Ringing in the new year from the enchanting city of Istanbul is an unforgettable experience. Guests can embark on a New Year’s Eve cruise that bridges the continents of Europe and Asia, indulging in Turkish delights and live entertainment. As the clock strikes midnight, they’ll toast with champagne against the stunning skyline, creating cherished memories in a vibrant atmosphere. This unique celebration promises an evening of culture and festive revelry.
Key Points
- A 5-hour Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul celebrating the New Year at the intersection of Europe and Asia, starting at £627.58 per person.
- Guests enjoy a 3-course Turkish feast, unlimited local drinks, and captivating live entertainment including belly dancing, whirling dervishes, and folk dancers.
- The cruise offers a unique way to explore Istanbul’s waterways and witness a special midnight dance show with champagne toasts against the illuminated skyline.
- Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve now and pay later option is offered.
- While the overall rating is 3.8 out of 5 stars, customer experiences vary, with both positive and negative feedback regarding the atmosphere, entertainment, food, and transportation.
Overview and Pricing
This New Year’s Eve cruise along the Bosphorus offers an unforgettable experience starting from £627.58 per person.
The 5-hour cruise allows you to celebrate the new year at the meeting point of Europe and Asia. Guests can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
A reserve now and pay later option is also available. Whether you’re seeking an exciting way to ring in the new year or want to explore Istanbul’s waterways, this Bosphorus cruise promises a memorable celebration.
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Cruise Highlights
Sailing along the iconic Bosphorus, guests can enjoy a 3-course Turkish feast featuring a selection of grilled fish, marinated chicken, and traditional meatballs, complemented by a fresh arugula salad and lemon.
Hot and cold starters as well as traditional Turkish desserts are also included, along with unlimited local drinks.
The cruise’s entertainment highlights include belly dancing, whirling dervishes, and folk dancers, culminating in a special New Year’s dance show at midnight as guests toast the new year with champagne while admiring Istanbul’s illuminated skyline and landmarks.
Culinary Delights
Guests aboard the New Year’s Eve cruise can savor a delectable 3-course Turkish feast that showcases the rich flavors of the region.
The menu offers a selection of grilled fish, marinated grilled chicken breast, and grilled meatballs, all served with a fresh arugula salad, onion, and lemon.
The meal also includes hot and cold starters, as well as traditional Turkish desserts.
Unlimited local drinks flow freely, allowing guests to toast the new year in style.
The culinary experience complements the lively entertainment, creating a memorable celebration of the meeting of Europe and Asia.
Entertainment Features
As guests embark on the New Year’s Eve cruise along the Bosphorus, they’re treated to a captivating array of live entertainment.
The evening features:
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Mesmerizing belly dancers, who bring an exotic energy to the festivities.
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Graceful whirling dervishes, showcasing the spiritual traditions of Sufism.
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Vibrant folk dancers, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Turkey.
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A special New Year’s dance show at midnight, as revelers toast the arrival of the new year with champagne.
Against the backdrop of Istanbul’s illuminated skyline, this diverse lineup ensures an unforgettable celebration between two continents.
More Great Tours NearbyMidnight Celebrations
As the clock strikes midnight, the Bosphorus cruise springs to life with a celebratory flair. Revelers aboard toast the new year with chilled champagne, as a special dance show unfolds on the deck.
Belly dancers and whirling dervishes captivate the crowd, their vibrant costumes and graceful movements ushering in the new year with a flourish.
The night sky is illuminated by the glittering skyline of Istanbul, with landmarks like the Dolmabahce Palace and Bosphorus Bridge providing a stunning backdrop to the festivities.
It’s a truly unforgettable way to welcome the new year, blending Turkey’s rich cultural heritage with the energy of a global celebration.
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Sightseeing Spectacle
While sailing along the Bosphorus, passengers are treated to a sightseeing spectacle of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks.
The illuminated skyline and historic Dolmabahce Palace come into view, as the Bosphorus Bridge connects the European and Asian sides of the city. Guests can admire the stunning panorama and take in the festive atmosphere.
The cruise offers:
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Breathtaking views of Istanbul’s illuminated landmarks and bridges
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Opportunities to see the meeting point of Europe and Asia
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A unique vantage point to observe the city’s vibrant nightlife
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Unparalleled sights of the Bosphorus and its picturesque shoreline.
Transportation and Accessibility
The Istanbul New Year’s Eve Cruise offers roundtrip transportation for guests, with pickup from the hotel lobby required 15 minutes before departure.
This convenient service ensures a seamless journey to and from the cruise. The cruise is also wheelchair accessible, catering to guests with mobility needs.
Whether celebrating the new year or simply seeking a unique sightseeing experience, the Istanbul New Year’s Eve Cruise provides accessible transportation options to enhance the overall experience.
Travelers can focus on enjoying the festivities and scenic views along the Bosphorus without worrying about the logistics of getting to and from the event.
Customer Experiences
Travelers have offered a mix of feedback on the Istanbul New Year’s Eve Cruise experience. While some praised the lively atmosphere and entertaining performances, others raised concerns about the quality of the food and transportation issues. According to reviews, the cruise received an overall rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars.
The Istanbul New Year’s Eve Cruise received a 3.8/5 rating, with mixed reviews on atmosphere, entertainment, food, and transportation.
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Positive comments highlighted the festive ambiance and enjoyment of the live entertainment, including belly dancing, whirling dervishes, and folk dancers.
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However, some travelers reported delays and poor driver experiences during the included roundtrip transportation.
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Criticism was also directed at the food, with comments suggesting the quality could be improved.
Despite these concerns, the opportunity to toast the New Year while admiring Istanbul’s illuminated skyline was widely appreciated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Dress Code for the New Year’s Eve Cruise?
There is no specified dress code for the New Year’s Eve cruise. However, it’s recommended to dress in festive attire to fully enjoy the celebratory atmosphere and entertainment on board.
Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated on the Cruise?
Yes, dietary restrictions can be accommodated on the cruise. The 3-course Turkish feast offers options for grilled fish, marinated grilled chicken, and grilled meatballs, as well as vegetarian-friendly dishes, to cater to various dietary needs.
How Do I Get to the Cruise Departure Point?
Roundtrip transportation is included, and pickup from the hotel lobby is required 15 minutes before departure. The cruise departure point is accessible, with wheelchair options available for those who need them.
Is the Cruise Suitable for Families With Young Children?
The cruise seems suitable for families with young children. It offers free cancellation, wheelchair accessibility, and a variety of entertainment like belly dancing and folk dances. However, some reviews mention transportation issues, so families should consider their needs carefully.
Can I Book the Cruise for a Private Group Event?
Yes, the cruise can be booked for a private group event. The cruise operator offers the option to reserve the entire cruise for a private party or celebration with customized menu and entertainment options.
The Sum Up
Celebrating the New Year on an Istanbul cruise spanning Europe and Asia offers an unforgettable experience. Theres some good Turkish cuisine, entertainment, and toast the midnight hour against the stunning skyline, creating cherished memories in a vibrant atmosphere. With its unique location and amenities, this New Year’s Eve cruise provides an exceptional way to welcome the new year in style.
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