Istanbul - Disembarkation Time

[McMer]

Hi All! We have an upcoming cruise on Mariner in a few months which ends in Istanbul. We arrive at 6:00am and are planning to spend a few days in Istanbul. I know that we need a visa, and Regent is handling that for us, but I'm wondering if that will complicate and/or delay our disembarkation. We'd like to fit in a full day of touring, so does anyone have a guess as to what time we could have a tour car to pick us up?

[Wendy The Wanderer]

It's been a few years, but I remember our disembarkation happening very smoothly with no particular delay because of visas. Can't comment on a safe time to be picked up for a tour, although I would imagine 9 a.m. would be perfectly safe. Enjoy Istanbul, it's a wonderful city.

[RachelG]

Istanbul is easy. You just walk off the ship whenever you want. The visa is already in your passport. We disembarked for the airport at 6 am last time we were there. But you can get off anytime you want. There will be no holdup for customs.

[ChatKat in Ca.]

You also really don't want a car for touring. Parking is a nightmare. If you are staying there, go to your hotel and drop off your luggage (you also don't want to leave it in a car!) - it's a walking town

[ptiprof]

McMer--we are on the same cruise. I contacted my hotel to see what the best transportation option would be. They said to take a cab from the port and the cost should be around 10 euros. We will do just that--grab a cab as early as possible, take the luggage to our hotel (near Topkapi Palace), grab the guidebooks, and hit the streets. Can't wait!

[McMer]

Thanks everyone for the info. We've been there before and seen many of the main sights, so we thought we would try for some different sights this time. I can't remember and wasn't really paying attention before, but am I correct in assuming that we will dock at Karakoy-Yolcu Salonu?