New Year’s Eve is a special moment when people gather to celebrate the end of one year and welcome the next. While many choose parties on dry land, there is a unique and exciting option: spending New Year’s on board.
In this article, we’ll explore the magic behind this singular experience, highlighting the dinner on board, the lively music, and the fireworks display that made this celebration truly memorable.
How it all began
Slightly before 10 PM, we met the guests by the gate that gives access to the Doca de Alcantara. It was a great night. No cold, wind, or rain, and the sky was completely starry. You could already feel some excitement in the air. After all, we were about to embark so we could say goodbye to 2024 in the middle of the Tagus River, alongside a few other lucky ones who also chose to celebrate on board and enjoy unique moments.
And so it was. Once everyone was welcomed on board, we set off to discover the stunning views of Lisbon illuminated with Christmas decorations. During the journey, guests were pampered with a variety of tasty snacks and drinks that pleased every palate.
The relaxed and elegant atmosphere on board added a touch of sophistication to the celebration.
And always on the move
To the sound of great music, we headed towards the Belém Tower, enjoying the incredible night views of the monuments along Lisbon’s waterfront. It is, indeed, a luxury to be able to enjoy moments like this. Everyone was lively, relaxed, and enjoying the good side of life.
It was approximately 11 PM when we turned around and started heading up the river, passing the south bank by the illuminated Cristo Rei and seeing Lisbon in the distance, getting closer and closer as midnight also quickly approached. We continued our course towards Praça do Comércio, the stage for the monumental fireworks display. More and more boats approached and seemed to emerge from the city lights. Suddenly, we were a fleet of over 100 vessels of different shapes, sizes, and styles. In common, the desire to experience this New Year’s Eve on one of the best “stages” in Portugal!
And so it was. Once the countdown to midnight was over, the sparkling wine corks popped and the fireworks began…
The fireworks display
It was organized by the Lisbon City Council to celebrate the start of 2025. A live music show at Praça do Comércio, on a stage set up for the occasion, brought together 130,000 people.
And the tradition repeated itself. This time with an incredible fireworks display that lasted 13 minutes. Those who watched from land say it was a unique and unforgettable moment. And those who watched on board confirm that statement.
The privileged 360º view provided by the boat—which also allows you to observe the fireworks over the entire city of Lisbon, Almada, Alcochete, Barreiro, and Seixal—created a stunning setting, with the fireworks reflecting in the river waters.
A truly magical moment, as you can see in the video below:
And so it continued into 2025
It was already slightly past 1 AM on January 1, 2025, when we docked again.
The return was lively. In fact, we had taken a three-hour night tour, enjoyed some Portuguese delicacies, toasted to this new year, listened to upbeat music, and watched a dazzling fireworks display. Each element contributed to creating a festive and special atmosphere.
Thus, this exclusive way of celebrating the arrival of the new year chosen by our guests ensured a unique experience that will be engraved in everyone’s memory.
This is an option that certainly stands out as an incomparable choice. May more years come filled with experiences as memorable as this one!
