What’s included on a gulet cruise in Turkey isn’t one-size-fits-all — it depends on the style of trip you book. On a cabin (shared) cruise, most of the basics are usually bundled: your cabin, the crew, and daily meals, so you can just show up and enjoy the route. With a private charter, the base price often covers the boat and crew, and the “extras” (like food, fuel, and transfers) are typically itemized. Either way, it’s worth scanning the details early — drinks, port fees, A/C hours, fuel overages, transfers, and tips are the usual places surprises pop up.
Quick Answer: Key extras to watch for
Drinks & Bar: Water, tea/coffee are usually free, but soft drinks and alcohol are not in base price. (Boat bars sell them; BYO usually disallowed.)
Port/Marina Fees: Turkish public port taxes are usually included; private marinas cost extra. If itinerary crosses to Greece, Greek port taxes and customs are extra.
Aircon Hours: Standard gulets limit A/C (often ~6–8 hrs/day). Luxury boats may offer 24‑hour AC. Confirm before booking.
Fuel Limits: Cruises include fuel for ~4 hours of cruising per day. Longer voyages or additional runs can mean fuel surcharges.
Transfers: Airport or hotel transfers are often not included. Some operators offer limited “free pickup” from major hubs; otherwise expect an extra charge.
Crew Gratuity: Tipping is customary (typically 5–10% of charter cost) and never included
Cabin Cruise vs Private Charter: What “Included” Usually Means
A cabin cruise is a fixed package: you book one cabin on a shared boat with a set route and schedule. The price typically includes your cabin, all (standard) meals and snacks, and the crew (captain, chef, deckhand(s)). Cabin charters aim to bundle most basics so you have no daily decisions – think of it as an all‑inclusive group tour on water.
A private charter means renting the whole boat. You pay per boat (per week), and the inclusions can vary by contract. Some private cruise deals may include some items (like fuel and basic crew service), but often meals, beverages and extras are add‑ons. In practice, private charters work more like a set of custom negotiations: you must clarify exactly what’s in the price. As one expert notes, private rates sometimes have hidden costs (marina fees, special meal requests, crew tips) not in the base price – so “ask what’s included (meals, fuel, taxes, etc.) when booking to avoid surprises”
Mini Summary: Cabin charters bundle a set itinerary with meals and crew; private charters require you to spell out in advance which extras (meals, fuel, transfers) you’re paying for.
What’s included on a Gulet Cruise in Turkey: The Master Checklist (Cabin vs Private)
| Item | Cabin Cruise (Typical) | Private Charter (Typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation & Cabins | Shared accommodation: you get one bed in a twin/quad cabin on a set boat. Couples usually share a double, singles may bunk together. Cabins have en-suite baths. | Entire yacht reserved. All cabins are for your group (usually one double per couple). Cabins are en-suite; luxury boats often have larger suite-style cabins. |
| Crew & Service | Standard crew (captain, cook, 1–2 sailors) serve a mixed group. Daily cabin/bath cleaning and deck service included. Crew is shared among passengers. | Full crew dedicated to your party (captain, chef, plus extra deckhands/hostesses on luxury boats). Housekeeping and meals catered only to your group. More personalized service. |
| Meals | All meals are included. Expect full board: breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea (often with fruit or snacks). Menus are fixed and buffet/family‑style. | Often not included in base rate. Usually you pay for provisioning (APR or per-person) separately. You can pre-arrange meal plans or shop for groceries; chef prepares them. |
| Beverages | Water, tea and coffee usually included; other drinks extra. Some cabin cruises include limited beer/wine, but in general expect a bar tab for soft & alcoholic drinks. | Water (fresh and drinking) is included. Soft drinks and alcohol are extra. Large private boats have bars – bring your own liquor in countries that allow it. |
| Route & Flexibility | Fixed itinerary with daily schedule. You follow the group’s route and timetable. | Flexible routing: you can modify daily (weather permitting). Stops and pace are up to you. |
| Fuel Included | Fuel for ~4‑5 hours cruising per day is included. Extra cruising costs extra (or you must stick to the planned bays). | Fuel allowance ~4 hours/day included. Any additional fuel (for long runs) is paid by you. |
| Port Fees & Taxes | Turkish port/harbor taxes (flag tax, municipal mooring) are normally included. Private marina fees (Bodrum marina, etc.) are extra if you dock there. | Turkish public port fees usually included. Private marinas and Greek island taxes (if visiting) are not included. Customs/immigration fees for Greece are extra. |
| Water Sports & Equipment | Basic gear included: snorkeling sets, fishing rods, stand-up paddle boards, etc. No extra charge. Small tender (dinghy) is used to reach shore. | Usually includes snorkel/kayak gear. Luxury boats add waterskis, wakeboards, jet skis (often with extra fuel charge). Dinghy and basic non-motorized toys usually included. |
| A/C & Climate Control | A/C is usually available for limited hours (often 6–8 hours/day, e.g. evening and morning). (Check exact hours!). Fans and natural ventilation used otherwise. | On standard boats, AC use is negotiated (partial A/C or “night cooling”). Deluxe/luxury charters often offer 24/7 air conditioning. Bring a light jacket; night breezes can be cool. |
| Wi-Fi & Power | Wi-Fi is generally available and free for limited use. Outlets (220V) often only work when the engine/generator runs (usually at night) | Wi-Fi provided (though signal may drop in remote areas). Full-day power (generators) common on luxury boats; on standard boats, power is mainly on at night – bring power banks for day. |
| Linens & Towels | Bed linens and bath towels are supplied. Beach towels often not provided – bring your own (or check). | All bedding and bath towels provided. Beach towels may or may not be included (crew often provides them on deluxe boats, but confirm). |
| Transfers & Logistics | Pick-up from main meeting points (e.g. Fethiye/Olympos/Demre centers) is often free. Airport-to-harbor transfers usually extra or DIY. | Transfers (airport, hotel) are generally extra/optional. You can request private vans; confirm costs. Embark/disembark times are fixed (e.g. 4pm boarding, 10am checkout on last day). |
Top 10 Things to Confirm Before You Pay:
1. Meals & Tea: Are all breakfasts, lunches, dinners and afternoon tea included? (Most cabin cruises: yes; private: usually you’ll pay separately.)
2. Beverage Policy: Are any drinks included (water only, or wine/beer too)? Can you bring drinks onboard, or must you buy ship’s bar packages?
3. Aircon Hours: Is air conditioning 24/7 or limited hours per day? If limited, how many hours and at what times?
4. Fuel Allowance: Is fuel for cruising (typically ~4hrs/day) included? What’s the charge if you exceed it?
5. Port/Marina Fees: Confirm that standard Turkish port taxes are covered. (Note: private marinas always cost extra.)
6. Transfers: Are airport or ferry port transfers included? If not, what’s the cost to arrange (or where to catch public transport)?
7. Wi-Fi & Electricity: Is Wi-Fi free? Are power outlets available all day? (Most boats have Wi-Fi and 220V at night.)
8. Crew Tipping: What percentage is customary for crew (typically 5–10%)?
9. Extras: What about gear and excursions? Will snorkels, paddleboards, and kayaks cost extra? Are shore excursion fees excluded?
10. Custom Diets & Requests: Can the chef handle dietary restrictions or special menu requests? (Usually yes if arranged in advance.)
Mini Summary: Double-check every offer line-by-line. Insist on an itemized “included/excluded” list and get it in writing before booking.
What’s Usually NOT Included (Common Surprises)
Alcohol & Soft Drinks: Aside from tap water, tea and coffee, drinks are almost never included. Even on “board the boat” cruises, anything beyond maybe house beer/wine is extra. (Bring cash for the bar tab.)
Port/Marina Extras: Private marina mooring fees (e.g. Bodrum, Göcek marinas) are always extra. If you re-route or make unplanned stops, extra harbor dues may apply.
Shore Excursions & Fees: Temple ruins, museums, national parks, etc., require entrance tickets – these are not in the cruise price. Optional land tours (like rafting, mud baths, diving) cost extra.
Transfers: Airport/hotel transfers are not typically covered. Some cruises include pickup from main coastal towns, but most other transfers (e.g. Antalya airport transfer) are extra.
Towels & Toiletries: Usually bath towels and linens are included, but beach towels and toiletries (shampoo, etc.) are not always. Travelers often bring their own beach towels.
Gratuities: Crew tips are customary (5–10% of charter cost) and expected in cash. Budget this on top of your cruise price.
Personal Insurance: Charter price covers boat insurance, but you need your own travel/health insurance. (Some skip travel insurance, but it’s wise to have it.)
Taxes/VAT: Official prices may not include VAT (18–20%). Check if a service charge or VAT has been added on the invoice.
Mini Summary: Always verify exclusions. Even if a deal “seems all-inclusive,” expect to pay extra for drinks, excursions, tips, and private services. Ask each operator to itemize what’s not covered.
Standard vs Deluxe vs Luxury: What Changes (Checklist)
Yachts are often tiered by class. Here’s what typically upgrades when you go from standard to luxury:
Cabins & Space: Luxury gulets have more spacious, ornately furnished cabins (king beds, wood finishes, even separate sitting areas). Standard boats have smaller, simpler cabins.
Air Conditioning: Standard boats may offer partial/night-only AC; deluxe boats boost AC hours; luxury often provides 24/7 AC. (This also means more electricity and bigger generators.)
Cuisine: Standard menus are hearty Turkish/mediterranean fare. Deluxe/luxury menus add gourmet options (steak nights, fresh seafood grills, premium ingredients).
Drink Policy: On a high-end charter, wine and beer might be included; some luxury cruises even offer an open bar. Standard cruises rarely include any alcoholic drinks.
Deck & Water Toys: Luxury gulets carry more toys (speedboats, jet skis, surfboards) as part of the charter. Standard boats usually have only basic snorkels, fishing rods and a dinghy.
Crew & Service: Luxury charters come with a larger crew (stewards, divemaster, etc.) for white-glove service. Standards have the basic captain/chef/deckhand team.
Wi-Fi & Tech: Even standard charters now often have Wi-Fi, but luxury boats invest in stronger satellite or 5G systems. On standard boats expect limited Wi-Fi range (near shore only).
Mini Summary: Higher-priced charters mean bigger cabins, more AC, fancier food, and extra amenities. Always ask for specifics (e.g. “Does deluxe menu include lobster?”) so you know what you’re upgrading.
How to Compare Two Offers (5-Step Method)
1. Get an Itemized List. Ask each operator to send (or state) exactly what’s included and excluded. It should cover meals, drinks, transfers, port fees, water sports, taxes, and any optional services.
2. Compare Line-by-Line. Lay the offers side by side. Check differences: Is “all meals” really included in both? Does one include more A/C time or free marina nights? Note any extras one has that the other lacks.
3. Ask About Scenario Costs. Clarify common variables: “What if we sail 6 hours instead of 4?”, “What’s the charge for extra transfers?”, “If we dock in a private harbor, how much is it?” Get these costs now.
4. Confirm the Itinerary. Ensure both offers have the same route and number of days. A “7-night” yacht tour can vary in stops – make sure both plans match your desired bays and pace.
5. Get It in Writing. Once you’ve clarified, ask for a written agreement or confirmation email detailing all inclusions/exclusions. That way you have no surprises at payment time.
Copy/Paste Questions to Ask Before Paying:
“Can you send the full included/excluded list for this charter?”
“Are all port taxes (Turkish and Greek) covered, or will we pay extra on board?”
“How many hours of A/C per day? What happens if we exceed it?”
“What’s the fuel policy and extra-kilometer rate?”
“Are transfers from the airport included, or do we arrange our own?”
“How are onboard drinks handled (BYO, bar, package)?
“What’s your cancellation and refund policy?”
“Is there a deposit for damage or a local tourism tax?”
Mini Summary: Don’t just compare prices. Drill down into each line item, ask tough questions, and get clear answers in writing before you pay.
Are drinks included?
Generally no. Most charters include drinking water, tea and coffee, but all other beverages (sodas, beer, wine, liquor) are extra. You either buy them from the boat’s bar or bring your own (if allowed).
Do I pay port/marina fees?
Turkish public ports and most government-run marinas are usually covered by the cruise fare. Private marina slips (with amenities) cost extra and are paid onboard. If you enter Greek islands, you pay Greek port fees and customs duties separately.
Is A/C included all day?
Usually not on standard boats. Expect air-conditioning for a limited period (often evenings and early morning). Luxury yachts can offer 24-hour A/C, but check the hours before booking.
Are towels and linens provided?
Yes, bed linens and bath towels are provided on all gulet cruises. However, beach towels are often not provided on cabin charters – pack your own.
Do I tip the crew?
Tipping is customary if you’re satisfied. About 5–10% of the charter cost is normal. Tips are given in cash to the captain (who shares with crew). It’s not mandatory, but crews appreciate it.
Is Wi-Fi reliable?
Wi-Fi is common on modern gulets. It’s usually included for light use. However, signal is via 4G/5G networks – expect fast internet near big towns, but slower or none when anchored far out. Don’t rely on it for heavy streaming.
Are entrance fees/optional tours included?
No. Tickets for attractions (ancient sites, museums, natural parks) and any on-land excursions (diving, rafting, guided tours) are extra. You’ll pay these on site or on the boat as needed.
Can special diets be handled?
Yes, with advance notice. Chefs can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or allergy needs if you request at booking. It’s best to fill a preferences form before sailing so they can buy the right supplies.
What about transfers to the harbor?
Usually not included, especially from distant airports. Some cruise packages include transfers from local town centers (e.g. Fethiye town). Otherwise, you’ll need to arrange and pay for private shuttle or taxi to the departure port.
What’s the fuel/cruising limit?
Expect about 4 hours of engine cruising per day covered (enough to move between bays). If you want to travel extra miles (for late-night runs or long distances), the boat owner will charge additional fuel according to consumption.
References
Guletbookers. (n.d.). All inclusive gulet cruise in Turkey. Retrieved February 22, 2026, from https://www.guletbookers.com/all-inclusive-gulet-cruise-in-turkey/
Go Turkey Sail. (2026, February 17). How to book a private gulet in Turkey: The ultimate 2026 insider guide. https://www.goturkeysail.com/blog/how-to-book-a-private-gulet-in-turkey-the-ultimate-2026-insider-guide/
GuletBroker.com. (n.d.). What’s included in a gulet charter? Crew, meals & onboard comfort. Retrieved February 22, 2026, from https://www.guletbroker.com/guide/whats-included-in-a-gulet-charter
BlueCruise.org. (n.d.). Cabin charter in Turkey on real sailing gulets, a quiet and comfortable blue voyage. Retrieved February 22, 2026, from https://www.bluecruise.org/cabin-charter-cruises/sailing-blue-cruise.html
Shashot Travel. (n.d.). 4 days Olympos to Fethiye Turkey gulet cruise. Retrieved February 22, 2026, from https://www.turkeytourstravel.com/en/turkey-tours/gulet-cruises-turkey/4-days-olympos-to-fethiye-turkey-gulet-cruise-184.html
Gulet Point. (n.d.). Frequently asked questions about yacht charter. Retrieved February 22, 2026, from https://www.guletpoint.com/information/faq
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