SAILING THE ADRIATIC ON A GULET
Q. We are planning a special holiday with another couple and are looking at a sailing holiday on the Adriatic Sea. We have narrowed our choices, mostly determined by our budgets, to a one- week gulet cruise. Are these cruises as good a buy as they seem or is there something we are missing?
A. Gulet cruising will be perfect if you are hoping to travel at an unhurried pace and enjoy a laid- back and stress- free cruising holiday. It’s the ideal way to relax by sunbathing on the decks of these traditional wooden boats and swimming in quiet waters off the island- dotted coastal waters of the Adriatic Sea. There is also the great opportunity to spend day visits and sometimes overnight stays in some of the many small picturesque communities located along the coastal route.
If you would like to enjoy a good physical workout while onshore there are opportunities to do some hill climbing or cycling included on specific itineraries. Consider yourself fortunate if you happen upon a local celebration such as a festival day or a wedding at one of your stops as you will be invited to join in the activities.
Many travellers, like yourselves, are attracted by the price. Just as enticing is the opportunity to plan onshore activities based on what you want to do and spend. The freedom of choice on land is great but you’ll find less options when it comes to life on- board the gulet. You are, for the most part, on your own for entertainment and menu options are kept basic as the size of the kitchens are limited.
Gulet cruises range from small two- cabin crafts to larger 24- cabin vessels. Individual cabin sizes are generally on the small size but are still comfortable and ample enough for a one- week cruise. A good site to check for comparison of size and price is www. adriatica. net You’ll also find a full selection of departure dates and itineraries where you can choose your route.
One item to note when comparing rates is the meal options. Some cruises provide breakfast and lunch on- board and the evening meal is left for the passenger to enjoy in the small town where the ship docks overnight. This is a great opportunity not only to have your choice of meal but to spend time with the local residents.
Most gulets are motorsailers with the capability to travel under sail or motor. Most travel under sail only a few times during the week, mostly for photo taking, and then travel on motors. There are specific departures where sailing is the priority and the itinerary are suited for this mode of travel.
Many of the smaller gulets can only provide electricity while in port where it is supplied by a marina. This can be a problem for operating air conditioners. Some vessels are equipped with generators but they are expensive to operate and can be very noisy.
Most gulet companies ask potential passengers to complete a questionnaire requesting ages and number of guests travelling together ( single, couple or family group) and what they are specifically looking for while cruising. They use this information to suggest specific departures if a client is looking for quiet days at sea with only short visits to coastal towns and another departure for those wanting to spend more time exploring the countryside and towns with short days at sea.
One unspoken rule when gulet cruising is a general quietness while on- board and if you want to party, then it is time to head onshore into a local bar and return quietly back to the vessel.