Istanbul New Year Party Cruise trough Bosphorus

Kicking off the New Year in Istanbul takes on a special flair with the Istanbul New Year Party Cruise through the Bosphorus. Priced at $299.32 per person, this 5-hour evening cruise offers a festive way to celebrate, combining dinner, unlimited drinks, and scenic views of Istanbul’s illuminated skyline. The tour departs from 7:30 pm and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making it a convenient option for those seeking a lively, all-in-one celebration. While the experience is generally regarded as fun and energetic, it comes with some mixed reviews highlighting both its highlights and a few areas for improvement.

This cruise is especially well-suited to those who want to avoid crowded waterfront parties and prefer celebrating in style on the water. Children aged 7 and up are welcome, and families who enjoy a lively night out will find the open bar and dinner a good value. However, it’s worth noting that some reviews mention issues such as service concerns and the long journey back to hotels, so travelers should weigh these points when planning.

Key Points

• Price: About $299.32 per person, with most bookings made 11 days in advance.
• Duration: Approximately 5 hours, starting at 7:30 pm.
• Includes: Dinner, unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, hotel pickup, and transfer.
• Main stops: The cruise covers the Bosphorus Strait and the Bosphorus Bridge, with fireworks views.
• Family-Friendly: Children 7 and older can join, but must be accompanied by an adult.
• Reviews: Mixed, with a 3.5/5 rating based on four reviews, citing fun moments but also some service issues.

Starting the Night: Hotel Pickup and Transfer

The tour begins with hotel pickup, which adds convenience for travelers staying in Istanbul. Once picked up, guests are transferred directly to the boarding wharf, where the night cruise begins promptly at 7:30 pm. The mobile ticket system simplifies access, and the entire process aims to streamline your evening without logistical worries.

This setup makes it easier to focus on the celebration rather than transportation logistics. The maximum group size is around 300 travelers, ensuring a lively but manageable crowd. The pickup service is particularly appreciated by those unfamiliar with local transport or simply seeking a hassle-free evening.

Scenic Views of Istanbul’s Nighttime Landmarks

The cruise promises spectacular views of Istanbul’s illuminated streets, palaces, and bridges. As the boat glides along the Bosphorus Strait, guests can admire famous sites like the Bosphorus Bridge and palaces lit up against the night sky. The route includes two main stops: one along the Bosphorus Strait and another near the Bosphorus Bridge, each lasting about 2 hours.

The proximity to the fireworks display from the Bosphorus Bridge offers a prime vantage point for ringing in the New Year. The lighting and skyline create a festive atmosphere, making the cruise a memorable way to watch the city celebrate.

Food and Drinks: All-Inclusive Dinner and Open Bar

A key feature of this tour is the included dinner, ensuring guests don’t need to worry about finding food beforehand. The meal is served onboard, and although some reviews mention the meal is not exceptional, it generally provides enough sustenance for a festive night.

The open bar is a major highlight, with unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks available throughout the cruise. Alcoholic beverages are included, allowing guests to toast the New Year without extra costs. The service is active and numerous bartenders work to keep drinks flowing, contributing to the lively party atmosphere.

Celebrating New Year with Fireworks from the Bosphorus

The boat’s close proximity to the fireworks launching from the Bosphorus Bridge makes this cruise a great vantage point. Guests can enjoy spectacular views of the fireworks lighting up Istanbul’s skyline, a perfect backdrop for ringing in the New Year.

The 2-hour stop at the Bosphorus Bridge is specifically designed to give guests the best chance to see the fireworks and take memorable photos. The combination of lights, music, and the ambiance onboard makes for a lively and joyful celebration.

The Music and Entertainment on Board

While the cruise includes music and singing, reviews suggest that the music selection primarily features Turkish songs, which may limit appeal for some international guests. The onboard staff are described as active and attentive, helping to maintain a fun atmosphere despite some complaints about the performance choices.

A singer performs during the cruise, but some reviews note dissatisfaction with the song selection, which could impact the overall entertainment experience.

Service and Experience: What Reviewers Say

The overall rating of 3.5 out of 5 reflects a mixed experience. Some guests enjoy the festive atmosphere, scenic views, and inclusive drinks, while others mention service issues and the long journey back to hotels after the event.

One review describes the dinner as not exceptional, and some mention that the service during the night could be improved. The exhausting return trip to hotels is a common concern, so travelers should be prepared for a potentially long night.

Practical Details and Booking

The tour is bookable all year round, with most travelers reserving about 11 days in advance. The maximum group size is around 300 people, making it a lively but organized event. The confirmation is immediate upon booking, and the non-refundable policy means travelers should confirm their plans beforehand.

Children aged 7 and above are permitted on the cruise, provided they are accompanied by an adult. The tour’s meeting point is at the dock, where guests are transferred from their hotel.

Considerations and Limitations

While the inclusive dinner and open bar add value, the service quality may vary, and some guests report long trips back to their hotels afterward. The music selection might also be a point of disappointment if you’re expecting a diverse playlist. The mixed reviews suggest it’s best suited for those looking for a lively, scenic, and inclusive celebration rather than a perfectly smooth experience.

Istanbul New Year Party Cruise: Is It Worth It?

This cruise offers a unique way to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Istanbul, combining scenic vistas, live entertainment, and a festive atmosphere. The price point aligns with the all-inclusive experience, especially with dinner and unlimited drinks included.

However, the service issues and the long return trip are factors to consider. It’s an ideal choice for families or groups seeking a lively, scenic celebration with fireworks views from the water. Those expecting a flawless service might find some aspects lacking, but most will enjoy the energetic atmosphere and memorable views.

The Istanbul New Year Party Cruise stands as a fun, convenient, and scenic way to welcome the New Year, especially for travelers who want to avoid the crowded waterfront and enjoy the celebration from the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of the cruise?
The price covers dinner, unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, hotel pickup and transfer, and the cruise itself.

Can children join the cruise?
Yes, children 7 years and older can participate when accompanied by an adult.

What is the duration of the cruise?
The cruise lasts about 5 hours, starting at 7:30 pm and ending back at the meeting point.

Will I see the fireworks from the cruise?
Yes, the cruise is positioned for spectacular fireworks views from the Bosphorus Bridge area.

Is there entertainment onboard?
Yes, the cruise features music and singing, but reviews note it mainly includes Turkish songs, which might not suit everyone.

How do I get to the meeting point?
The tour provides hotel pickup and wharf transfer, simplifying the journey from your accommodation.

Is the experience suitable for large groups?
Yes, with a maximum of 300 travelers, it maintains an energetic atmosphere suitable for large groups.

What is the cancellation policy?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book around 11 days in advance to secure their spot.

What should I consider before booking?
Be aware of service variability reported in reviews and prepare for a longer trip back to your hotel after the cruise.