All About Gulets - Part 4: What to Pack for Your Gulet Cruise

What to Pack for a Gulet Cruise

Thus far,

• you've learned about gulet cruises and determined that they sound like the perfect vacation (Part 1 of the series);
• figured out which gulet is right for you (Part 2 of the series); and
• contacted someone to book your cruise (Part 3 of the series);

Congratulations – the difficult work is behind you. Now, all you have to do is pack your suitcase and go!

But what do you need to bring? Our advice – PACK LIGHT!

Already On Board

Your gulet will be equipped with the same things you'd expect in a hotel of a similar class. (This, when you really think about it, boils down to bedding, towels, and toilet paper.) Economy and standard class boats usually require you to bring your own beach towels. Higher-end gulets will provide extras like shampoo and body lotion. It's best to consult your contract for the fine details about what's already provided.

Fun and Tourist-y Stuff

Bring something with which to take photos. For many of us, that's a smart phone. But if you're an avid photographer, bring your camera and/or video recorder. Turkey's Mediterranean coast is often referred to as the Turquoise Coast. You'll want to take a picture or two to capture your memories and share them with friends and family back home.

If you need to keep electronics charged, make sure to pack your chargers. (NOTE: Electric outlets are not available on all boats.) And mark them carefully so you know which ones are yours at the end of the cruise. It's not uncommon for everyone to plug their various devices into a single power bar, resulting in a massive tangle of cords!

Tip: Check out Power Plugs and Sockets of the World to determine whether you'll also need to pack adapters and/or converters for use in Turkey.

Unless you want to take your chances with the boat's eclectic collection of reading materials (usually trashy romance novels, in a variety of languages, left by previous passengers), bring your favourite book or magazine. And unless you want to take your chances with the crew's taste in music, make sure your phone, tablet, or iPod is filled with your favourite songs.

While every gulet we've ever seen has a small collection of snorkels, masks, and swim fins, you should bring your own if you're an avid snorkeler.

The On-board Dress Code

Gulet cruises are pretty informal. Bathing suits, t-shirts, and shorts are perfect for the heat of summer. (Bring a pair of jeans, leggings, sweatpants or long trousers, and a sweatshirt or jacket if you're cruising during the early or late parts of the season.)

Sitting on deck and soaking in the sunshine is one of the best parts of a gulet cruise. But you'll want to make sure your skin is well-protected from the Mediterranean sun, including lots of sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and cover-up. (Tip: Chin straps are recommended for hats with big, floppy brims.)

Most gulet cruises require you to remove your shoes when you board. If you're averse to being barefoot, bring along a clean pair of flip-flops or slippers. (The deck gets hot!)

Dressing on Land

Bring a small day pack if you're planning to head off on day excursions or hikes. It doesn't need to be big – but you'll want to carry ID, your phone / camera, and water, whenever you venture off the boat. (Temperatures reach over 40°C during the height of Turkish summer!)

Don't forget to bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes if you're planning any land excursions.

You may already know that Turkey is a predominately Muslim country. While Turkish people tend to dress more conservatively than in some other hot countries, there is no requirement to be fully covered. But, to be respectful of local customs, you are encouraged to don "real clothes" when venturing on land – shorts and t-shirts fit the bill perfectly. Not everyone wants to see your "bikini body" wandering the streets of Turkey. (Tip: If you need more information, please see our article about The Turkish "Dress Code".)

And the Rest…

• Turkey's mosquitos are relentless, and love the fresh blood of foreigners. So bring insect repellent - the stronger, the better!
• Personal toiletries, medications, and, if required, a spare set of prescription glasses and/or contact lenses
• Optional - sleepwear, socks, and underwear

There you have it, a complete list of packing essentials for your upcoming gulet cruise.