Kusadasi

This small Turkish town of just over 70,000 people [kusadasá] is sixty miles away from Izmir, which is the main port of the area and the second biggest port in Turkey.

American companies (Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean) set this port of call in their itineraries, while European companies (MSC and Costa) choose Izmir. Both port of call have close to the ruins of Ephesus, which is the star excursion here.
Kusadasi had 20 years ago a very small port, but in recent times the turkish authorities opted to strengthen the cruise market offering Kusadasi as a real alternative to Izmir. Port was rebuilt to accommodate large cruise ships and added some facilities with a modern but small cruise terminal with international franchises and a Starbucks.

PORT OF KUSADASI

OFFICIAL EXCURSIONS: The most popular excursion in this port of call is Ephesus and the House of Virgin Mary. This tour is worth the money because views over the ruins are impressive, but you have to walk through uneven ground for half an hour (the bus drops you off at the entrance to the ruins and picks you up on the opposite side), but always downhill. If it is summer try to take an umbrella with you, or a cap. As you leave the bus you will find lots of street vendors offering all sorts of souvenirs. You will find the same at the exit of the ruins. There you'll find a little market full of shops with all kinds of products and a bar.

EPHESUS

Like in Istambul, excursion organizers will stop in a store in the middle of nowhere, which is specialized in leather jackets. The shop is equipped with large mirrors on every corner and walls (finding a way out is very complicated without help and also funny). My recommendation is, if you don't intend to buy anything, go out as soon as possible. Sellers don't like wasting their time with you if you aren't going to buy anything.

ALTERNATIVE: There is a market full of shops with all kinds of products near the port, but little else. The Starbucks in the terminal has free wifi for customers. Drinking a Frappuchino and sending some photos by email to your family may be a good alternative to get off the boat.