We are sure you will have many questions about Turkey and gulet cruising. Here are some questions which are often asked by our guests but of course just ask us if you do not find the answer you are looking for.
Q. Is a gulet holiday in Turkey suitable for small children?
A. We sometimes have more children on board than adults! Gulets are stable and the decks are spacious with cushions everywhere. Turkish people are by nature very family orientated and love children. Your crew will be watching out for them and we’re sure will be firm friends by the end of your cruise.
Q. I have limited mobility, can I still enjoy a gulet vacation ?
A. There’s no reason at all why mobility restrictions should spoil your enjoyment. Gulet gangplanks are wide with handrails and most gulets only have a few steps from the deck down to the saloon or cabins. Swimming ladders are like foldaway steps with a platform at water level and plenty of hand holds. Our crew members are always on hand to help you on and off the yacht or into the dinghy. Please ask us if you have any particular doubts.
Q. What if I need a doctor in Turkey?
A. Our crews have all had basic First Aid training. Turkey now has some of the best trained doctors and modern well-equipped hospitals in Europe. You are never too far away from emergency service access.
Q. Will we get seasick?
A. Gulets are heavy and quite stable and you will not generally be cruising in rough open seas. If you are prone to seasickness, as a precaution you could bring tablets or pressure bands. We have seasick tablets on board.
Q. Do I need a visa to come to Turkey?
A. Turkey requires citizens of some countries to purhase a visa before they arrive, others when they arrive at the airport in Turkey. Please see visa information for foreigners for visa requirements.
Q. What is the best time to cruise in Turkey?
A. Our season runs from May until the end of October. July and August are the hottest months with temperatures of 30 – 38 degrees C. May is warm and nights are cool, the same for October but with warmer water for swimming. June and September can be warm to hot during the day with balmy evening breezes.
Q. What day of the week do your gulet charters start?
A. Generally on Saturdays but in the early or later part of the season it is sometimes possible to start on a different day.
Q. Can we cruise for more or less than 7 days?
A. We can sometimes offer short gulet charters of 3 or 4 days but usually in early or late season. 8, 10 and 14 day cruises are also possible, please ask us about possibilities.
Q. Can we cruise in the Greek islands?
A. You can visit the islands near to the coast of Turkey such as Kos, Rhodes, Symi, Kalymnos, Patmos and Leros. We would ask you to pay the expenses for a Turkish yacht cruising in Greek Waters.
Q. How do we get to Turkey?
A. There are charter flights direct from some European countries to coastal airports such as Bodrum-Milas, Dalaman and Antalya – please ask your own travel agent. You can fly scheduled airlines to Istanbul and then with Turkish Airlines to Bodrum, Dalaman and Antalya airports.
From the Greek islands of Kos and Rhodes there are daily ferries to Bodrum and Marmaris.
Q. Can we choose our own cruising route?
A. By booking early you get more choice of starting and finishing ports. You can even start in one port and finish in another.
Q. Which places will we see on our gulet cruise?
A. We can send you our sample itineraries for all possible gulet cruising routes with descriptions of towns, villages and bays.
Q. Will the gulet cruise at night?
A. Our gulets do not cruise with guests on board at night. You will always be in a sheltered place by dinner time.
Q. What currency can we use in Turkey?
A. Turkish Lira is the national currency but most shops and restaurants also accept Euros, Sterling and Dollars.
Q. How much money will we need on board?
A. You will need money on board for any road excursions you may wish to take, the occasional meal ashore if you wish and for personal shopping
Q. Does the captain and crew speak English?
A. On all our gulets there are crew members who speak English.
Q. Are their lifejackets on board?
A. All gulets must pass a strict seaworthiness and safety inspection which includes the provision of lifejackets in each cabin (enough for guests and crew). We also have lifejackets for children on board.
Q. How many crew members are there?
A. Depending on the size of the gulet there can be between 3 and 6 crew members – captain, cook and sailors, who share the duties of serving guests, cleaning cabins and work on deck.
Q. Should we tip the crew?
A. Tipping as appreciation for good service is customary in Turkey. This is entirely at your discretion. As a rough guideline between 5 – 10% of your charter fee would be appropriate if you feel your crew has provided good service.
Q. Is it safe to leave passports, cameras, money etc. in our cabins?
A. Yes. Our crews are completely honest and if you are all off the yacht some crew members will always be on board.
Q. Can you cater to special diets – vegetarian, gluten free etc?
A. Our cooks are very experienced in catering for special diets, if you are vegetarian or have food allergies you just have to let us know in advance.
Q. Can we visit historical sites?
A. Turkey has many historical sites, some very near the coast. Your captain can arrange transportation for you if you would like to visit them.
Q. What should we bring?
A. Swimwear, shorts and tee shirt are all you really need, and something warm for cooler evenings. Protection against the sun is important – high factor suncream and a hat. If you would like to wear shoes on deck you should bring a separate pair for use on board only. Soft bags are easier to store than hard suitcases.
Q. Are there towels on board?
A. On all our yachts we supply hand towels, towels for showers and beach towels.
Q. Can we do laundry on board?
A. Some yachts have a washing machine and the crew will be happy to do small amounts of laundry for guests. On yachts without a machine we supply detergent so that you can hand wash small items and when you stay near larger towns the crew can arrange a laundry service (time permitting).
Q. Is there music on the gulet?
A. All our gulets have a CD player with a selection of music. You are very welcome to bring your own CDs.
Q. What is the electricity supply onboard?
A. Electricity in Turkey is 220 volts. On board your gulet this is available from shore or generator power. Plugs in Turkey are 2 pin.
Q. Can we charge our camera and mobile phone batteries?
A. Yes, you can do this in your cabin or the captain will help you.
Q. Will our mobile telephones work when we are cruising?
A. In most places along the coast the mobile phone signal is strong.
