%A7e_Palace' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Dolmabahce Palace</a> gleams white against the blue sky, the green gardens of the waterfront yalis are vivid, and both shorelines are visible in crisp detail that evening cruises cannot match. The lunch cruise departs at midday when the sun is high, eliminating the glare issues that can affect morning photography. The 3-hour duration is comfortable without being exhausting — long enough to enjoy a full meal and see the major landmarks, short enough to leave your afternoon free. For families with young children, the lunch timing aligns with natural energy levels far better than an evening departure. For older travellers who prefer not to be out late, the lunch cruise delivers the full Bosphorus experience with an early-afternoon return. According to <a href='https://www.tursab.org.tr/en' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>TURSAB</a> survey data, lunch cruise passengers report the highest satisfaction scores among all Bosphorus cruise types, largely because daytime conditions allow the clearest views of the landmarks that define the experience.

The MerrySails lunch cruise menu showcases authentic Turkish cuisine prepared fresh on board. The meal begins with a mezze selection — hummus, ezme (spicy tomato dip), haydari (yoghurt with herbs), stuffed vine leaves, and freshly baked pide bread. The main course offers a choice between grilled sea bass (levrek), lamb kebab, or chicken shish, accompanied by pilav (buttered rice), seasonal grilled vegetables, and a fresh shepherd's salad. Vegetarian options are available on request — aubergine dishes, lentil kofte, and stuffed peppers are popular alternatives. Dessert features traditional Turkish baklava or seasonal fresh fruit. Beverages include unlimited Turkish tea, coffee, water, and soft drinks. Alcoholic drinks (Turkish wine, Efes beer, raki) are available for purchase separately. The menu rotates seasonally — spring and summer menus emphasise fresh fish and salads, while autumn and winter menus include heartier options like slow-cooked lamb and lentil soup. Special dietary requirements (halal, kosher, gluten-free, vegan) can be accommodated with 48 hours advance notice.

The lunch cruise follows the scenic southern Bosphorus route, departing from Eminonu pier at 12:00 and sailing north along the European shore. Within the first 30 minutes, you pass the Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, and the charming Ortakoy neighbourhood. Lunch is served as you approach the first Bosphorus Bridge — the timing is deliberate, so you dine with the bridge and Asian shore as your backdrop. The cruise continues past Beylerbeyi Palace on the Asian side and approaches Rumeli Fortress at the strait's narrowest point. The return journey follows the Asian shore, passing Anadolu Hisari, Kandilli, and Cengelkoy — picturesque waterfront villages with colourful wooden houses. The Maiden's Tower appears on the final approach back to Eminonu, providing a perfect end to the sailing. Total landmarks passed: 12–15 major sites depending on the exact route and conditions. English-speaking commentary runs throughout, pausing during meal service and resuming for major landmarks. The captain adjusts speed near the most photogenic locations, giving passengers time to photograph. Return to Eminonu is approximately 15:00, leaving the full afternoon for other Istanbul activities.

Both cruises offer excellent value, but they serve different needs. The lunch cruise (€45, 3 hours) provides clearer views, natural light photography, and a daytime schedule that suits families. The dinner cruise (€65, 3.5 hours) adds live entertainment (music, belly dance, whirling dervish), the magical illuminated skyline, hotel pickup and drop-off, and unlimited local alcoholic drinks. If your priority is seeing the Bosphorus landmarks in detail, the lunch cruise wins — daylight reveals architectural details that darkness hides. If your priority is an evening experience with entertainment and atmosphere, the dinner cruise is unbeatable. Budget-conscious travellers should note that the lunch cruise at €45 is the most comprehensive Bosphorus experience under €50 — it includes a full meal, 3 hours of sailing, and commentary. For the price of a mediocre restaurant meal in Sultanahmet, you get Turkish cuisine on the water with a panoramic view. Both cruises include the same core Bosphorus landmarks. The dinner cruise adds €20 but includes hotel transfer, entertainment, and drinks — a premium many visitors find worthwhile.

The MerrySails Bosphorus lunch cruise departs daily at 12:00 from Eminonu pier, returning at approximately 15:00. Pricing starts from €45 per person, which includes the full Turkish lunch, non-alcoholic beverages, English commentary, and 3 hours of Bosphorus sailing. Children under 6 travel free; ages 6–12 receive a 30% discount. Book online through the MerrySails website for guaranteed seating and best-price assurance — third-party booking sites typically charge €55–65 for the same experience. Confirmation is sent immediately by email. Arrive at Eminonu pier 15 minutes before departure to check in and choose your seat — outdoor deck seats are allocated first-come first-served, while indoor window seats can be reserved in advance for an additional €5. Dress comfortably — smart casual is perfectly appropriate. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen for summer sailings. A light jacket is recommended even in warm months, as the sea breeze on deck is cooler than expected. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure. The lunch cruise operates year-round, with reduced frequency (Friday–Sunday only) from November to March.