Istanbul Dinner Cruise — Local services in Istanbul

My wife and I booked a yacht cruise (for up to 10 people) with this company. However, they tried to aggressively scam us, and I had to be very persistent to get a refund. First of all, the meeting place that had been indicated was not the right one. We were alone at the indicated location, and after calling the contact, we had to rush to where he was. But that's not the most important thing... He then asked us to pay him, even though we had already paid online, and made us wait 45 minutes with about 30 other passengers. As I had my doubts given the number of people, I showed him a photo of the ad and the boat we were waiting for to make sure it was the one we were going to take, and he confirmed that everything was in order. He then took us to a dock and asked us to board a boat that was nothing like the one we had booked, both in terms of quality and number of passengers: we had booked a yacht for a maximum of 10 people, and this boat was much larger, worn out, of lower quality, and they were hurriedly boarding the 30 or so passengers.

I told him that this did not match our reservation and that there must be a problem, to which he reacted in a very unpleasant and rude manner, before quickly casting off, leaving us on the dock with no way to respond. Their scam is well-oiled because everything is done to prevent you from having time to react, and if you're easily manipulated, you'll be taken on board without protest. Even the local competitors we interviewed confirmed that this type of behavior is...

Taxi Scam Alert at Toshanpasha Pier (Bogazdayiz) after exiting the Dinner cruise.

The cruise experience itself was fantastic—well-managed, with excellent food, top-notch entertainment, and breathtaking views of the seashore. However, a major downside is the taxi scams that target passengers arriving late at night, especially around 11:30 PM.

After disembarking, we encountered two separate taxi scams. The first driver offered a seemingly reasonable fare of 150 Turkish Lira to the Hilton Hotel but insisted on upfront payment. Once I handed him a 100-lira note, he started making nonsensical claims about needing a bill starting with a specific letter, likely trying to confuse and manipulate us. Sensing the scam, my family and I quickly exited the taxi.

A second taxi repeated a similar scheme, demanding upfront payment to a so-called “supervisor” standing nearby. We left this taxi as well. Eventually, we found a reliable driver who charged a slightly higher fare but without these suspicious tactics.

I strongly urge the cruise companies to arrange for police or security presence at the pier, especially late at night, to protect passengers from these scams. It seems these scams are designed to gauge how much cash you have or manipulate you into paying more.

Has anyone else encountered similar scams with taxis in Istanbul?

Tip: Avoid taxis demanding upfront payment or using...

I recently had the pleasure of taking a cruise on the Bosphorus, and it was an unforgettable experience, largely thanks to the outstanding service provided by the staff.

Our waiter, Hanifi, truly went above and beyond to ensure that our dining experience was exceptional. His attention to detail was remarkable; he remembered our preferences and was always ready with a warm smile. Whether it was recommending the best dishes or refilling our drinks, Hanifi’s dedication to our comfort made us feel valued and well taken care of throughout the trip.

Equally impressive was Ozkan, who was the supervisor overseeing the dining area. His promptness and proactive approach were notable. Whenever there was a need or a request, Ozkan was quick to respond, making sure that everything was running smoothly. His presence provided an added layer of reassurance, as he consistently checked in on us and ensured our comfort at all times.

The combination of Hanifi’s attentiveness and Ozkan’s efficiency made for a splendid experience on the Bosphorus cruise. The beautiful scenery along the water was enhanced by the excellent service, making our trip truly memorable. I highly recommend this cruise for anyone looking to enjoy a delightful outing with top-notch...