Lisbon: New Year’s Eve Tagus River Cruise with Open Bar

If you’re considering how to ring in the new year in Lisbon, a Tagus River cruise offers a relaxed, scenic alternative to crowded parties or city-center celebrations. This experience, offered by Marlin Tours, combines beautiful nighttime views of Lisbon’s illuminated monuments with the fun of an open bar and an up-close fireworks show. It’s a solid choice if you’re after a memorable, crowd-free way to welcome 2024.

One thing we really like about this cruise is how it balances spectacular scenery with laid-back comfort. You’re on a boat, so you get unique perspectives of Lisbon’s most iconic sights, and you can sip wine or beer without the hustle of city streets. Also, the fireworks viewing spot on the deck gives you that perfect front-and-center view of the midnight display.

A potential downside? This experience lasts only about 2 hours, which might feel a bit short if you’re hoping for a longer celebration. Plus, since food isn’t included, you’ll want to plan to have a snack before or after the cruise if you’re hungry. Still, for an easy, picturesque way to celebrate, it ticks many boxes.

This cruise is best suited for travelers who enjoy water-based sightseeing, love good drinks and lively celebrations, and want a more relaxed, scenic way to say farewell to the old year. It’s also suitable if you prefer to avoid the chaos of crowded parties and want a more intimate, panoramic experience.

Key Points

• Beautiful nighttime views of Lisbon’s illuminated landmarks
• Convenient and festive way to see fireworks from the water
• Open bar offering beer, wine, and sangria
• Short, 2-hour cruise, ideal for a quick celebration
• No food included, so plan accordingly
• Easy check-in and organized meet-up location

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Lisbon New Year’s Eve Tagus River Cruise

Imagine starting your evening at a well-organized meet-up point in Alcântara, where you’ll check in comfortably before boarding your boat. The vessel, operated by Marlin Tours, is described as having both inside and outside spaces, which is handy if the weather gets chilly—as it often can in January, as some reviewers have pointed out. The boat itself is a sleek, comfortable setting for enjoying the sights and the atmosphere.

Scenic Viewing of Lisbon’s Night Illumination

As you float along the Tagus River, you’ll get to see Lisbon’s most famous monuments bathed in night-time light. From the dock to the main sights like Commerce Square, the views are truly special at night. We love how this perspective makes the city’s architecture and bridges look even more striking. The boat’s vantage point allows for excellent photos and a relaxed way to appreciate Lisbon’s beauty after dark.

Celebrating with Drinks and Music

You’ll be able to help yourself to an open bar, which includes beer, white wine, and sangria. As one reviewer noted, “plenty of beer and wine plus snacks” helped create a convivial atmosphere. You can enjoy your drinks as the boat cruises along, with music playing in the background to enhance the festive mood.

The Midnight Fireworks Show

The highlight of this experience is definitely the fireworks display over Lisbon. The boat is positioned to give you a front and center view, which is fantastic because it means you don’t have to jostle for a good spot on the streets. When the clock strikes midnight, the sky lights up with those iconic fireworks, and you can toast the new year with a glass of sparkling wine and some raisins—an authentic Portuguese tradition.

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Duration and Practical Details

This cruise runs for around 2 hours, starting from around 10:00 or 10:30 pm, so it’s a quick but memorable way to celebrate. The check-in process is described as smooth, and the meet-up location is easy to find, which helps in making the evening stress-free. After the fireworks, the boat sails back to Alcântara, so you avoid the hassle of city congestion.

The Itinerary in Detail

• Start at Blue Skipper Snacks & Drinks: The meeting point is straightforward, and this initial gathering sets a relaxed tone.
• Cruise along the Tagus River: You’ll drift past iconic Lisbon sights, illuminated beautifully against the night sky. The boat cruise gives you a unique perspective—something you simply can’t get from land.
• Approach Commerce Square: Facing one of Lisbon’s most famous landmarks, you’ll be able to enjoy scenic views that are especially striking after dark.
• Midnight fireworks: Positioned perfectly for the best view, you’ll see the fireworks in all their glory, with music and champagne to toast the moment.
• Return to dock: After the show, the boat makes its way back to the starting point, ending the night on a high note.

What’s Included and What’s Not

You get a river cruise with an open bar of beer and white wine, plus sparkling wine and raisins at midnight. The fireworks display is, of course, included, which really is the whole point of the evening.

However, food and snacks are not included, so it’s worth grabbing a bite beforehand or bringing something to nibble on if you’re hungry. Also, there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off, which might be a consideration if you’re staying outside the immediate area.

Price and Value

At $205 per person, this experience is a bit of an investment, but when you factor in the spectacular views, drinks, and the fireworks—especially from the comfort of a boat—it’s fairly good value for a special New Year’s celebration. It’s definitely a more relaxed and intimate alternative to crowded street parties, and many reviewers have felt it was worth every penny.

What the Reviews Say

The glowing reviews back up what we’ve discussed. One traveler called it the highlight of their trip, emphasizing the close-up fireworks view and the welcoming staff. They appreciated the plenty of drinks and snacks, and the fact that the boat had both indoor and outdoor areas was a plus, especially since it was a cold night. Another reviewer simply said, “Everything was excellent,” highlighting the good service on board.

Final Thoughts: Is This Experience for You?

This cruise is perfect if you want a relaxed, scenic way to celebrate New Year’s in Lisbon. It’s especially suited for travelers who love water views, are looking for a less chaotic option, and enjoy good drinks with a view. If you’re after a lively street party or a full meal with your celebration, this might not be the best fit, but for a memorable, picture-perfect night, it hits the mark.

Keep in mind the short duration—it’s a two-hour window—so plan your evening accordingly. Also, if you’re sensitive to cold, dress warmly, as some parts of the boat might be exposed.

FAQs

Is this cruise suitable for families with children?
While the experience is more geared toward adults, it’s not explicitly restricted to families. Just consider the late hour and cold weather, which might make it less ideal for very young children.

Are food and snacks included?
No, food isn’t included. You might want to eat beforehand or bring some snacks if you prefer.

Does the experience include hotel pickup and drop-off?
No, transportation to and from the dock isn’t provided. You’ll need to arrive at the meet-up point in Alcântara on your own.

What should I wear?
Dress in weather-appropriate clothing, especially warm layers, since it can be chilly on the water at night.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours, starting around 10:00 or 10:30 pm.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which adds flexibility if your plans are uncertain.

Is it worth the price?
Given the views, drinks, and fireworks, many find it offers good value for a special occasion. It’s a more relaxed, scenic alternative to land-based celebrations.

What languages are available for the crew?
The crew speaks Spanish, English, French, and Portuguese, so language barriers should be minimal.

In the end, this New Year’s Eve cruise offers a calm, scenic, celebratory way to say goodbye to the old year. If you’re after stunning views, good drinks, and a memorable fireworks show from a relaxed setting, it’s worth considering. Just remember to bundle up and enjoy the ride!

You can check availability for your dates here: