Festive London New Years Eve 3-Course Dinner Cruise

Planning a memorable way to ring in the New Year in London often leads to considering a night on the Thames. The Festive London New Years Eve 3-Course Dinner Cruise promises a blend of elegant dining, spectacular city views, and front-row fireworks. While it offers a glamorous way to celebrate, it’s worth examining the details to see if it matches your expectations for a special night.

We’ve looked into what this cruise provides, from the itinerary to the overall experience, and highlighted both its strengths and potential drawbacks. If you’re someone who loves panoramic cityscapes, a touch of luxury, and a festive atmosphere, this cruise might be perfect. On the other hand, if you prefer a more informal or intimate celebration, it’s good to be aware of what’s included.

Three things we really like about this experience are: the iconic route along the Thames, the chance for a perfect fireworks view, and the inclusive nature of the meal and drinks.
One potential consideration is that the fireworks view isn’t from the front, which might affect your overall experience if you’re expecting a clear, unobstructed view.
This experience suits travelers seeking a formal, all-in-one celebration with dinner, entertainment, and fireworks viewing.

Good To Know

• Stunning Views: Cruise along the Thames, passing famous landmarks decorated for the holidays.
• Fireworks Viewing: Moor up near Big Ben for a front-row fireworks spectacle, albeit behind a bridge.
• Included Dining: Enjoy a traditional 3-course meal with half a bottle of wine, tea or coffee, and a glass of Champagne at midnight.
• Entertainment & Atmosphere: Live music and dancing create a lively, celebratory ambiance.
• Price & Value: At $639.82, it’s a premium experience, but with all inclusions, it offers a hassle-free way to celebrate.
• Group & Dress Code: Shared tables up to 10 persons and a festive dress code make for a communal, dressier occasion.

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Overall Route

The cruise departs from Tower Pier, located conveniently near the Tower of London. The journey begins with a warm welcome, including a glass of sparkling wine, setting a festive tone from the start. As you glide under Tower Bridge, the scene is already picture-perfect—illuminated structures, twinkling festive lights, and the anticipation of a special night ahead.

The route takes you past the illuminated skyscrapers of Canary Wharf and the Docklands, offering panoramic views of London’s skyline transformed into a winter wonderland. These sights are especially charming with the city’s holiday decorations providing a magical backdrop.

Greenwich and The O2 – A Scenic Detour

Next, the cruise heads toward Greenwich and the famous O2 Arena. While this part of the journey doesn’t include stops, it offers a chance to take in the historic and modern contrasts that make London special. Many reviews mention the journey’s visual appeal, although some note that the fireworks setup may not be from the perfect vantage point.

Fireworks and the Midnight Celebrations

One of the main draws is the fireworks display. The cruise moors near Big Ben just before midnight, providing a front-row seat for London’s legendary display. However, reviews reveal that the fireworks are visible behind a bridge and not from a clear, frontal position, which might be a disappointment for some expecting an unobstructed view.

The moment of midnight is marked with a glass of Champagne, allowing guests to toast the New Year in style. After the fireworks, the boat continues with music and dancing, creating a lively atmosphere that extends into the early hours.

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Dining and Entertainment

The dinner is a three-course meal served in a fully heated saloon, which means you can enjoy a warm, comfortable setting despite London’s winter chill. The menu isn’t specified in detail, but the inclusion of tea or coffee, petits fours, and half a bottle of wine ensures a relaxing dining experience.

A live singer and music for dancing add to the festive mood. Many reviewers appreciated the quality of the entertainment, although some mentioned that the overall vibe was less “festive” than they hoped, with one noting the evening lacked the warmth they expected.

Price and Overall Value

At around $640 per person, this cruise is a significant investment. When you consider the inclusions—dining, Champagne, wine, live entertainment, and fireworks—the experience offers a convenient, all-in-one celebration. However, no additional drinks are included, so if you want more, be prepared for extra costs.

While some guests, like the one who said, “The evening was not festive, it’s a shame for the price,” express minor disappointment, others might view it as a hassle-free way to enjoy London’s iconic sights and celebrations from a comfortable setting.

Accessibility and Practicalities

The cruise is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for a wider range of guests. The dress code is festive, meaning no jeans or sneakers—think smart casual or party attire to match the occasion. Seating is on shared tables of up to 10 guests, fostering a communal atmosphere but possibly limiting privacy.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Booking is non-refundable after December 1st, so plan ahead.
• Menu choices must be confirmed before December 17th.
• The view of fireworks might not be from the front, which could affect your overall impression.
• No hotel transfers are included, so plan your transportation accordingly.

Who is this cruise best suited for?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a luxurious, all-in-one New Year’s celebration with a good view of London’s fireworks, combined with a formal dinner and entertainment. It’s suited for those who enjoy dining out in style and appreciate panoramic city views. Because of the shared tables and dress code, it also appeals to groups or couples looking for a festive, communal vibe.

However, if you’re seeking a more intimate or casual celebration, this cruise might feel a bit large and formal. Also, if you’re a fireworks aficionado expecting an unobstructed, frontal view, you should be aware that the fireworks are visible behind a bridge, which could lessen the impact.

Final Thoughts

The Festive London New Years Eve 3-Course Dinner Cruise offers a glamorous and comfortable way to see London’s iconic sights while ringing in the New Year. Its inclusive package simplifies the celebration—dinner, Champagne, live music, and fireworks—all from the vantage point of a stylish boat.

While some reviews mention that the fireworks view isn’t perfect and that the evening could lack a bit of warmth or intimacy, most appreciate the convenience and spectacle of the event. It’s a solid option for those who love a festive, social atmosphere and want a hassle-free way to celebrate in style.

This cruise delivers a memorable experience for travelers who value comfort, panoramic views, and a lively celebration, though it’s worth considering the view limitations and the high price point before booking.

FAQ

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the cruise is wheelchair accessible, making it easier for guests with mobility needs to enjoy the evening.

What is included in the price?
The price includes a glass of Champagne, a 3-course dinner, tea or coffee with petits fours, half a bottle of wine per person, live music and dancing, and a glass of Champagne at midnight.

Can I bring additional drinks?
No, additional drinks are not included and can be purchased separately on the boat.

What time does the cruise start?
Check availability for starting times, as they vary. The cruise lasts approximately 5 hours.

Where does the cruise end?
It ends back at Tower Pier, the same location where it begins.

Is dress code enforced?
Yes, a festive dress code is required; jeans and sneakers are not allowed.

Can I cancel my booking?
Bookings are non-refundable after December 1st, but can be canceled free of charge before August 31, 2019.

What should I know about the fireworks view?
The fireworks are visible behind a bridge, not from the front, which may impact the visual experience.

Is there entertainment besides dinner?
Yes, a live singer provides music, and there is dancing after the meal.

This cruise can be a splendid way to celebrate if you enjoy a formal, scenic, and lively New Year’s Eve. Just keep the view limitations in mind, and make sure it aligns with your expectations for a festive night in London.

You can check if your dates are available here: