Blue Cruise Turkey Information

History of the Blue Cruise

Best time to go

Life on board

What to bring

Gulet Crew
 

Origins of the "Blue Voyage" gulet cruise in Turkey - Exile in Paradise…
Cevat Sakir Kabaagacli, a political writer who spent a number of years in Bodrum, can be called the founder of the modern Blue Voyage or Blue Cruise. Around 60 years ago, Cevat Sakir, who ironically was exiled because of some of his writings, found paradise on the southwest coast of Turkey, so he settled in Bodrum and adopted the name, the "Fisherman of Halicarnassus", writing stories about the town and its fishermen. Cevat went on many cruises with the fishermen of Bodrum until he knew the coves and bays of the Gulf of Gokova very intimately. When friends from Istanbul dropped in, he took the opportunity to introduce them to the fisherman's way of life, and the word started to spread about this undiscovered paradise. Now you too can experience this type of unique sea voyage with a traditional Turkish gulet.

A traditional cruise in a gulet is nothing like taking a cruise on a large cruise ship. The blue cruise does not involve any open sea cruise. It is an outdoors event, which combines the sea, sun, nature, history, people, fun and great food. The gulets cruise by motor and rarely set sails. The cruising time is usually limited to 2-3 hours per day. Gulets cruise very close to the shore and most of the time in bays or coves, so you rarely encounter rough waters. The gulet usually anchors overnight in tiny coves about 20-30 meters from the

shore. During a normal one- week cruise 2 or 3 nights are spent docked in the marina of a coastal town where you can shop, dine at restaurants or enjoy the nightlife. During the blue cruise you will have plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, swim and snorkel in the clean blue waters, sunbathe or go to the shore and trek or explore ancient ruins around. Water sports are available for an extra fee such as water ski, jet-ski, windsurfing and banana boat. In the daytime we cruise for a few hours and may sail if the wind allows. Near lunch and dinnertime, we approach the shore and drop anchor in a solitary bay, near ruins, a small village or off an island. There will be at least two interesting stops each day where there is the opportunity to swim, fish, snorkel, windsurf, sunbathe, take a trip ashore or just read under the shade of the sun awning. The main goal is relaxation and recreation. Group cabin charters are not for prudish people as it is not uncommon for guests to shed their swimsuit tops. The evening on the gulet will start with a delicious dinner or sometimes a grill. Often the captain and crew plan some surprise entertainment, such as competitions, music and song, so that the guests can have fun and get to know each other better. Gulet cruises are open to people of every nation, and likely you will meet people from a different country or countries while taking the blue cruise.

Since you will be spending most of your time in a bathing suit, it is a good idea to bring at least two. There are no washing facilities on most gulets, but the captain will certainly lend you a bucket for a hand-wash, and there may be some opportunities to get clothing washed, but you will find that you really do not need so much in the way of clothing. We recommend a pair of long pants/slacks for land exploration as many of the trails and ancient sites are not cleared and you will be following goat trails with some prickly brush. Both a long and short-sleeved shirt are recommended, as well as a visor or head covering. Evenings may be cool, especially

during early or late season, so you should bring a pullover and windbreaker. Normal street shoes are not acceptable on board a gulet or yacht. Bring soft-soled shoes or go barefoot. Pack your beach towel, plenty of sunscreen, prescription medication, and sunglasses. You may also want to bring your own snorkels, flippers and goggles if you plan on doing lots of snorkeling, but they are normally provided on a gulet. Bed linens and towels for use in the cabins are provided on the gulet. You may expect only a set of sheets on the bed during high summer, and a bottom sheet and thick cotton sheet during the spring and autumn months. If you would like to sleep beneath the stars on deck, pack a sleeping bag. We suggest you bring your belongings in a collapsible bag, rather than a suitcase, as bags are much easier to stow away. Pack light, as cabin space is limited, and bring a light daypack for shore excursions.

Children
Children of any age are welcome to come along, provided they are accompanied by parent(s).