Cruises that sail over the New Year period, much like those that coincide with Christmas, are an extremely popular choice for many cruise enthusiasts. They represent a great opportunity to spend some quality time with loved ones during a special occasion and the nature of cruising means that there’s also plenty of scope to make new friends whilst visiting exciting places. In fact, if you have a browse around some of the popular cruise forums, you’ll struggle to find a bad word said by anyone about being on a cruise on New Year’s Eve, with many commenting that they’ve never had an evening like it.
So, if you’re already booked on a New Year cruise or you’re thinking about booking, what should you expect?
Well, if there’s one thing that nearly all cruise lines are great at then its embracing special occasions and celebrations. New Years Eve is no different, with the majority of lines really going out of their way to ensure their guests have a great time. Deck parties, special dining menus, champagne toasts and countdowns-to-midnight are all common place on the larger ships, and it goes without saying that lines such as NCL, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean are excellent at catering for children so that they have an enjoyable night as well.
Where the smaller luxury ships are concerned, you’ll find that lines such as Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas and Silversea are equally as good at putting on a bash as their larger counterparts. Often offering a slightly more ‘refined’ affair, luxury lines really up the glamour on New Year’s Eve with formal balls, dinner performances and specially selected menus.
The itinerary you choose can also play a part in the kind of New Year’s celebration you’re likely to encounter. If you choose a voyage that puts you ‘at sea’ on the 31st December then you’ll see in the 1st January under a moonlit sky as you gently cruise through one of the world’s great oceans or seas. The movement of the ship, as it glides through the water en route to your next destination really adds to the occasion and you’ll find the atmosphere is only given more credence as the crew members let their hair down a little and get into the swing of things with the guests.
If you’re on a cruise that stops in a major city or port of call over night on the 31st then you might be lucky enough to witness a fantastic firework display from the deck of your cruise ship. Amongst the most popular of these cities are New York and Sydney, both of which are famed for their magnificent displays which illuminate the skies every year. Another gem is Madeira, which boasts some of the best New Year’s Eve celebrations in Europe and hosts many cruise ships that flock to the port for this very reason.
Of course, comedy hats and party poppers aren’t for everyone and it’s understandable that there are some who wish to keep things a little more low-key. Fortunately, a cruise ship can also be the perfect venue for a ‘cosy’ New Year’s Eve. Lines such as Silversea and Seabourn Cruises offer a Butler Service, so you can relax in the surroundings of your suite or stateroom whilst having your meals, drinks and anything else you wish delivered to you with a smile. What’s more, a private balcony can make for the perfect vantage point if you’re looking to take in a firework display without having to struggle to get a good spot on the deck.
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, cruise holidays around the New Year period are a hot ticket for regular cruisers so it’s not really a time of year where you’ll find many deals or special offers. However, if you’ve got your heart set on it and you love cruising already, then it’s a truly worthwhile expense – just make sure you book early to avoid disappointment. After all, what could be better than seeing in the New Year with new friends, great food, and an unbeatable atmosphere – surely that’s more enjoyable than Only Fools and Horses re-runs, burnt sausage rolls, and having to clear up the mess in the morning.
If you’re interested in a New Year’s Eve cruise then check out these offers we currently have that sail during the New Year period. Each line differs slightly in terms of what they offer, but if you’ve got any questions simply give one of our Cruise Experts a call on 0800 008 6677 and they’ll give you the best advice to ensure you have a New Year’s Eve to remember.
2012 NEW YEAR’S EVE CRUISE OFFER
The Caribbean with Oceania Cruises
Departs 20th December 2012 (14 nights) on Riviera
Itinerary: Miami, Cruising the Atlantic Ocean (x2), Charleston, Antigua, St Vincent, Bridgetown, Grenada, St Barts, Virgin Gorda, St Maarten, San Juan, Cruising the Atlantic Ocean (x2), Miami.
Cruise only from just £1409pp
Click here to make an enquiry or call 0800 008 6677
2013 NEW YEAR’S EVE CRUISE OFFERS
South America with Regent Seven Seas
Departs on 20th December 2013 (15 nights) on Seven Seas Mariner
Itinerary: Buenos Aires (x2), Montevideo (x2), Punta del Este, At Sea, Rio Grande, At Sea, Porto Belo, Santos, Paraty, Ilha Grande, At Sea, Buzios, Rio de Janeiro (x2)
Includes flights, transfers and unlimited shore excursions
Deluxe Suites from £5699pp
Click here to make an enquiry or call 0800 008 6677
Atlantic Islands with Cunard
Departs 21st December 2013 (12 nights) on Queen Victoria
Itinerary: Southampton, At Sea, La Coruna, At Sea (x2), Lanzarote, Tenerife, Madeira, At Sea, Lisbon, At Sea (x2), Southampton.
Fares from just £1379pp
Click here to make an enquiry or call 0800 008 6677
South Africa with Silversea Cruises
Departs 21st December 2013 (14 nights) on Silver Wind
Itinerary: Cape Town, At Sea, Walvis Bay (x2), At Sea (x2), Port Elizabeth, East London, Durban, Richards Bay (x2), At Sea, Mossel Bay, Cape Town (x2).
Vista Suites from £4939pp
Click here to make an enquiry or call 0800 008 6677
Canary Islands with P&O CruisesDeparts
21st December 2013 (14 nights) on Aurora
Itinerary: Southampton, At Sea (x2), Lisbon, At Sea (x2), Lanzarote, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Gomera, Madeira (x2), At Sea (x2), Southampton.
Inside Cabins from £1449pp
Click here to make an enquiry or call 0800 008 6677
The Caribbean with Seabourn Cruises
Departs 28th December 2013 (7 nights) on Seabourn Spirit
Itinerary: Barbados, Grenada, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Antigua, Saba, Prickly Pear Island, Philipsburg.
Please call for our best fare
Click here to make an enquiry or call 0800 0800 6677
