Unforgettable Blue Cruise Experience, with a Few Important Caveats
We sailed on Farout’s 4-day Olympos to Fethiye Blue Cruise (18–39 age group) aboard Esmeralda in mid-September. An incredible experience and a highlight of our Turkey trip, despite some shortcomings!
The coastline is spectacular, with stunning swimming coves, charming coastal towns, and beautiful scenery. Sleeping on deck under the stars and waking to sunrise over the Mediterranean was unforgettable.
As a married couple in our mid-to-late 30s, we worried the younger cruise would be too much of a party boat, but we're so glad we chose it! Our group was mostly Australians in their 20s, and the atmosphere was fun and social without being overly party-focused. The mixed-age Farout boats we anchored near seemed noticeably quieter.
Cabins exceeded expectations: compact but functional, with good storage, opening windows, and clean, updated bathrooms.
A few downsides:
- Front cabins constantly smelled of sewage; rear cabins apparently didn't.
- AC was limited, making cabins hot.
- Food was fresh and healthy but repetitive and light on protein outside dinner.
- Only instant coffee for guests, despite the crew making Turkish coffee for themselves.
- Crew was minimally engaged with passengers.
Most concerning was the lack of medical preparedness. I had a severe allergic reaction, and the captain offered pain medication, showed little concern, and said the next pharmacy was two days away. There wasn't even a basic first-aid kit available. Thankfully, two fellow passengers were doctors and others had antihistamines. Farout needs to address this serious safety issue.
Tips:
- Sleep on deck! Bring earplugs and an eye mask.
- Pack a battery-powered fan for hot cabin nights (invaluable when rain forced us inside).
- Bring a clothesline, toiletries, and essential medications/first-aid supplies.
- Charge devices in the lounge; cabin outlets don't work.
Overall, I'd absolutely recommend this cruise, especially to social travelers in their 30s considering the younger group. With better safety preparedness and a few improvements to food and amenities, it would easily be five stars.
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Escape55583134744
September 5, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Great trip along the Antalyan coast
Had a great time on the 3 night trip from Olympos to Fethiye on Bluefest; amazing water and scenery, really nice comfortable gulet, and the crew made the whole experience fun and smooth! (special mention to chef for the delicious meals)
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Raquel M
July 19, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Top experience
We loved those days sailing. The highlight of our Turkey trip. Nice crew and super cool guests! Highly recommend this
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jodiecF2624MD
October 18, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Great experience, beautiful views and delicious food!
We had a great experience on board with Captain Mustafa! A gorgeous and relaxing way to explore the Antalya coastline. Thank you to the whole team, including the chef - the food was so fresh and delicious every day.
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digiovannijulia
September 26, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Amazing experience
I signed up for this to have maximum time in the water and sun during my trip to Turkey and that’s exactly what I got. I don’t really drink and our group was pretty chill. We had a ton of fun swimming, playing games, reading and lounging in the sun. The food was AMAZING. The crew do a great job accommodating requests and go out of their way if you ask for anything at all.
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GabiJo_Dan_Han
August 27, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Totally real Totally recommended!!
If you like peace and peace and enjoy it completely. I sailed the Mediterranean from Olympos to Petiteau for 3 nights and 4 days and I really want to do it every year. Eating and drinking on the boat, sunny, hot, jumping into the sea. The serving crows are also perfect!! Three meals a day were too delicious, in the middle of the fruit service time.. I want to come to Turkey every year... You won't regret it. Totally recommended!!
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361carelk
July 21, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
My Family and I had the privilege to join the cruise earlier this month.
We travelled safely through Turkey and now at home we have fond memories of our trip.
Everybody in our family just loved the boat cruise – Mustafa and his crew were SUPER !
Thank you so much that our family of six had the whole boat for ourselves – it made a big difference – we could spend quality time with each other.
Thank you for making this dream and special memories possible.
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Trek56562333461
July 18, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Great times in the sun
Great time with an awesome crew. The spots were beautiful and the vibes were on point. Be careful of that bar tab creeping up though 😬
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Chriiiish
July 18, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Great crew. Loved lounging on the boat in the sun and in the shade. The clear blue Mediterranean was so google to jump into from the boat. We had 3 nights and that was the right length. The food was delicious
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Daniel S
June 22, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Best 3 days in Turkey
Can’t rate this highly enough! The crew, food and vibes of everyone onboard was un matched! Highly reccomend for anyone travelling to Turkey to 100% do this!