For many people Turkey’s main attraction is the stunning Turquoise Coastline which stretches from the Antalya, in the Southwest, to Bodrum, where the Mediterranean and Aegean seas meet. The region has attracted sailors for years and each summer the dazzling bays and quaint coves fill up with yachts, traditional Turkish Gulet boats and day cruise ships sailing from the coastal towns of Fethiye, Marmaris, Kas, Bodrum and more. Exploring this incredible coast line and allowing passengers to stop and swim in the refreshingly cool waters. A yacht charter is widely available and would be ideal for all holidaymakers, however there are some options to consider: some may prefer a standard cruise while others would like to charter a yacht privately. Here are the pros and cons of a private charter.
Standard Blue Cruise Itinerary
When booking a cabin on a standard Blue Cruise itinerary, you will be sharing a boat, usually with 12 to 16 passengers plus a friendly crew. However, you will likely receive a fairly spacious cabin with private bathroom and A/C (if requested). Usually all food is included so there is no need to plan a shopping trip before you leave.
Pros
If you don’t enjoy planning and want to make booking your Blue Cruise as simple as possible then a standard cabin charter would be ideal. All you would need to do is select from the range of pre-made itineraries. Cruise routes are generally from four days to 8 days. One of the most popular routes is from Fethiye, one of Turkey’s favorite holiday towns, to Olympos, where you can visit ancient Lycian ruins and enjoy the a view of the magnificent Mt Tahtali from the pretty pebble beach. Other itineraries take passengers to visit the stunning Kekova region or to the nearby Greek Islands.
Also, the standard cruises generally include 3 good meals per day plus an afternoon snack therefore there is no chance that you will go hungry while on the boat. Finally, if you are traveling alone or in a small group and like to socialise then a standard Blue Cruise would probably suit you. With 12-16 international passengers, your cruise is sure to be a lot of fun and far more cost effective than a private charter.
Cons
Standard cabin charter means that you will being sharing your boat with a potentially noisy group of people, so if you are looking for a peaceful or romantic getaway then you may consider private charter instead. Drinks are not included on standard cruises and it is not permitted to bring your own aboard so be careful not to run up a huge tab while out at sea.
With a standard yacht charter, while you will be able to choose from a wide range of itineraries, you will not be able to detour from the pre-planned route.
Private Yacht Charter
When booking a private yacht, the base fee is usually without any food, drinks or extras although they can be included for an additional fee agreed between you and the boat charter agency. Alaturka Yachting is a highly recommended chartering agency with options for size of boat and commodities. One of their most popular is Mavi Boncuk, which has a luxury wooden gulet with capacity for 12 passengers plus a crew of 2 to 3 people.
Pros
If you are travelling in a larger group then private charter is likely to be a more economical option, it also provides you with the opportunity to plan your own itinerary, picking out your favorite places along the legendary Turkish Riviera. You also have the freedom to bring your own food and drink to the ship, which some passengers may find more comfortable. Cooking facilities are usually available onboard.
Also, if you would like a more private experience this would certainly the better option as you will share your boat only with a small crew and not with other holidaymakers. It is also ideal for the more adventurous sailors who would like to get off the beaten path and avoid the summer crowds and party boats. With a private charter, you would be able to agree a path directly with your captain and even change course as you sail or stop to take a swim.
Cons
Depending on the size of your group, private charter can be more expensive than standard cabin charter. It will also require a little more organisation and planning, although to minimise this you could opt to have meals included and choose to follow one of the standard route itineraries.
Turkey’s southern coast line. The Turquoise Coast. The Turkish Riviera. Whichever name you choose to call it by and however you choose to visit the region, you are certain to be blown away by the beauty of the sparkling sea, the crystal-clear waters and the pristine beaches. Cruising along in a Turkish Gulet boat is sure to be the highlight of your vacation whether you opt for a standard or private charter.