Istanbul: New Year’s Eve Cruise Between Two Continents

Experience Istanbul’s Unique New Year Celebration on the Bosphorus

The Istanbul: New Year’s Eve Cruise Between Two Continents offers a memorable way to ring in the new year, sailing along the famous Bosphorus. Priced at $851 per person and lasting for about 5 hours, this tour provides a combination of stunning views, lively entertainment, and a festive atmosphere. The tour departs from a designated meeting point in Istanbul Province, with roundtrip transportation included, making it convenient for visitors staying in the city.

This cruise is set on a Bosphorus boat, where you can enjoy a 3-course Turkish dinner, live belly dancing, and a dance show to celebrate. While reviews highlight the quality of entertainment and the beauty of the scenery, some mention that the meals and wines may not meet everyone’s expectations. Nonetheless, this experience suits those looking for a lively, all-inclusive night with spectacular views of Istanbul’s illuminated skyline.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• All-inclusive 5-hour cruise with dinner, drinks, and entertainment
• Live belly dancing and folk shows enhance the festive atmosphere
• Panoramic views of landmarks like Dolmabahce Palace and the Bosphorus Bridge
• Unlimited local drinks and champagne toast at midnight
• Roundtrip transportation included, with wheelchair accessibility
• Price of $851 per person reflects the comprehensive experience

Starting Point and Transportation Details in Istanbul

This New Year’s Eve cruise begins at a designated meeting point in Istanbul Province, with roundtrip transportation provided. Guests are advised to be ready in their hotel lobby 15 minutes before the scheduled pickup time for smooth transfers. Despite some criticisms about transportation efficiency, the service includes pickup and drop-off, ensuring a convenient start and finish to the night.

The transportation experience might vary, with some reviews noting delays or driver issues. Still, the overall logistics aim to make your evening hassle-free, so you can focus on celebrating.

The Festive Atmosphere on the Bosphorus

Once aboard, the cruise immerses you in a lively, party-like atmosphere. You’ll find live belly dancing and folk dance performances, as well as a Turkish dance show that plays throughout the night. The atmosphere is vibrant, making it an ideal celebration for those seeking a spirited way to welcome the new year.

The boat features a DJ spinning music for dancing, allowing guests to dance the night away between continents. The illuminated cityscape of Istanbul, including iconic landmarks, provides a stunning backdrop to the party.

A Delicious Turkish Feast with Main Course Choices

The dinner on this cruise is a 3-course Turkish meal with options like grilled fish, marinated grilled chicken breast, and grilled meatballs. Each main dish is served alongside arugula salad, onion, and lemon, with warm and cold starters and traditional Turkish desserts completing the meal.

While some reviews praise the boat and dinner experience, critiques mention that the meals and wines may be less appealing, describing them as almost indigestible. If culinary expectations are high, this is a factor to consider, but the focus remains on the overall celebration and scenery.

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Unlimited Local Drinks and Champagne Toast

Guests enjoy unlimited local drinks throughout the cruise, including a champagne toast at midnight to mark the new year. The inclusion of champagne helps elevate the festive spirit and creates a memorable moment during the countdown.

It’s worth noting that imported drinks are not included, so if you prefer premium or imported beverages, you would need to purchase them separately.

The Stunning Istanbul Skyline and Key Landmarks

As the boat cruises along the Bosphorus, you’ll get to admire illuminated landmarks, such as the Dolmabahce Palace and the Bosphorus Bridge. The night views of Istanbul’s skyline are often highlighted as a major highlight of the tour, providing perfect photo opportunities and a sense of grandeur.

The illuminated cityscape is particularly striking at night, adding to the overall celebratory mood of ringing in the new year from this unique vantage point.

Live Entertainment: Belly Dancing, Folk Dances, and Shows

The cruise features live belly dancing performances, which are a key part of Turkish entertainment. Plus, whirling dervishes and folk dancers perform, offering a mix of traditional and lively acts that keep the energy high throughout the night.

The dance show at midnight, combined with the music and performances, contributes to the joyful, festive atmosphere that many guests appreciate.

The Experience of the Night’s Pacing and Crowd

With a duration of around 5 hours, the cruise offers a well-paced evening of dining, dancing, and sightseeing. The event is designed to keep guests engaged from start to finish, with ample time for enjoying the views, eating, and celebrating.

While the reviews mention mixed experiences with transportation, the party’s core—good entertainment, spectacular scenery, and a lively crowd—remains the main attraction. The cruise is suitable for anyone looking to celebrate New Year’s Eve in a vibrant, scenic setting.

Accessibility and Practical Considerations

The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for guests with mobility needs. English is the language used by guides and staff, facilitating clear communication. Guests are advised to arrive 15 minutes early for pickup, and the tour duration is flexible depending on availability.

It’s also possible to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in travel plans.

Comparing This Cruise to Other Istanbul Night Tours

While this specific cruise offers an all-inclusive experience with a focus on celebration and views, there are other options available, such as private dinners or themed shows. The prices reflect the comprehensive nature of this package, including entertainment, dinner, drinks, and transport.

This tour stands out for its combination of lively entertainment and scenic views but does have room for improvement regarding meal quality, as noted in some reviews.

Who Will Love This New Year Celebration?

This cruise is perfect for travelers who want a festive, lively atmosphere and spectacular views of Istanbul at night. It suits those eager to dance, enjoy Turkish culture, and toast the new year with unlimited drinks and entertainment. However, guests with high culinary expectations or seeking a more subdued experience might find the meal offerings less satisfying.

Final Thoughts on the Istanbul New Year’s Eve Bosphorus Cruise

The $851 per person price includes 5 hours of lively entertainment, panoramic views, and a festive countdown. The boat’s vibrant performances and the stunning nightscape of Istanbul make it a memorable way to celebrate the new year.

While some critiques mention meals and transportation issues, the overall experience is lively and scenic, especially for those who prioritize views and entertainment. It’s an experience that combines Turkish culture, party spirit, and beautiful scenery into one unforgettable night.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Yes, roundtrip transportation from your hotel in Istanbul is included, with pickup 15 minutes before the scheduled start.

What is the duration of the tour?
The cruise lasts approximately 5 hours, but check availability for specific starting times.

Are there options for different dietary needs?
The tour offers a set 3-course Turkish menu with main options like grilled fish, chicken, and meatballs; specific dietary accommodations are not detailed.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the cruise is wheelchair accessible.

What entertainment is included?
Guests enjoy belly dancing, folk dances, and a Turkish dance show, along with a DJ for dancing.

What landmarks are visible during the cruise?
Key sights include Dolmabahce Palace and the Bosphorus Bridge, illuminated beautifully at night.

Are drinks unlimited?
Yes, unlimited local drinks are included, along with a champagne toast at midnight.

What should I wear?
Smart casual attire is suitable; the weather can vary, so dress appropriately for an evening outdoor cruise.

Is this suitable for children?
The tour is designed as a festive celebration, but specific age restrictions are not detailed. Keep in mind the lively environment and entertainment, which may not suit very young children.

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