One of the great joys of a crewed gulet charter in Göcek is that you do not have to lift a finger. From the moment you step aboard in Göcek harbour to the morning you leave, a professional crew takes care of navigation, cooking, cleaning and every little detail, while you swim, read, explore and relax among the emerald bays of the Twelve Islands. Most guests choose a full-board package, which means every meal is freshly prepared on board by your own chef. In this article we explain who the crew are, what full board really includes and how the people on board turn a beautiful week into an unforgettable one.
The crew is often the part of the holiday that guests remember most. On a Göcek gulet you will typically have a captain, a chef and one or two deckhands, with larger yachts adding a stewardess or hostess. They live on board throughout the week, know the area intimately and quickly learn your preferences – how you take your coffee, which child wants pancakes, who loves an early swim. Their warmth and hospitality are a big part of why so many families return to Göcek year after year.
Crewed gulets in Göcek
Your Captain
The captain is responsible for the safety of the yacht and everyone on board, but on a Göcek charter they are also your guide to the coast. Many captains have sailed these waters for decades and know exactly which bays stay calm when the afternoon breeze rises, which restaurant jetty serves the freshest fish and where you can find a quiet anchorage even in August. On the first evening, the captain sits down with your group to plan the week around your wishes, then adapts the route day by day to the weather.
Your Chef and What Full Board Includes
A full-board package normally includes breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or snacks and a three-course dinner every day, together with water, tea and coffee. The chef shops for fresh produce in Göcek and at markets along the way and cooks everything in the yacht’s galley. Breakfast is a generous Turkish spread of eggs, cheeses, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, honey, jams, fresh bread and fruit. Lunch is lighter – salads, mezze, vegetables cooked in olive oil, perhaps grilled chicken or fish – and dinner features fresh fish, lamb, chicken, slow-cooked dishes and seasonal desserts. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and children’s menus are easily arranged when you tell us in advance. See our sample weekly menu.
Drinks are usually charged separately at on-board prices, or you can pre-order your favourite wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks before arrival. Some evenings you may prefer to dine ashore at one of the restaurants on wooden jetties in the Göcek bays; simply let the crew know and they will adjust the menu.
Your Deckhands and Stewardess
Deckhands keep the yacht running smoothly – anchoring, tying lines ashore, driving the tender, setting up paddleboards and kayaks, and helping guests with snorkelling and fishing. On larger gulets a stewardess keeps the cabins immaculate, serves meals and drinks and looks after every guest’s comfort. Together, the crew creates a relaxed, friendly atmosphere while giving you complete privacy whenever you want it.
Tipping the Crew
At the end of the week, it is customary to leave a gratuity for the crew if you were happy with the service – usually around 10% of the charter price, given to the captain to share among the team. It is entirely at your discretion, but most guests are happy to do so after a week of excellent care. Read more in our Göcek gulet prices and Göcek gulet charter guide.
Dining and decks on Göcek gulets
Frequently Asked Questions
How many crew are on a Göcek gulet?
Usually three to four on classic gulets and five or more on luxury yachts.
Is full board included in the charter price?
It is normally added as a separate package per person per day.
Can the chef cater for allergies?
Yes – tell us in advance and the chef will plan accordingly.