Each year thousands of people come together on the bank of Thames to welcome the New Year. This year you need not be one of the crowds thronging the viewing area to catch a glimpse of the fireworks organized by the Mayor of London.



Instead, start the beginning of the New Year luxuriously and in style as you say cheers with a glass of bubbly and your partner, friends or family floating on the River Thames as the Big Ben strikes twelve ushering in the New Year. Depending on the facilities offered, there are a plethora of options available for you to choose from according to your budget offered by various companies.

 

Some of the common facilities offered by most of the Cruise Lines are discussed below along with the safety tips that would ensure a happy ending to the year gone by and also to your cruising experience. Last, but not the least, reservations should be made way beforehand for places get filled up pretty soon.

 

Fireworks along Thames: As the Big Ben strikes twelve on the New Year’s Eve the skyline of London is set ablaze by the greatest annual fireworks that are organized. The beautiful tracks in the background set the mood. As the magical display comes to an end people (strangers or friends) join hands together to sign Auld Lang Syne. Sigh and get dreamy eyed as you recap your resolutions for the upcoming New Year.

 

Dining and Drinking: Most cruises offer a set menu, either buffet or in a formal sit down style. If you have any dietary restrictions or preferences you should notify when you make reservations. On the day, the mad rush does not leave room for last minute request for changes. Wine, beer and soft drinks are offered in most cruises and are mostly included in the package. If you want something more exotic to drink, be prepared to pay extra. Bottled water is usually provided complimentary but in a limited quantity – if you want more, be prepared to pay. Responsible behavior is expected from all guests.

 

Entertainment: Many cruise lines offer live entertainment shows on board. Enjoy your drink as you watch live performers set the stage on fire.

 

Dancing and DJ Night: Whether you enjoy tapping your feet or dancing away wildly, your cruise experience would mostly have DJ playing party music to enhance the party mood. Some however offer recorded music or informative commentary.

 

Tips for Hassle Free Enjoyment: Most New Year cruises are offered to people who are above twenty one years of age. People are expected to be dressed formally unless there is a theme assigned. Nights on the River Thames can get pretty cold – so you should be prepared accordingly. Expect traffic delays, and even road blockages in some parts due to New Year parades, so start from home early so that you get on board on time. Public transports may have a long queue and parking may not be available in the vicinity, so be prepared to walk for some distance. Overall, to enjoy the New Year’s Eve you should act mature and responsible.

 

Some Popular Cruising Itineraries

Name of the Cruise
Departs from
Price
Timing
Additional Details
New Year’s Eve 2019 – Sight Seeing and Firework cruise on board the M/V Hollywood Westminster Pier £75 per adult 9pm to 12-30am Background Music or Commentary;
Snacks and Beverages offered for purchase;
View of London Eye and midnight Fireworks display;
No reserve seating.
M. V. Wyndham New Year’s Eve party cruise Westminster Pier £175 per adult 8pm to 1 am Live DJ;
Complimentary House Wines, Beer and soft drinks;
Welcome drink and Champagne to toast at midnight;
Seasonal Buffet;
Cash Bar;
Dance Floor.
New Year’s Eve Symphony Cruise Embankment Pier £205 to £300 per adult 7-30pm to 1 am Eligibility – 12 yrs +;
Business Casuals Dressing;
Welcome drink;
5 course set menu;
Live Entertainment;
Celebratory Champagne at midnight.
New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner Cruise Tower pier £269 per adult 8-15pm to 1-15 am Welcome Drink;
Live Entertainment;
4 course Dinner;
Dress Code – Festive;
Licensed Cash Bar;
Complimentary Wine and Bottled Water (Limited);
Reserved seating available on request;
Champagne at midnight.
New Year’s Eve Galaxy Cruise Tower pier £119 per adult 10-15pm to 12-45am Welcome goody bag with small bottle of champagne (or soft drink if asked for), snacks and chocolates.
Upper viewing deck;
Licensed Cash Bar.
New Year’s Eve River Party Tower pier £99 per adult 10 pm to 2 am Live DJ;
VIP Booth — £1500 for 8 adults Licensed Cash Bar and Snacks for purchase;
VIP booth includes champagne, Vodka mixers and shots.
New Year’s Eve Stargazer Cruise Tower pier £109 per adult 10-30pm to 1 am Glass-top boat with panoramic view of the city;
Licensed Cash Bar;
goody bag with small bottle of champagne (or soft drink if asked for), snacks, smoked salmon, cream cheese bagel, and chocolates.

More New Years Cruises