When you start researching a Blue Cruise from Marmaris, you will notice two main options: a private gulet charter, where you reserve the entire yacht and crew for your own group, and a cabin charter, where you book individual cabins on a gulet shared with other travellers on a fixed itinerary. Both can be wonderful, but they offer very different experiences. In this article we compare them honestly, so you can choose the one that suits you best.
At Aren Yachting we specialise in private charters, because we believe they offer the freedom, privacy and personal service that make a gulet holiday truly special. But we are always happy to explain both options, and for some travellers a cabin charter is a perfectly good choice.
Private gulets in Marmaris
Private Gulet Charter
With a private charter, the gulet is yours for the week. You choose the start date (usually Saturday), discuss the route with the captain and adapt it daily to your wishes and the weather. You decide when to eat, how long to stay in each bay and whether to dine on board or ashore. The chef cooks for your group’s tastes and dietary needs, and the crew gets to know you personally. It is ideal for families, groups of friends, couples who want complete privacy and anyone celebrating a special occasion. Because you pay for the whole yacht, the cost per person depends on how many guests you bring – filling the cabins makes it excellent value.
Cabin Charter
On a cabin charter, you book one or more cabins on a gulet that sails a pre-set itinerary with other guests, often for a week from Marmaris through the Hisarönü Gulf or along the coast towards Fethiye. Meals are usually included and shared at a common table. It can be a sociable and budget-friendly way to experience a gulet, particularly for solo travellers or couples who enjoy meeting new people. However, the route, timings and menu are fixed, cabins tend to be on simpler gulets, and you share the deck and common areas with strangers.
| Private charter | Cabin charter | |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy | The whole yacht is yours | Shared with other guests |
| Route | Flexible, tailored to you | Fixed itinerary |
| Food | Menus for your group | Set group menu |
| Yacht choice | Wide choice, including luxury | Usually simpler gulets |
| Best for | Families, friends, celebrations | Solo travellers, budget couples |
Which Should You Choose?
If you are travelling as a family or a group of six or more, a private charter is almost always the better choice – it offers privacy, flexibility and often a similar cost per person. Couples who want romance and privacy should consider a smaller private gulet (see our Marmaris gulets for couples and small groups). For solo travellers on a tight budget, a cabin charter elsewhere may suit. See our Marmaris gulet prices.
Life on a private Marmaris gulet
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Aren Yachting offer cabin charters?
We specialise in private charters of the whole yacht.
Is a private charter much more expensive?
For groups of 8–12, the cost per person is often comparable.
Can a couple charter a private gulet?
Yes, smaller gulets are ideal for couples.
Planning your own week at sea? Discover our Turkey yacht charter – private gulets, motor yachts and superyachts from Bodrum, Göcek, Marmaris and Fethiye, arranged by our team since 2001.