What does Cabin Charter exactly mean?
An alternative to chartering an entire boat is to join one of our regular departures and charter one cabin. You will have a chance to meet people from around the world while enjoying one of the most unique and relaxing holidays in the Aegean. Cabin charter is the ideal way for a single person or a couple to enjoy a cruise of the Aegean or Mediterranean, a much cheaper option than whole gullet charter. The itineraries and ports of embarkation and disembarkation are fixed and cannot be altered. This is a great holiday for meeting new people.
How many will we be on the boat?
The gullets used for Cabin Charter are 6 - 8 cabin boats, which means you will be with a max. of 12 or 16 persons together. Often you ask as well who will be with you, as we ourself do not know up to the last day who has booked, we can not give any information about that.
What time do the boats leave the harbour?
As many of you do organize their flights and are afraid not coming in time, we have this information for all cabin charter: the first day is the arriving day with evening meal on board, so you may come to the boat from early afternoon on, then the next morning after breakfast the boat leaves the harbor. The late afternoon on the day 6th the boats coming back to the harbor or anchoring in a close by secluded bay, on the seventh day after breakfast you say good bye to the crew. Altogether full 7day week on the boat.
Where do I find the boat I've booked?
If you have not booked a special boat which we also offer, you will get exact information on what boat you will stay and where to find your boat, a day or two before the cruise starts. With cabin charter we all work like a cooperative group of agencies here in Bodrum or Marmaris and when not specially arranged the cabins are arranged and given due to availability. That may sound a bit strange to you but I like to use the compare to a bus station, you book a trip to Istanbul and they can not give you the numberplate. But to give you a save feeling: all our cabin charter is with 6 to 8 cabin standard gulets and all cabins have en-suite WC/shower.
What should I pack?
First of all do NOT FORGET to bring your CAMERA!. Comfortable, informal clothing and equally comfortable shoes are a must for sightseeing in cities as well as ancient sites. Soft or rubber soled footwear or boat shoes on the boat. Wear standard shoes and sandals for on-shore use only. During the summer months, you'll need lightweight clothing, T-shirts, shorts and lightweight cotton slacks, jeans and shirts. In April and May and from mid-September through October, evenings and even days may be cool, so please bring a sweater or sweatshirt. And keep in mind that when you visit mosques or churches, you should avoid wearing either shorts or short sleeves. Life on a boat will generally be informal, so keep in mind - don't come with suitcases - they are difficult to store on a boat. And you'll probably want to bring at least two swimsuits along with some beach towels - as these are not supplied on all of the boats.
Do I need a visa?
Usually, British and US citizens need an entry visa, these can be purchased at the airport on arrival. For citizens of other countries, it is advisable to contact the Turkish Consulate in your own country before traveling.
What should I do about money?
It's best to wait until you arrive to change into local currency. In Turkey, US dollars, Euros and travelers checks are easily changed in to Turkish Liras everywhere, although you can save a bit of money by changing your cash at currency exchange offices. The *Döviz* offices obtain an excellent rate of exchange. daily rate here
Will my hairdryer/electric shaver work on the boat?
The boats have a 220V electric system. Plugs are European style round pin. Buy an adapter and transformer before arrival. Deluxe boats generally have a hairdryer as standard. Please note, it is also possible to charge mobile phone batteries.
What will the weather be like?
April, May and October's temperature range between 20 and 26 Degrees Centigrade and are much cooler than at the height of the season. Temperatures for June, July and August are hot, ranging form 30 to 38 Degrees Centigrade. It is not humid and you are very unlikely to see rain at the height of summer. more here
What is there to do on board all day?
This type of holiday is flexible, you can do as much or as little as you choose. There is opportunity to lie back and relax and sun-bathe, read a book, listen to music, chat with new or old friends. You may like to while away the time with a game of backgammon, (there will always be a member of crew willing to teach you or play against you!). You can swim, snorkel, or even try out other water-sports if they are available when you are at anchor, such as banana boat or doughnut rides,(please ensure you are covered by your insurance before trying these activities). Some of the boats also carry a canoe or a even a surf board
Can we bring snorkeling equipment?
Certainly! It is actually advisable to bring your own snorkel. There are usually masks on board, however, you can never be sure how many people have used the snorkel before you. Scuba diving equipment is not advisable unless you have booked a scuba holiday. There are areas in the Aegean and Mediterranean where scuba is prohibited.
What type of food will be served?
Unless otherwise arranged beforehand, a typical Turkish menu will be served daily. Breakfasts are a delight with mainly 2 types of cheese, olives, tomatoes, cucumber, salami, eggs, jam, honey, butter, and fresh bread. Lunches are usually a light, cooked vegetable dish served with rice or pasta or bulgur wheat and large salads, followed by fresh fruit. The evening meal is either chicken, meat or fish, two or three meze (starters), salads and a rice, pasta or bulgur wheat dish, once again followed by fresh seasonal fruit. The menus are fixed, however, the cook will endeavor to meet special requests or dietary needs.
How can we arrange excursions?
Just tell us what you would like to do and where you would like to go & we will put you in touch with the right people, we will even arrange it on your behalf if you wish. Places worth visiting are Ephesus and Pamukkale, Myra, Arykanda, Batik Hamam, Kekova, Simena Castle, Dalyan and Caunos, Termessos, Ölü Deniz...the list is endless.
What about flights?
Airfare is not included in any of our Blue Cruise arrangement, nor are domestic flights within Turkey. When you've settled on a tour and departure date, make certain you provide us with your right arrival information, so that we can arrange either to meet you or arrange a transfer to your boat. Please note, that unfortunately we do not arrange flights.
What about sea-sickness?
Buy Dramamine, an inexpensive sea sickness remedy available at Greek Pharmacies and even harbor kiosks. It deadens stomach muscles and is highly recommended if you are prone to sea-sickness. Take it before you feel bad... not after! Before boarding even.
Jump for a few minutes a couple of times a day. You will condition your vestibular system to the motion and reduce your susceptibility to seasickness significantly. Your neighbors will also think you're crazy, but this is just an added benefit and should not enter into justifying the purchase to your spouse.
You might want to try taking some ginger root with you while at sea and also eating some ginger root prior to leaving port. Talk to your doctor about this option.
What can you say about Seasickness
Seasickness is caused when the minute inner ear organs that enable a human to balance are disturbed by the motion of the boat swaying and pitching. This movement sets off alarm signals to the brain causing nausea, headache, dizziness, and sometimes vomiting. This condition can be intensified by the lack of fresh air and inactivity. It can also be a person's worst nightmare at sea.
Seasickness affects many people to varying degrees - even sailors with years of experience. Looking on the bright side, the body adapts after time.
Fortunately, several remedies can be taken before setting sail. Pills can be obtained over the counter which help most people by sedating the balancing organs. The pills can cause drowsiness and should be taken with care. Some people find special wrist bands effective. There are also stick-on patches that can be worn on the skin behind the ear, but these are obtained by doctor's prescription only.
You can often avoid seasickness by staying busy and keeping your mind occupied by taking over the helm or any other activity that will keep you above decks. Look at the distant horizon rather than the water close at hand. Take deep breaths and drink plenty of water. The worst thing that a person can do is go below decks with no land or horizon to look at. Reading or staring at an object will assuredly bring on the affects of seasickness.
If you are seasick and can't bear it anymore, lie down on your back with your eyes closed. This will greatly reduce the affects.