-
How do I select a yacht that is right for me?
The more you can tell us about your interests, period and
duration of travel, number of people participating, budget,
and even about your dreams, the better we will be able to
guide you to the perfect selection. We personally inspect
all the yachts we offer, know the crew and itineraries
well, and try to find the perfect match.
-
How do I book a charter?
Take some time to view the different choices available for
yachts and itineraries. Before finally making your
decision, it is often helpful to discuss your charter
plans with us. Once you have decided which yacht is the
most suitable, ports you wish to embark and disembark, and
the dates of your cruise, and we negotiate the scheduling
with the yacht owner, we will draw up the appropriate
contract for you to sign. This is a legal contract and
stipulates the responsibilities of the Owner to the
Charterer and vice - versa. The conditions concerning the
yacht's readiness for sea and the financial agreements are
itemized so that both parties understand their commitment.
Typically, a fifty percent deposit is payable to our
Client Account to confirm the booking with the balance fee
due prior to embarkation. In certain cases, i.e. motor-yacht
charters, your agreement will also include an advance
provisioning allowance to the yacht, and this is usually
sent to us at the same time as the charter balance. The
conditions are standard yacht charter practice throughout
the world. Click to review a sample
yacht charter agreement .
-
What does the charter cost? What are the different
terms ?
The charter rates will vary depending on the type, size of
the vessel, its amenities and location in which you
charter.
Motor yachts generally quote their rates as a yacht
charter fee "plus all expenses" known as Western
Mediterranean Terms, WMT (i.e. fuel, dockage, food and
beverages, taxes, customs fees and telephone charges,
water-sports expenses are extra).
Most motor-sailer and gulet chartering agreements are on
"Gulet Terms" which not only includes the hire of the
yacht but also the yacht's insurance, crew wages, fuel and
lubricants for an average of four hours cruising per day,
ship's laundry and general use of water. Excluded from the
charter fee is food and beverages and Turkish VAT where
applicable.
Some yachts offer "all inclusive" pricing - which only
excludes cost of alcoholic beverages.
Eastern Mediterranean Terms (EMT) stipulate that apart
from dinners, beverages and local taxes all other expenses
are included in the charter fee.
-
Do I need insurance?
Travel insurance is always recommended while traveling in
case of unforeseen circumstances. Your charter agreement
will detail insurance provisions onboard: the yacht
remains insured by the owner during your charter, however
it is recommend that you purchase additional liability
coverage to protect you and your guests from any
unforeseen mishap.
-
What should I pack?
This depends on which part of the world you are traveling.
For the Eastern Mediterranean, you can bring bathing suit,
shorts, non slip foot wear, T-shirts and comfortable
sweaters for evenings. You might also like to have the
option of more formal attire for elegant dining and
evening wear. The crew appreciates soft luggage since
on-board storage may be limited.
-
Can I bring children under 12 ?
Yes, most yachts are child-friendly, however, the crew are
busy with their assigned duties and usually are not at
liberty to offer childcare service, hence a nanny might be
appropriate in certain cases.
-
Can I bring pets?
Most yachts will not permit guests to bring pets on board
in order to maintain rigid cleanliness standards. Please
check with us prior to your arrival.
-
Starting Your Cruise
When you arrive at the nearest airport to your yacht, our
staff can arrange for you to be met on arrival and
escorted to your yacht. Before you arrive, your captain
will have received an information sheet giving the names
and the approximate ages of your party, when, where and
which flights you arrive on and also the details of any
food, drink or special dietary requirements you may have,
so that your yacht is fully stocked and you can commence
your cruise with the minimum of fuss.
-
What cuisine is served?
Prior to embarkation, we will send you a food preference
sheet for use in letting us know your favorite foods and
beverages. Also, it is critical that we know about any
allergies or serious aversions to certain substances in
advance. Your personal chef will prepare the menu to meet
your requests, and will usually provide a sample menu of
the yacht's cuisine. Chefs take great pride in their
dishes and try to use the freshest ingredients available.
One particular note : Turkish cuisine is said to be one of
the three great cuisines of the world ! Click to have a
taste of
Food choices.
-
Who plans my itinerary?
Once your captain has received your "Preference Sheets",
he will be very happy to suggest an itinerary that suits
your interests. However, you are free to change this route
at any time, weather permitting, and provided that the
charter contract is not violated.
-
Is smoking permitted onboard?
Smoking is rarely permitted inside the yachts due to
fabric damage and lingering odours, however, most allow
you to smoke on the outside deck areas. Substances that
are illegal on land are also illegal on the yacht.
-
Will my family and office be able to reach me on
charter?
Most charter yachts are equipped with some of the latest
communications equipment including cellular phones, global
satellite communications and radio telephones.
-
Will my privacy be respected?
Charter yachts are accustomed to entertaining prominent
guests and celebrities onboard. The professional crew are
discreet and will maintain a low profile waiting on you
from the moment you board appearing when needed,
disappearing when you want privacy. Confidentiality is an
important part of the service we offer.
-
How much do I tip the crew?
A crew gratuity is both customary and discretionary. 5% -
10% of the base charter fee is usually the norm depending
totally on your discretion. It is usually given to the
captain at the end of the charter and divided equally
among the crew members.
-
What is special about "Gulets" ?
The singular design of the gulets, Turkeys indigenous sea-going
vessel, blends practicality and tradition in a relaxed
style that embodies a "Blue Voyage". A gulet is a
traditional Turkish style motor sailing yacht built for
cruising ashore in the calm warm waters of the
Mediterranean. These yachts are built to center life on
deck during the charter. Spacious decks and housing a
large aft for dining and lounging area are their main
features. Over the years gulets have evolved from
traditional crafts for fishing and transport into their
present profile with a broad beam and wide deck.
Constructed mainly in shipyards in Bodrum, Bozburun,
Marmaris and Istanbul, and along the Black Sea Coast, the
boats are equipped with motors as well as fully functional
rigging. The number of passengers a gulet carries depends
on the boat's size, although most of them accommodate
between eight and twelve people. These vessels offer their
passengers separate accommodations with ensuite facilities.
Modern gulets are comfortably equipped with all of the
amenities of home and encourage an environment in which
you are expected to do nothing but enjoy yourself. Gulets
used for cabin cruises give you the chance, unlike cruises
on large ocean liners, to explore the secluded and often
deserted bays and coves of the coastline. The small
harbours and settlements offer an intimate view of coastal
life which large ships cannot replicate authentically.
|
|
