A New Year's Eve dinner cruise on the Bosphorus is one of the most popular ways to see in the new year in Istanbul. You board a large party boat in the evening, have dinner with unlimited drinks, watch a programme of Turkish shows and dance, and greet midnight on the water between Europe and Asia.
This page explains how the shared New Year's Eve boat party works, what is on the menu and the show programme, and how it compares with the other options. If you are still deciding how to spend the night, start with our complete guide to New Year's Eve in Istanbul.
What is the New Year's Eve dinner cruise?
It is a shared cruise: you buy a seat or a table for your party and celebrate with other guests on a large party boat. The evening usually lasts around five hours and includes dinner, unlimited local drinks, a champagne toast at midnight and a full entertainment programme, finishing with a DJ.
The boat cruises past the illuminated palaces, mosques and bridges of the Bosphorus, so even in winter you see the city at its most beautiful. Programme details can change from year to year, so check the current package on the New Year's Eve yacht party page before you book.
The New Year's Eve dinner menu
The menu is a set Turkish dinner with a festive main course. A typical menu includes:
- Welcome cocktail
- Ten kinds of traditional Turkish cold mezes (starters)
- Spring rolls with cheese
- Fresh seasonal salad
- Main course: roast turkey with Turkish rice, with a vegetarian option available
- Dessert: baklava and mixed fruit
- Unlimited soft drinks and local alcoholic drinks
- Champagne at midnight
- Tea and Turkish coffee
If you have dietary requirements, mention them when you book so the kitchen can prepare in advance.
The show programme on board
The entertainment is what makes the dinner cruise a party rather than just a meal. The programme usually includes:
- Acharuli, a lively Caucasian dance
- Aşuk Maşuk, a traditional comic play
- Naz Eyleme, a playful folk performance
- Whirling dervish
- Belly dance shows
- Turkish folk dance team, with dances from different regions of Turkey
- Turkish Romany dance
- Live DJ until the end of the night
Guests are encouraged to join in, so expect to be on your feet before midnight. If you want to know more about the shows themselves, read what a Turkish night show is.
Midnight and the fireworks on the Bosphorus
When fireworks are held on the Bosphorus, the deck of a boat is one of the best places to watch them: you are close to the bridges and away from the crowded squares on land. The fireworks are organised by the city authorities and the programme is decided each year, so treat them as a bonus rather than a promise. Our guide on where to watch the New Year's fireworks in Istanbul covers the main viewing spots.
Even without fireworks, midnight on the water is special: the champagne toast, the lit-up bridge and the city lights on both continents.
Dinner cruise or private yacht?
The shared dinner cruise suits couples, friends and small groups who want a ready-made party with shows and other guests. It is also the simplest option: one ticket covers dinner, drinks and entertainment.
If you are a larger group, a family or a company, you may prefer a yacht of your own, with your own menu, music and guest list. A private yacht comes with captain and crew for your group only, for anything from a couple to 250 guests. See dinner cruise or private yacht for New Year's Eve for a side-by-side comparison, or read about a private yacht for New Year's Eve and the private New Year's Eve yacht charter.
Tips for booking
- Book early. New Year's Eve is the busiest night of the year on the Bosphorus and the best tables go first.
- Check what is included: transfers, drinks, the length of the cruise and the boarding pier.
- Dress for a party, but bring a warm coat for the deck. December nights on the water are cold.
- Arrive on time. Boats leave on schedule and roads are busy on New Year's Eve.
Still undecided? Read why celebrate New Year's Eve on the Bosphorus.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the New Year's Eve dinner cruise in Istanbul?
The shared New Year's Eve dinner cruise usually lasts around five hours, from the evening until after midnight. Check the current programme on the booking page.
Are drinks included on the New Year's Eve boat party?
Yes, the package includes unlimited soft drinks and local alcoholic drinks, plus champagne at midnight and tea and coffee.
Can I see the fireworks from the boat?
When fireworks are held on the Bosphorus, a boat is one of the best places to watch them. The city decides on the fireworks each year, so they are not guaranteed.
Is there a vegetarian option on the New Year's Eve dinner?
Yes, a vegetarian main course is available. Tell the team about any dietary needs when you book.
Should I book a shared cruise or a private yacht for New Year's Eve?
The shared dinner cruise is the easiest choice for couples and small groups who want shows and a party atmosphere. Larger groups, families and companies often prefer a private yacht with their own menu and guest list.
Spend midnight on the Bosphorus
Our New Year's Eve cruise from €175 per person, or a private yacht for your group with a gala dinner and the fireworks at midnight.