The selection and offer of gulets available for private charter and cruises in Croatia are diverse. In recent years, Gulets have topped the list of most desirable vessels. Increasing demand is accompanied by an increase in the gulet fleet and the quality of service. In this article, we will introduce you to the gulet charter, what to expect, how to book.
What is a Gulet?
Gulet is a traditional motor-sailing vessel mainly built in the coastal towns of Bodrum and Marmaris, although similar vessels can be found all around the eastern Mediterranean.
Gulet is one of the most popular boats for charter in the Mediterranean. Gulets vary from 14 to 35 meters and offer comfortable accommodation in air-conditioned cabins, bathrooms, and additional amenities typical for modern yachts.
Today, charter gulets have a classical outside look and lines, but inside, they are furnished and equipped with amenities characteristic of modern yachts and designed for comfortable cruising.
Charter Gulets can accommodate 8-14 guests in 4-8 guest cabins, mostly double and twin cabins. The most popular destinations for gulet charters in the Mediterranean are Croatia, Greece, and Turkey.
What are the pros of the Gulet Charter?
Gulets offer very comfortable accommodation in air-conditioned en-suite cabins, with enough storage space for your belongings and guests saloon with bar. In addition, there are many outdoor spaces; an aft deck with an al-fresco dining table and a front deck covered with sun pads. More luxury gulets have a Jacuzzi, and some have a sauna.
Gulets are fully crewed boats, meaning every detail of your sailing trip is covered. Depending on the size and the charter price, there can be 3-7 crew members.
Chartering a private gulet, you have the freedom to choose your cruising itinerary and, of course, in agreement with the captain. In Croatia, you can charter a gulet from Split, Trogir, Dubrovnik, Zadar, Istria. However, most of the gulet fleet is in Split and Dubrovnik and is also available for one-way charters.
Gulets are a perfect choice for larger families and groups of friends. Gulets are stocked with water sports amenities like a stand-up paddleboard, kayak, fishing and snorkeling equipment, water skies, tender boat. Of course, the list of extra equipment depends on the size and price. More luxury gulets have Jet Ski, sea scooters, etc.
How much does it cost to charter a gulet?
Gulet charter prices vary and depend on the size, comfort, quality, number of crew members, and the rental season. There are three basic categories of gulets: standard, luxury, and deluxe.
Average prices per week based on the category:
Standard gulets from 15.000 EUR-25.000 EUR per week
The rental price includes:
Accommodation on the yacht, crew wages and food for the crew, VAT, fuel for main engines up to 4 hours cruising per day, 24 hours fuel for daily generator use ( air condition), complete linen and towels, tender, yacht insurance, service on board, sojourn taxes, yacht cleaning, use of leisure equipment on board, WiFi.
The rental price does not include:
Food and beverages, port and marina fees, private expenses, transfers from/to the airport, fuel for the motorized program (waterskiing, jet ski). These extra costs will be charged from the APA (Advance Provision Allowance), which is usually 20% of the charter price.
APA covers the following costs: food and beverages for the Charter Party, port fees, national park entrances, fuel for Personal Watercraft, shipping agents fee, custom fees, and charter licenses if cruising in Montenegro, and other costs for services requested by Charter Party during the charter such as but not limited to hire or purchase costs of any special equipment placed on board at the Charterer's request, shoreside transport, and excursions. Final accounts will be produced by the Captain at the end of the charter and any unused funds will be refunded in full to the Charterer directly. If the funds are not sufficient, the Captain will advise you accordingly and bills will be settled upon disembarkation.
How far ahead should I book a gulet?
Although there is a wide choice of gulets available for private charter in Croatia, booking at least eight months before the charter is wise. However, if you are looking for a more luxury version, start looking for the perfect match at least 12 months before.
Turkey has the widest gulets offer in the Mediterranean, so it`s more likely that you will be able to find a suitable yacht at any time. However, just like in Croatia, if you are looking for a more luxury version, start planning your cruise at least six months before the trip.
Greece has the lowest number of charter gulets of all the Mediterranean countries. Therefore it`s never too early to start planning the cruise and gulet charter in Greece.
What kind of menu is served on a gulet?
The guest can choose between two food packages, half board and full board. All menus are freshly prepared and based on local, fresh ingredients.
Breakfast will normally consist of a full and varied buffet including, bread, pastry, jam, butter, honey, fruit, cheese, eggs served in a variety of ways, ham, cereals, tea, coffee, and fresh fruit juices.
Lunch will generally consist of a main course, which may include fish, meat, chicken, or vegetables. Served with side dishes, salads, and vegetables, followed by fresh fruit, or dessert.
Dinner time on a gulet is a unique experience, and it usually lasts for a couple of hours. As the sun goes down, you can indulge in the sunset view, relax in the company of family and friends, capture great photos and create lifelong memories. Dinner is served on the alfresco dining area, just like all other meals, except in case of unpleasant weather conditions, the dinner service will move in the saloon. Following an aperitif, you can enjoy a three coursed dinner beautifully presented and served by the professional and friendly crew.
On more expensive and luxury gulets, lunch and dinner are served in several courses and light snacks are served during the day. 1st class fish and meat, complexly prepared food that requires top chef skills, and the most demanding palate.
What are the drink options on a gulet cruise?
There are several drink packages available on a gulet cruise:
- Beverages are paid according to consumption - by bar price list.
- All-inclusive domestic drink package which includes: Croatian quality wines, domestic beers, spirits, soft drinks, natural and mineral water, milk, tea, and coffee. Average price 200 EUR per person per week
- All-inclusive non-alcoholic drink package appx 90 EUR per person per week.
Foreign liquors and wines are not included in this package. These can be ordered extras, or the clients can bring the drinks with them (if the gulet charter policy allows). If the drinks are supplied by the clients, the service (corkage) fee applies, appx 500 EUR – 700 EUR per week.
If you would like to charter a gulet and cruise the Mediterranean accompanied by your family and friends, please feel free to get in touch.