Family Holidays on a Turkish Gulet Cruise with Kids

Are you planning your next summer vacation? If you are looking for a unique, private, and comfortable getaway in Europe or the Mediterranean, a Turkish gulet cruise could be the perfect escape for your family.

A holiday on a traditional wooden gulet yacht offers a fascinating and memorable way to explore the stunning Turkish Riviera. Managed by a professional crew who ensure your safety and comfort, a private yacht charter allows the whole family to discover ancient ruins, vibrant culture, and pristine bays at your own pace.

From enjoying delicious Turkish cuisine prepared by your private chef to spotting dolphins in the turquoise waters, a gulet cruise seamlessly blends relaxation for parents with endless adventure for kids.

Are Kids Allowed on a Turkish Gulet Cruise?

One of the primary concerns for parents planning a vacation abroad is the safety and comfort of their children. The good news is that children of all ages are welcome on private gulet charters. There is no minimum age limit, making it an ideal choice for multi-generational family trips.

However, rules differ depending on the type of charter:

• Private Gulet Charters: Complete freedom. You can bring infants, toddlers, and teenagers. The itinerary and onboard environment are customized entirely for your family.

• Shared Gulet Cruises (Cabin Charters): On these shared tours, children under the age of 12 are generally not allowed to ensure the comfort of other independent travelers.

Note: While the crew is there to assist and navigate, children’s safety and supervision remain the primary responsibility of the parents at all times.

Essential Safety Rules for Cruising with Children

Safety is the absolute priority on any family yacht charter. To ensure a stress-free holiday, keep these essential guidelines in mind:

Inform Your Charter Agency Early

Always notify your gulet charter company in advance if you are traveling with children under 12, infants, or toddlers. This allows the captain and crew to prepare the necessary safety equipment, child-proof measures, and age-appropriate cabin accommodations.

Onboard Safety Equipment

Standard family-friendly gulets are equipped with high-quality safety gear, including fire extinguishers, adult and child-sized life jackets, life rafts, and first-aid kits. Navigational routes and overnight anchorage points are carefully selected by the captain to ensure calm waters and safe swimming conditions.

Fun Onboard & Offshore Activities for Kids

A Turkish gulet cruise offers a perfect balance of onshore exploration and water-based entertainment to keep children engaged throughout the trip.

Modern Onboard Entertainment

Depending on the category of the yacht, modern gulets feature excellent entertainment systems. While standard yachts offer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth sound systems, luxury and ultra-luxury gulets come equipped with:

• High-speed internet access (Streaming friendly)

• Smart TVs with Netflix/Disney+ access

• Modern gaming consoles (PlayStation or Xbox)

Water Sports and Offshore Adventures

For active kids, the sea becomes their personal playground. Available water activities usually include:

• Swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear bays

• Paddle boarding, Water skiing, wakeboarding, and knee-boarding

• Fun towables like Ringo and Banana boats

• Jet skiing (strictly under adult supervision)

Safety Rule: Water sports are generally permitted for children aged 10 and above, and always require parental permission and crew supervision.

4 Tips for a Successful Family Gulet Charter

To guarantee maximum comfort and enjoyment for your children, consider these four factors before booking:

1. Request Safety Netting: Ask your charter broker to install safety netting (yacht guard rails) around the edges of the deck. This provides peace of mind while toddlers play on the spacious aft or foredeck.

2. Verify Language Skills: Ensure that the crew (especially the captain or host) speaks English. This helps children communicate their needs easily and learn about the local culture from the crew.

3. Customize the Kid-Friendly Menu: Prior to your cruise, fill out the preference list to inform the private chef about your children’s favorite meals, snacks, and any allergies. Turkish cuisine is highly versatile and easily adaptable for kids.

4. Plan a Balanced Itinerary: Work with your captain to create an itinerary that includes shallow sandy beaches and bays short cruising times, and exciting shore excursions like visiting ancient castles or small villages.

Have a wonderful and safe gulet cruise experience with your family!