New Year's Eve Bosphorus cruise: your questions answered

It is a five-hour dinner cruise on the Bosphorus on 31 December, with a full dinner, unlimited drinks, a Turkish Night show, a DJ party and a champagne countdown at midnight under the Bosphorus Bridge. It is organised by Samerames Tur Turizm, a licensed Istanbul travel agency.

Boarding is between 20:00 and 20:45 at Sirkeci Pier, the boat sails at 21:00, the programme starts at 21:30, and the boat returns to Sirkeci at about 02:00 on 1 January.

Yes. At midnight the boat waits directly under the Bosphorus Bridge, where Istanbul's New Year fireworks are launched, so you see them right above you with a glass of champagne.

The night includes a whirling dervish ceremony, Turkish folk dances, bachata and salsa, Roma dance, oriental dance, a drum and darbuka show, and a DJ party until the boat turns back.

Yes, families are welcome. Children aged 4–8 pay a reduced price, babies 0–3 come free without their own seat, and children 9 and over pay the adult price.

The boat has about 400 seats on New Year's Eve. The event usually sells out, so we recommend booking early.

Prices per adult are €160 for a Shared Table, €180 for a Private Table with window view and €200 for a VIP Stage Table in the front row. Children 4–8 pay €110, €130 or €160 depending on the table.

A Shared Table is seated with other guests. A Private Table is your own table by the window with a sea view. A VIP Stage Table is in the front row next to the show, and places are limited.

Yes. The price is the same with or without alcohol and with or without hotel transfer. There are no add-ons for drinks, food or the show.

No. Dinner, unlimited drinks, midnight champagne, the show, the DJ and hotel transfer are all included. Only whisky and whole bottles ordered on board are paid extra.

The Gold Menü includes 12 cold meze, 4 hot starters (cheese börek, meat börek, potatoes, içli köfte), a main course of chicken, fish, meat or a vegetarian dish, and dessert. All food is halal.

Yes. You can choose a vegetarian main course. Let us know when you book so we can prepare it.

Drinks are unlimited all night, served by the glass: beer, white and red wine, vodka, gin, Turkish rakı and soft drinks. Every guest also gets a glass of champagne at midnight.

No. Whisky is not part of the package and is charged extra at the bar on board.

No, outside drinks are not allowed on board. Alcohol is served only to guests aged 18 and over.

Send us a message on WhatsApp at +90 552 744 44 47 or use the booking form on this website. We confirm your table and send you all the details.

Until 20 December you can reserve for free without a deposit. From 21 December a 40% deposit is needed to confirm your seat, and the rest is paid on board.

By international bank transfer (SWIFT) or a transfer in Turkey to our company account, or in cash or by card at our office in Taksim or Fatih. Bank details are on our About us page.

You pay the balance on board, in cash or by card.

Cancellation is free until 25 December at 18:00 (Istanbul time). After that 16%, 32% and 64% of the amount paid is deducted on 26, 27 and 28 December, and from 29 December there is no refund.

The boat leaves from Sirkeci Pier in Istanbul's old city. We send you the exact meeting point on WhatsApp before the night.

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from hotels in the city centre and the main tourist areas. For hotels on the Asian side, message us and we confirm the price.

Evening or party clothes. There is no strict dress code. Bring a warm coat for the deck and the pier; the dining hall is heated.

No passport is needed to board. We recommend keeping a photo of your ID on your phone.

In very bad weather the municipality may stop boat traffic on the Bosphorus. If this happens, we help you rebook.

Seasickness is rare. The Bosphorus is sheltered and usually calm. If you are sensitive, ask for a table in the middle of the boat.

The cruise is organised by Samerames Tur Turizm, a travel agency based in Istanbul with an A-Group travel agency licence, No. 17672, from the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

We are the organiser, not a reseller platform. You book directly with our team in Istanbul, and the same people answer you from your first message until the end of the night.

Write to us in your own language on WhatsApp and we reply in your language.