Life onboard a gulet: what to expect from crew, cabins & daily routine

You have discovered this article probably because you’re planning or thinking of a beautiful vacation for your family or a group of friends and would like to explore alternatives beyond renting a villa or staying in a hotel. Both are wonderful options, of course - but it’s always good to know what else is possible, especially if you’re curious about a more private and flexible way to experience the Mediterranean.

Since we are a company offering brokerage services to rent a fully crewed yacht - essentially, a spacious floating villa on the water, we will guide you through what this type of holiday looks and feels like. Maybe you’ll consider it for your next trip. And don’t worry about understanding the costs or the process. With our guidance, it becomes far less complicated than it may seem at first.

A gulet holiday is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable ways to explore the Mediterranean. Whether you’re cruising along the Turkish Riviera, discovering hidden coves in Croatia, or island-hopping in Greece, life onboard a gulet follows a gentle rhythm built around comfort, great service, delicious meals, and time spent in nature.

If you’ve never been onboard before, this guide will help you understand what to expect from your crew, your cabin, and your daily routine, so you can arrive already feeling at home.

Your crew: warm hospitality & professional service

The crew is at the heart of every gulet charter. Their goal is to make your holiday effortless from the moment you arrive. They are hired by the owner of the yacht not only to maintain and look after the vessel, but also to offer attentive, high-quality services to her guests. Their job is to ensure that your stay onboard feels safe, relaxed, and beautifully hosted, just like in a private villa, but with the sea as your backyard.

Who’s onboard?

Most gulets include:

• Captain – responsible for navigation, safety, finding the best bays, and crafting the perfect route for your group.
• Chef – prepares all meals, snacks, pastries, and desserts according to your dietary needs and flavour preferences.
• Deckhand(s) – assist with mooring, water toys, service, and daily operations onboard.
• Steward/Stewardess – provides table service, cabin housekeeping, beverage service, and creates a lovely atmosphere throughout the day (varies by yacht size).

Learn more in our Yacht Charter Questions.  

What service to expect

Your crew typically provides:

• Table service for all meals
• Daily cabin tidy-up
• Assistance with water toys
• Drinks service throughout the day
• Change of towels (bath and beach towels)
• Help with route planning and adjustments
• Local knowledge & recommendations
• Transfers with a tender boat to the shore when you want to visit restaurants, go shopping, explore historical sites, hike, or enjoy nightlife

Your crew becomes your trusted hosts at sea - discreet, attentive, and genuinely warm, offering that signature Mediterranean hospitality that guests always remember.

Your cabin: comfortable, private & surprisingly spacious

Gulets are handcrafted wooden yachts, each with unique character and atmosphere. They offer both indoor and outdoor living areas, giving you space to relax, dine, sunbathe, and enjoy privacy whenever you want.

The outdoor areas typically include:

• A shaded dining table for long Mediterranean meals

• A forward sunbathing area with mattresses

• A lounge space for reading, napping, or watching sunsets

• A swim platform for easy access to the water

The indoor areas usually include:

• A comfortable saloon with seating

• Cabins with private ensuite bathrooms

• Crew quarters (separate from guest areas)

• A galley (kitchen) where the chef prepares all meals

Cabin features

Depending on the yacht category, you can expect:

• Double, twin, master, or VIP cabins

• Ensuite bathrooms in every cabin

• Air-conditioning (some yachts offer non-stop A/C, some - limited hours per day)

• Storage space for luggage

• Bed linens, towels, and beach towels

• Basic toiletries

• Portholes or windows depending on the cabin’s location

For more details, visit our Yacht Charter Questions – Accommodation section.

How to prepare

You don’t need much, packing light is part of the charm:

• Swimsuits and comfortable summer clothes

• Light layers for the evenings

• A dress or shirt for dinners ashore

Most yachts already provide snorkeling gear, SUPs, kayaks, and sometimes more. There’s no need to bring extra equipment unless you prefer your own.

A typical day onboard: slow mornings & sun-kissed afternoons

One of the best parts of chartering a gulet is how natural and peaceful the daily rhythm becomes. Every day flows around the sea, great food, sunshine, and the mood of your group.

Morning

• Wake up to gentle waves and the smell of fresh coffee

• Enjoy a generous Mediterranean breakfast served outdoors

• Swim or set sail or cruise to the next beautiful bay

Midday

• Swim, snorkel, or enjoy water toys

• Paddleboard to the shore or relax on deck

• Explore a beach or coastal village

• Enjoy a freshly cooked lunch prepared by your chef

Afternoon

• A second swim stop in a new bay

• Reading, sunbathing, napping under the shade

• Optional: visit historical sites, explore islands, try local cafes, or shop in port towns

Evening

• Sunset aperitif on deck

• Dinner under the stars with the sea completely to yourselves

• Soft music, board games, conversation, or quiet moments stargazing

Every day is similar, yet always a little different - shaped by your preferences, the weather, and your chosen route. The overall feeling is effortless relaxation.

Activities & water toys: fun for all ages

Most gulets come equipped with a variety of water toys, so you can enjoy the sea in many ways.

You may find onboard

• Stand-up paddleboards

• Kayaks

• Snorkeling gear

• Ringo / donut

• Waterski / wakeboard (on selected yachts)

• Fishing equipment

• Tender boat for beach drops and shore access

Additionally, your captain can arrange:

• Wine tasting

• Restaurant reservations

• Sightseeing and land excursions

• Local experiences (markets, olive farms, historical tours, artisan shops)

For more ideas, visit our Gulet Experience page.

Meals onboard: Mediterranean cuisine at its best

Food is always one of the highlights of a gulet holiday. Your private chef prepares every meal based on your preferences, dietary needs, and favourite flavours, all discussed with you before your trip.

Expect:

• Fresh vegetables

• Seafood from local markets

• Olive oil dishes

• Homemade pastries

• Fruit platters

• Local desserts from the region

Meals become moments to slow down, enjoy the view, and reconnect - with no rush, no schedules, and no crowds.

Comfort, privacy & flexibility: the true charm of gulet life

A gulet charter offers something unique that luxury hotels and large cruises simply cannot match: total privacy, full flexibility, and a sense of being completely away from the world.

You decide:

• When to swim

• Where to anchor

• How long to stay in each bay

• When to dine

• How active or slow your day should be

Your crew quietly manages everything behind the scenes so you can enjoy the sea, nature, and the people you're travelling with.

Your floating home in the Mediterranean

Life onboard a gulet is peaceful, warm, and deeply rejuvenating. Whether you're sailing in Turkey, Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, or Italy, the atmosphere is always shaped by comfort, hospitality, and the beauty of the Mediterranean landscape. When you’re ready to start planning your holiday, browse our yacht selection or contact us to receive a personalised recommendation for your group. We will be happy to help you create the perfect gulet experience.

Sample routes to inspire your trip before browsing our yacht selection 

Here are links to popular itineraries in the main gulet destinations where this type of yachts is commonly available for rent. These sample routes will help you imagine what your days at sea could look like and may inspire your next holiday.

From Dubrovnik with love: a week afloat in the Dalmatian Isles

Sail in Turkey: Marmaris - Gocek Via ancient Carian & Lycian cities 

Athens & the Cyclades: Relaxed Gulet Journey & Greece’s Hidden Gems