A private yacht is the most exclusive way to welcome the new year in Istanbul. Instead of a table on a shared party boat, the whole yacht is yours: the saloon, the decks, the menu and the playlist. It suits families, groups of friends and companies who want to celebrate together, and it often costs less per person than you might expect once the group is large enough. Here is how we plan a private New Year's Eve charter with our guests.
Why choose a private yacht on New Year's Eve
- Only your guests on board. No strangers at the next table, and the countdown is your own.
- Your programme. You choose when to board, what to eat, what to drink and what music to play.
- The best view at midnight. The captain positions the yacht on the Bosphorus for the fireworks on both shores.
- Warm and comfortable. Our New Year's Eve yachts have closed, heated saloons, and open decks for the fireworks.
- Flexible pick-up. We can board you at the pier closest to your hotel or venue.
Which yacht fits your group
The size of your group decides the yacht. These are the capacities in our fleet; on New Year's Eve we recommend a little more space than the maximum, so everyone has a seat at dinner and room on deck at midnight.
| Group size | Yacht type | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 12 guests | 16.5 to 18 m yacht | Intimate, with a heated saloon on the 18 m boat. |
| Up to 20 guests | 22 m yacht | Sleek and sporty, for a group of friends. |
| 40 to 60 guests | 21 to 23 m yachts | Room for a long dinner table and a dance floor. |
| Up to 77 guests | 24 m flagship | Popular for company parties and big family groups. |
| Up to 130 guests | 24 m event yacht | Made for celebrations and big parties. |
| Up to 200 guests | 44 m yacht | Our largest, for company year-end parties. |
See photos and details of every boat on our yachts page.
Ready to plan? See our private New Year's Eve yacht charter packages: Signature, Prestige and Royal.
What affects the price
New Year's Eve is the busiest night of the year on the Bosphorus, so a private charter is priced individually. These are the things that shape your quote:
- The yacht. Its size, deck space and saloon.
- The length of the cruise. Most groups book 4 to 5 hours through midnight.
- The menu. A cocktail menu with canapés, or a full gala dinner.
- The drinks. Soft drinks, local alcohol or a premium bar.
- Entertainment. A DJ, a belly dancer, live music or a full show programme.
- Extras. Decoration, a cake, a photographer or transfers for your guests.
We explain each factor in our guide to private yacht prices in Istanbul. Send us your group size and your wishes and we reply with a written quote, usually within the hour.
Menus and drinks
For a private New Year's Eve, most groups choose one of two styles. A cocktail evening with cold and hot canapés keeps the party moving and suits standing groups. A gala dinner is served at the table: a welcome cheese platter, Turkish cold mezes, a salad and a warm pastry, a main course of beef, sea fish or roasted turkey, and baklava. For drinks, you can choose soft drinks, unlimited local alcohol or a premium bar, with champagne at midnight. Vegetarian and children's menus are always possible.
A sample programme
| Time | On board |
|---|---|
| Evening | Pick-up from your hotel or meeting at the pier, welcome drink as you board. |
| Dinner | Cocktail menu or gala dinner in the heated saloon while the yacht cruises past the lit palaces. |
| Late evening | Music, dancing or a show; party favors are handed out. |
| Midnight | Countdown on deck, champagne toast and fireworks over the Bosphorus. |
| After midnight | The party carries on until the end of the charter, then the yacht returns to the pier. |
The exact boarding time and length depend on your charter. We plan the route so you are near the Bosphorus Bridge at midnight.
When to book
Private yachts for 31 December are booked from the autumn. Larger yachts for company groups go first, then the mid-size boats. We recommend booking by November, and an advance payment confirms the yacht. Cancel at least 7 days before and your advance payment is refunded in full; see our cancellation terms.
Checklist before you book
- Number of guests, including children
- Preferred pier or hotel pick-up
- Menu style and any dietary needs
- Drinks package
- Music or entertainment you would like
- Decoration, cake or a photographer
Frequently asked questions
Can we rent a private yacht for New Year's Eve in Istanbul?
Yes. We charter private yachts on 31 December for groups from a few guests up to 200, with your own menu, drinks, music and programme.
How much does a private yacht cost on New Year's Eve?
It depends on the yacht, the length of the cruise, the menu, the drinks and the entertainment. Send us your group size and wishes and we reply with a written quote, usually within the hour.
Is a private yacht cheaper than a shared New Year's Eve cruise?
For small groups the shared cruise, from €175 per person, is usually the better value. A private yacht is priced as one charter, so the cost per person falls as the group grows. Ask us to compare both for your group.
Are the yachts heated?
Yes. Our New Year's Eve yachts have closed, heated saloons, with open decks for the fireworks at midnight.
Will we see the fireworks from the yacht?
Yes. The captain plans the route so the yacht is near the Bosphorus Bridge at midnight, with the fireworks on both shores.
When should we book a private yacht for New Year's Eve?
As early as possible, ideally by November. The larger yachts for company groups are booked first.
Spend midnight on the Bosphorus
Join our New Year's Eve cruise from €175 per person with hotel transfers, gala dinner, shows and champagne at midnight, or ask us for a private yacht for your group.
More New Year's Eve guides
- New Year's Eve in Istanbul 2026: the complete guideWhere to celebrate, weather, transport and tips.
- Where to watch the New Year's fireworks in IstanbulThe best views of midnight over the Bosphorus.
- Corporate New Year party on a yacht in IstanbulYear-end company parties on the Bosphorus.
- New Year's Eve in Istanbul: dinner cruise or private yacht?Compare the two ways to celebrate on the water.
- New Year's Eve party in IstanbulThe dinner cruise menu and show programme.
- Why celebrate on the Bosphorus?Reasons to welcome the new year on the water.