Tag: Croatia

Mediterranean Yacht Charters

The Mediterranean offers a great range of yacht charter and this includes; bareboat yacht charter, luxury crewed yacht charter, skippered yacht charter, monohull and catamaran charter and both sail and motor yacht charter. Both Croatia and Turkey offer crewed Gulet charters

The Balearic Islands or Islas Baleares are to be found western Mediterranean several hundred kilometres of the eastern coast of Spain. This island group comprises Mallorca, Minorca, Ibiza, Cabrera and Formentera. There are three airports in the islands making access extremely easy. At Palma de Mallorca on Mallorca, Ibiza on Ibiza and Mahon on Minorca. Access is also possible from the Spanish mainland via ferry from Barcelona, Denia and Valencia.

The Balearic Islands yacht charter season generally runs from April to the end of October. July and August are the hottest and tends to have lighter winds; it is also the most expensive time to charter a yacht. April-May and September-October have a lot of plus points, the temperatures are more comfortable, those sailing are likely to getter better winds, it is not as expensive and while ashore you will avoid crowds of July and August.

Corsica is a French island in the Mediterranean Sea. After Sicily, Sardinia and Cyprus, Corsica is the fourth largest island in the Mediterranean It is located southwest of Italy, southeast of France and to north of the island of Sardinia. Corsica is an exceptional place for a yacht charter holiday. Known for its rugged mountains and towering cliffs, Corsica contains many fishing villages and unspoiled places that make for ideal yacht anchorages.

With six hundred miles of coastline to discover, there is a lot to explore on Corsica. A two week charter is necessary if you aim to completely sail around Corsica, a trip of 330 NM. A popular alternative is to combine Corsica and Sardinia in their charter. The southern part of Corsica is separated form Sardinia by a short strait, only few miles long.

The climate of Corsica is typically Mediterranean and provides sunny warm and dry summers. In the height of summer, the coast of Corsica sees average temperature of 25C but it can rise to 35. As a general rule the north is hotter than the south. The sun shines for an average of 280 days per year, concentrated from April to October, making the Mediterranean summer, the perfect time for a yacht charter in Corsica.

Crete is the largest island in the Aegean Sea and marks the boundary between Europe and Africa. It is 140 miles long (E – W) and around 20 miles wide (N – S). The centre of the island is mountainous and it is rocky and barren in the main. The exceptions being the plains on the north coast and Lasithi Plateau in the mountains.

In the summer the prevailing wind is the infamous Meltemi from the NW – WNW. July and August sees the winds at their strongest, force 5 – 6 on the northern coast but more often a more gentle force 3 to 4. The spring and autumn sees winds form the south, force 2 – 4. The southern coast is notorious for strong squalls the blow down from the mountains. There is little in the way of warning and they can be violent close inshore. It gets very hot on the island during the summer months with the average daily temperature reaching 35 deg C in July and August and temperatures as high as 40 deg C are not uncommon.

Croatia’s beautiful coastline with more than one thousand stunning islands only a short distance from the mainland offers safe easy navigation in clear blue waters. The mainland coast consists of Istria, the Croatian Riviera and Dalmatia and in addition there are an incredible 1,187 islands of which only 67 are inhabited.

Croatia is situated on the Adriatic Sea, opposite Italy, in the Northern Mediterranean Sea. With a history going back over a thousand years, it first appeared on the political map of Europe in 1992, following the break up of Yugoslavia after a bloody civil war.

The climate is typical of the Mediterranean and provides for pleasant holidays throughout the year. The best season for sailing in Croatia is early summer with good winds in May and June mainly from the S/SE. Mornings tend to be calm with the wind increasing later in the afternoon to around 15 – 20 knots. The months of July and August see calmer conditions which is OK for those who don’t mind motoring. Summer temperatures average between 26 to 30C and the sea temperature in summer is about 25C.

The Cyclades is the central group of islands in the Aegean Sea but is still considerd part of the Mediterranean Sea. They can be split into three groups, Northern Cyclades, Central Cyclades and Southern Cyclades. The areas prevailing wind during the summer months is the infamous Meltemi blowing from the N-NW. It is first felt in June and becomes stronger through July, August and September when it can reach force 8. It dies down in October. In the spring and autumn gales are common from the N and the SE. The summer months are hot, average temperatures are 25 deg C and temperatures often reach 35 deg C.

The Dodecanese is a complex of over 163 islands and islets of which only 26 are inhabited. The islands form part of Greece’s eastern border with Turkey. In the summer the prevailing wind is the Meltemi that blows from the N and NW. It blows from June through to October and at its peak may reach a force 7. The spring and autumn sees winds from the SE, usually with strengths between 2 and 4. Summer temperatures can rise to 35 deg C. The winters are mild.

Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean being only slightly smaller the Sicily, the largest. It lies in the western Mediterranean off the western coast of the Italian peninsula and just to the south of the French island of Corsica, separated by the narrow Strait of Bonifacio. Mountains dominate much Sardinia’s interior; the highest point is Monti del Gennargentu at 1,834 metres. The coast boasts some of the most wonderful beaches in the Mediterranean.

The yacht charter season in Sardinia generally runs from April to the end of October. High season is July and August, when the temperatures (around 35C) and prices are at their highest. May and June, September and October are well worth considering. Prices are lower, the temperature more comfortable and for those wanting to sail rather than motor round Sardinia the winds are likely to be more suitable.Turkey is well known for its Gulets. Traditional motor sailors that carry holiday makers around the Turkish coast. The boats are wide beamed and roomy compared with the conventional charter yacht. The Gulets are crewed and hands on sailing will be limited. For those wanting a little more independence there plenty of yacht charter companies in the area offering the more normal bareboat deals.

Turkey is well known for its Gulets. Traditional motor sailors that carry holiday makers around the Turkish coast. The boats are wide beamed and roomy compared with the conventional charter yacht. The Gulets are crewed and hands on sailing will be limited. For those wanting a little more independence there plenty of yacht charter companies in the area offering the more normal bareboat deals.

Mid July through to mid September are the busiest and most expensive months to cruise the Turkish coast. Temperature can exceed 40 deg C. May and late September are a little cooler and cheaper. April and October see some rain but it is still pleasantly warm. From May to October this area experiences the Meltemi wind. It blows from the N and NW and can make sailing in that direction hard work. There is more detailed information on weather for the Aegean Coast of Turkey yacht and gulet charter area.

Bodrum, Marmaris and Fethiye are the chief yacht charter ports.

Small Ship & Yacht Cruising On The Eastern Mediterranean Coast

From legendary ruins and grand palaces to gorgeous landscapes and diverse cultures, the Eastern Mediterranean is a window to the past you cannot find anywhere else in the world. Cruises around the Eastern Mediterranean usually starts from Athens, Venice or Istanbul and visits fascinating Greek Islands like Mykonos, Santorini and Rhodes, whilst some of the small ship cruises also visit the idyllic, scenic and historic islands of Patmos, Skopelos and Skiathos. Stand atop the Acropolis in Athens. Be moved by the history of Sevastopol. Enjoy a glass of ouzo on a terrace caf in cliff-hugging Santorini. Walk through the magnificent curtain of walls of Dubrovnik. Or delve into the bazaars of lively Istanbul. Be seduced by Eastern Europes endless supply of sights.
CruiseBay brings to you the perfect combo of small vessels which not only offer a personalized setting while exploring this part of the globe but also bring in more geographic access to the world’s less-trafficked ports.
Variety Cruises
Founded in 2005, Variety Cruises is the largest Small Ships Cruise Company World-Wide with a fleet of over 15 fully owned vessels offering the consumer a total yachting experience. Variety Cruises and its budget sub-brand, Zeus Casual Cruises, offer low-key cruises to the Greek Isles, the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea. With sizes varying from 4 to 25 cabins, the private yachts and small ships allow passengers to visit well known destinations or to discover unique and more private ports of call in a private, convivial and relaxed environment. For the Greece cruises, the sailings mix in offbeat stops like Monemvassia and Spetses with traditional picks like Mykonos and Santorini. Both the modern yachts of Variety Cruises and the more homey sailing ships of Zeus Casual Cruises carry fewer than 70 passengers and typically feature swimming/sports platforms with snorkeling and kayaking equipment so that passengers can actually engage in the passing scenery. Fine cuisine, with a strong local flavor, exciting itineraries blending well known ports of call and less know gems of the Mediterranean along with personalized service have positioned the company as the choice for an ever growing number of cruise goers looking for a small ship cruise experience.

Gulet Cruises in Turkish Coast
Discover the beauty of the Aegean Coast in a traditionally Turkish hand-crafted Gulet Cruise, native to Bodrum and Marmaris alone. These two-masted wooden vessels, traditionally made from local pine, were long used for transport and fishing along the southern coasts of Turkey. They feature a selection of the best constructed and equipped yachts you can find in Turkey. Handmade using mahogany, pine and teak, the Gulets follow a design developed for these waters in Byzantine times, with a sharp bow, broad beam and rounded aft. They are stylish, graceful, fitted with comfort and bursting with character. Gulet Cruises offer a variety of 1 and 2- week scheduled Gulet cruises in Turkey, along the ancient coasts of Ionia, Caria and Lycia, stretching from the Aegean to the Mediterranean, from Kusadasi in the north-west to Antalya in the east. Along the way youll visit some of the most beautiful and fascinating archaeological sites, such as Aspendos, with the best preserved ancient theatre in the world; Kaunos, with its extraordinary rock cut temple tombs; Knidos, with terraces of temples, streets and shops arranged around a double harbor; and Ephesus, with its gigantic theatre, magnificent private houses and stunning library. Service is a prime consideration here and this cruise boasts some of the most skilled captains and finest chefs to make your adventure simply unforgettable.

Compagnie Du Ponant
Going to sea on a Compagnie du Ponant ship is to experience the unrivalled pleasure of a private cruise. Compagnie du Ponant, the worlds only French-flagged cruise company offers luxury small-ship cruising on five distinctive yachts. Each of their five ships, L’Austral, Le Boral, Le Diamant, Le Levant and Le Ponant have their own individual personality and each symbolizes the art of cruising ” la franaise” in line with Compagnie du Ponant’s philosophy. The small ships look and seem more like private yachts than traditional cruise ships, and all cruises are bi-lingual (French and English). The onboard atmosphere is much quieter than a regular ship, with few announcements, no casino, and limited organized onboard activities. Expansive sun decks and open-air restaurants allow guests to enjoy an authentic sailing experience. Because of the intimate size of the vessels, guests feel as if they are sailing on their own private yacht. Personalized service is assured, with a staff-to-guest ratio of 1:2. Ponant has over 15 sailing itineraries in the Eastern Mediterranean including Athens to Venice, Istanbul to Athens, Venice to Istanbul and several round trip Venice options of 7 nights / 8 days duration.

Katrinia Cruise line
Katarina Line is one of Croatia’s premier cruise specialist companies with a fleet of 30 vintage and motor sailing ships providing guaranteed departures from the major ports of Opatija, Split and Dubrovnik and sailing throughout Croatia. With a fleet of over 30 ships ranging from basic to deluxe accommodation, these Croatian cruises are ideal for individuals and groups in search of blue sea and beaches, at the same time exploring the little coastal towns and island villages (Hvar, Korcula, Brac, Dubrovnik, Makarska, Rab, Krk). During your 7-day cruise, immerse yourself in the beauty of the crystal-clear waters, hidden bays and the most beautiful sunsets in the world. Enjoy the walk through the narrow alleys and rich heritage, or maybe on one of the pebble beaches with fresh water springs, that stretch along the whole eastern side of the Komia bay. Visit the famous Stari Grad Field – the oldest in Croatia and the best preserved example of ancient Greek system of agriculture. If you feel adventurous you can experience white-water rafting on Cetina River, the perfect relaxation during hot summer months, or you can join an excursion to Mostar in Bosnia/ Herzegovina before or after the cruise and discover the beauty of this magical town where east meets west.

SeaDream Yacht Club
SeaDream Yacht Club is the perfect choice if you desire an alternative to big ship cruising. From the moment you step on board youll feel you are being welcomed onto your own private luxury yacht. SeaDream Yacht Club offers guests a choice of two luxury yachts, SeaDream I and SeaDream II. These stunning cruise ships are the perfect embodiment of SeaDreams ethos, offering ultra-luxury accommodation and dining options as well as exuding a unique casual elegance. Both vessels can cater for a maximum of 56 couples who in turn are looked after by a crew of 95. What really differentiates this cruise line is the superb service on board; attentive, pro-active and friendly without being obsequious. Readers of Conde Nast Traveler ranked Sea Dream Yacht Club as one of the top 100 travel experiences worldwide. SeaDream offers a wide choice of voyages in the Eastern Mediterranean ranging from Istanbul – Venice, Civitavecchia (Rome) Nice, Monte Carlo – Civitavecchia (Rome), Venice Dubrovnik, Nice – Monte Carlo, Piraeus (Athens) Venice and more. On your Mediterranean cruise, you can capture the exclusive glamour of the French and Italian Rivieras, take in the art and architectural wonders of Florence, Venice and Rome, witness the myths and wonders of Athens and the Greek Isles, behold the grandeur of Istanbul and Renaissance-era palaces of Croatia.

About CruiseBay
CruiseBay is Indias first and only Cruises-only Holiday Company with a website www.cruisebay.in that features over 1000 cruise itineraries from 30+ cruise liners. In addition, we have pioneered the concept of CruiseBay Lounges in multiple cities in India with professionally trained cruise consultants to help clients plan their cruise vacation.

Uniqueness with Yacht charter Croatia

If you are looking for an exciting and a drifting expedition that involves sailing with yacht then you will most probably be well searching for yacht charter Croatia. In fact in most expeditions, you will be mesmerized by sailings that give you an ideal experience on any of your personal missions. Considering the stretched land, going beyond the escarpments of the Croatian coast, the area is well immersed in an irregular line stretching for about 2000km of the coast line. This is one of the rarest places in Europe and its Mediterranean history gives it a rich old past. The country is well adapted to various distinct places that are ideal during summer and specific trips could be made along the coastline all the way to the archipelagos seashores that are not only spectacular but which are also extremely unique and popular among foreign tourists.

With its perfect offers, the seashores are known to be very accommodative and give a range of services that are dramatically based on the ancient Roman history and which are separated by the changing needs of tourists. With an affordable charter Croatia, you can easily and simply make visits to any of the leading destinations and be able to benefit from the extensive experience of your guides. There are many strips that extend far to the north and executive places like the Diocletians place could offer you a lot of exposure. The Yacht charter Croatia is ideally very attractive and famous regions that are greatly divergent are experimentally defined by the existence of a number of features including the heralded Kornati archipelago, Kvarner Bay and the Dalmatia peninsula. Ideally, this offers great choices that are perfectly defined by extensive coastlines which have isolated and scattered islets that are available in central Croatia. These are separated by the rigorous exploration of the Adriatic blue waters.

When you are considering yacht charter Dubrovnik you should consider a bareboat charter as a way to explore the Dalmatian coast. There are also the beautiful islands like Elafiti Islands that have perfect waters for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. You will find many great places to stop for lunch here and on Lokrum Island.

Taking a bareboat charter trip on yachts in Dubrovnik will give you the opportunity to visit the historic towns of the area and see the sleepy little villages around Sipan. You can go to see the national park at Mljet and you can go to the shops, and bars, and restaurants that populate Korcula.

You can take yachts in Dubrovnik bareboat even if you are unfamiliar with the local waters. There is a line of sight navigation ability here that will keep even the beginning skipper from losing their way. So anyone that would like to enjoy the more relaxing and slower paced bareboat excursions can do so with confidence.

If you are planning a trip here and you want to take a bareboat charter then you will have to have an ICC, or ASA or RYA day skipper certificate, to legally take a boat out unattended. Check into meeting these requirements before you go so your trip can be everything you want it to be.

Different Ways That You Can Reach To Yacht Charter Dubrovnik

There are many options that you can use when you decide to go for yacht charter Dubrovnik. You can use the bareboat, crewed yacht, catamarans or motor boats. When you go to visit the city, the recommended activities are walking through old town and visiting the nearby Town called the Ston which is famous for cultivating the shellfish. Make sure that you visit Park Vransko Lake and national Park Mljet. You can also take time to go to nearby cities like the Korcula and Hvar.

If you want to visit the Dubrovnik, you can go to yacht charter Dubrovnik by using the plane to different airports such as airport Zadar, Airport Sarajevo, Airport Podgorica or airport Split. You use a car to reach the area by using the high way that connects the Dubrovnik to the north city. You can also use the shipping lines from different cities of Croatia and Italy. There are also bus lines that connect the city with major town in Europe. If you have decided to enjoy Croatia, then you should never leave the city without visiting the yacht charter Split. This is one of the top destinations in the Croatian nautical tourism. You will be able to enjoy different discounts and offers found with most of the boats and transport connections that will take you to enjoy the nearby cities. There are many yacht charter centers that will help you to understand more about the charters you want to take and who will help you to acquire the boat you are looking for. Your yacht charter Split will never be complete without visiting the nautical centres found in the area such as Rogoznica, Trogir, Baska Voda, and Primosten. You will be able to enjoy the best that yacht centers can give you for your yachting experience.

The best place to visit in split is the area where the Diocletians Palace was, the part of the town that have been listed on the world cultural heritage site like the Bobovisca Bay which is found in the island of Brac, the Paklinski Island among other places. You can visit the city by using the plane to different airport in the city and you can also use a car if you are in the Hungary, Austria, Slovenia and Italy. The shipping line or ferry lines that connect the Split to Italy also can be used to reach this place. You can also learn about the buses schedules that go to this area.

If you think that it is time to enjoy some holiday sailing, then you have to go for yacht charter Dubrovnik or yacht charter Split in Croatia.

Nautical Holidays Croatia Yacht Charter – Part I

Croatian waters are part of Adriatic Sea, witch extends northwest between 40 and 45 45′ and is part of a Mediterranean sea. Adriatic is surrounded by Mediterranean countries Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro and Albania.

The most beautiful part of Adriatic coastline for yacht charter is in Croatia. There are 5,835 kilometers of coastline, of which 1,777 kilometers are mainland and over 4,000 kilometers of coastline belongs to hundreds of beautiful islands, which are a perfect scene for enjoying your nautical holidays. Croatia yacht charter agencies offers a wide range of boats (sailboats, powerboats, luxury boats, gullets, super yachts) and many options of charter: bareboat charter, crewed charter, skippered charter.

The charter fee includes charter of a yacht with its equipment and full insurance for the yacht and crew. Fuel expenses, skipper or/and hostess and other extra services are not included in the charter fee. The chartered yacht with complete equipment can be used only after the payment was regularly settled:

30-50% of the charter fee (down payment) upon booking.

50-70% of the charter fee four weeks before commencement of the charter.

You also have to make a security deposit, when you are taking over the yacht. Security deposit can be made in cash or credit cards. The security deposit shall be refunded in its full amount, unless there is damage or a defect on the yacht or the equipment, and unless there are no claims filed or announced regarding you by third persons, which are connected to the usage of the yacht.

Charter agency is obligated to hand-over at yours disposal completely equipped, faultless, with full fuel and water tanks in the agreed time and place. If there is any reason that chartering company didn’t fulfill above-mentioned conditions you have a right to ask for money refund, for the days he has not been using the yacht. Also if the charter agency cannot place the yacht at disposal at the agreed place 4 hours after the expiry of the time period for the takeover, or provide another, at least identical or better characteristics, you have a right to give up the contract and demand the total amount of the charter fee or demand the amount for as many days as he could have not disposed of the yacht.

After taking possession of the yacht, you shall bear all coast of the daily berth in the port, or in marina, coast of fuel, oil, water, cleaning and all other necessities. You are obliged to sail within the Croatian territorial waters. For leaving Croatian territorial waters you are obligated to ask charter company’s special permission and certificate.

You undertake to respect custom and other regulations and rules, to take care of the yacht and its equipment and navigate it carefully and according to the rules of a good navigator.
Number of persons aboard must correspond to the crew list. The keeping of pets (dogs, cats, birds and similar) on the yacht is not allowed, unless a previous agreement was reached in that regard.

The insurance is determined by the terms defined by the insurer with which yacht is insured. The yacht is insured against third person damages and fully insured for all the damages resulting from force majored up to the registered amount of the value of the yachts for the risks according to the insurance policy. The yacht crew is insured.

Insurance covers all the damages by franchise caused by weather or from the other natural disasters, but not the damages made on purpose. Charges for purpose made damages are not limited by deposit; in that case you must pay all expenses caused by damage made on purpose. The personal belongings are not covered by the insurance.

You have to take over the yacht in agreed time and place. When taking over the yacht, you are obliged to check and carefully examine the condition of the yacht and its equipment according to the inventory list. The chartering company reserves the right not to hand you over the yacht if in the judgment of their representatives you are not competent for any reason to operate the yacht.