Budapest: New Year’s Eve Party Cruise with Food & Live Show

Budapest: New Year’s Eve Party Cruise with Food & Live Show

The Budapest New Year’s Eve Party Cruise offers a lively and elegant way to ring in the New Year along the Danube River. For $294 per person, guests enjoy 6 hours of entertainment, including a 5-course gala dinner, live folk music, and a midnight celebration on the sparkling waters of Budapest. The cruise departs from Akadémia 2 ponton, aboard the stylish Gróf Széchenyi ship, which provides a comfortable yet festive setting to welcome 2024.

This experience is perfect for those seeking a specialized celebration in Budapest, combining delicious food, spectacular views, and unforgettable entertainment. While the price might be higher than typical dinners, the inclusion of unlimited drinks, live performances, and a scenic route past iconic landmarks makes it a notable option for a memorable New Year’s Eve.

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Key Points

• Duration: 6 hours, starting in the early evening with multiple sightseeing and dining segments.
• Prices: $294 per person, including dinner, drinks, entertainment, and sightseeing.
• Highlights: 5-course gala dinner, live folk dance by the Rajkó Ensemble, live music, and a DJ after midnight.
• Route: Passes by Budapest’s most famous monuments, such as Chain Bridge, Hungarian Parliament, and Fisherman’s Bastion.
• Food Options: Three menu choices, including vegetarian, poultry, and red meat options.
• Drinks: Unlimited wine, beer, prosecco, soft drinks, and mulled wine.
• Meeting Point: Akadémia 2 ponton; the cruise ends back at the same dock.

Starting Point and Departure Details on the Danube

The cruise begins at Akadémia 2 ponton, where guests board the Gróf Széchenyi ship in the early evening. The route takes you past key Budapest sights, with two hours of sightseeing cruises included in the experience. These cruises showcase many of Budapest’s illuminated landmarks, including the Chain Bridge, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and Fisherman’s Bastion.

Throughout the evening, the boat passes famous bridges and historical sites, offering stunning views against the night sky. The cruise’s timing allows guests to savor the city lights and architecture with plenty of opportunities for photos, especially during the midnight toast.

Inside the Elegant Gróf Széchenyi Ship

The Gróf Széchenyi ship provides a stylish and comfortable setting for the celebration. Its spacious interior is designed for a festive atmosphere, and the ship’s layout ensures guests can enjoy both the dinner and the views comfortably. The table service for the 5-course dinner guarantees a smooth dining experience, with table options catering to different tastes.

The ship’s ambiance is lively thanks to live folk performances and a DJ that spins popular international hits and Hungarian favorites after midnight. The setting encourages mingling and dancing, especially during the party atmosphere that kicks in as the clock strikes twelve.

The 5-Course Gala Dinner Experience

The gala dinner is a highlight of this New Year’s Eve cruise, with three menu options to suit different preferences: red meat, poultry and white meat, and vegetarian. Each menu begins with a cold appetizer—such as foie gras canapé and apple pie mosaic—and features a famous soup of His Majesty Franz Josef.

Main courses include thoughtfully prepared dishes like roast duck breast, chicken with herbs, or a vegetable galette for vegetarians. The meal ends with a white chocolate and strawberry cheesecake, served with Tokaji wine. This multi-course setup ensures a satisfying dining experience, with table service making it convenient to enjoy the food while taking in the views.

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Unlimited Drinks and the Midnight Toast

Included in the ticket price is an open bar offering wine, draught beer, prosecco, soft drinks, tea, coffee, and mulled wine, allowing guests to indulge freely throughout the evening. As the countdown approaches, guests gather on deck to toast the New Year with sparkling wine, celebrating amidst the scenic backdrop of Budapest’s illuminated skyline.

The midnight celebration is lively, with the DJ playing both international pop hits and Hungarian favorites, ensuring the dance floor stays busy well past midnight. As the clock strikes twelve, the crisp winter air and glittering city make for a festive atmosphere that’s hard to match.

Scenic Route Past Budapest’s Most Famous Landmarks

The cruise’s itinerary includes two hours of sightseeing along the Danube, passing major landmarks like the Chain Bridge, the Hungarian Parliament Building, Citadella, Fisherman’s Bastion, Elizabeth Bridge, Liberty Bridge, Bálna Budapest, and Margaret Bridge.

While the boat is in motion, guides and commentators share insights about Budapest’s history and architecture, enhancing the experience. The illuminated monuments create a stunning contrast against the night sky, making this cruise a visual highlight of the New Year’s celebration.

Entertainment: Folk Dance, Live Music, and DJ

The live folk dance show by the Rajkó Ensemble adds a cultural touch to the evening. The energetic performances feature colorful costumes and traditional Hungarian dances, providing a lively backdrop to dinner and sightseeing. After midnight, the DJ takes over, spinning a mix of popular international music and Hungarian hits, encouraging guests to dance and celebrate into the early hours.

This combination of live performances and music creates a festive atmosphere that suits a lively crowd eager to welcome 2024 in style.

Additional Festive Offerings and Special Menus

For 2023/24, guests can choose from three menu options—red meat, poultry, or vegetarian—that feature appetizers, soups, main courses, and desserts. The midnight buffet includes traditional Hungarian lentil stew, sour cabbage, gluten-free breads, Frankfurters, and Sour Cabbage Soup, ensuring late-night options for those still hungry after dinner.

Future menus for 2024/2025 are yet to be announced, but the focus remains on quality, variety, and traditional Hungarian flavors.

Practicalities: Meeting Point, Cancellation, and Accessibility

The meeting point is Akadémia 2 dock, where guests find the Gróf Széchenyi ship waiting. The activity lasts 6 hours and includes two sightseeing cruises along the Danube, dinner, entertainment, and midnight festivities.

Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if plans change. The tour is hosted in English, ensuring clear communication for international visitors. No transfer services are included, so guests need to arrange their own transportation to and from the meeting point.

Who Will Appreciate This New Year’s Eve Experience?

This cruise suits those who value a stylish celebration with scenic views, delicious dining, and lively entertainment. The combination of a multi-course dinner, live folk music, and dancing after midnight makes it ideal for guests who want a festive, yet elegant, way to welcome 2024.

It might not be the best choice for travelers seeking a casual or purely sightseeing-focused event, as the experience involves a structured dinner and entertainment program. However, for those wanting to combine food, music, and scenic views into a memorable New Year’s Eve, this cruise offers an engaging package.

Budapest New Year’s Eve Party Cruise with Food & Live Show

This 6-hour celebration on the Danube presents a well-rounded blend of culinary delights, visual splendor, and festive entertainment. The scenic route past Budapest’s illuminated landmarks adds a special touch, while the live folk dance and DJ music ensure the party atmosphere is lively and fun.

While the price of $294 reflects its premium offering, the inclusion of unlimited drinks, live performances, and a scenic cruise makes it a compelling choice for those celebrating New Year’s in style. The early evening start offers plenty of time for dancing, dining, and taking in Budapest’s stunning winter scenery, making this cruise a memorable way to see in the new year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the ticket price?
The ticket includes sightseeing cruises, a 5-course gala dinner, unlimited beer, wine, prosecco, live music, a folk dance show, a raffle game, a DJ, and a special midnight menu.

Where does the cruise start?
The cruise departs from Akadémia 2 ponton, where guests board the Gróf Széchenyi ship.

How long does the cruise last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 6 hours, with two sightseeing cruises and festive activities included.

Are drinks unlimited?
Yes, the open bar includes wine, draught beer, prosecco, soft drinks, tea, coffee, and mulled wine.

Is there a dress code?
While not explicitly stated, the elegant setting and gala dinner suggest smart casual or semi-formal attire.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, the vegetarian menu features dishes like beetroot mousse and vegetable galette.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?
There is no specific information about accessibility; guests should confirm with the provider if needed.

What kind of entertainment is offered?
Guests enjoy folk dance performances by the Rajkó Ensemble, live music, and a DJ after midnight.

Is transfer included?
No, transfers are not included; guests need to make their own way to Akadémia 2 dock.

This Budapest New Year’s Eve Party Cruise combines spectacular views, delicious food, and festive entertainment into a memorable way to celebrate the arrival of 2024.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby