New Year’s Eve on the Tagus River

New Year’s Eve is a special time when people get together to celebrate the end of one year and welcome the next. While many choose to party on dry land, there is a unique and exciting option: spending New Year’s Eve on board.

In this article, we’ll explore the magic behind this unique experience, highlighting the dinner on board, the lively music and the fireworks display that made this celebration truly memorable.

How it all began

Just before 10 p.m. we met the guests at the gate leading to Alcantara Dock. It was a great night. There was no cold, wind or rain and the sky was completely starry. Some excitement was already in the air. After all, we were about to embark so that we could say goodbye to 2023 in the middle of the Tagus River, together with some other lucky people who had also chosen to celebrate on board and enjoy unique moments.

And so it was. After welcoming them aboard, we set off to discover the breathtaking views of Lisbon lit up with Christmas decorations. Along the way, they were pampered with a variety of tasty snacks and drinks that pleased all palates.

The relaxed and elegant atmosphere on board added a touch of sophistication to the celebration.

And always in progress

And to the sound of good music, we headed towards the Belém Tower, enjoying the incredible night views of Lisbon’s waterfront monuments. It really is a luxury to be able to enjoy moments like this. All lively, relaxed and enjoying the good side of life.

It was around 11 p.m. when we turned around and started walking up the river, passing the south bank, next to the illuminated Christ-King and seeing Lisbon in the distance, getting closer and closer as midnight approached. And we continued on our way, towards Commerce Square, the stage for the monumental fireworks display. More and more boats approached and seemed to emerge from the midst of the city lights. Suddenly, we were a fleet of more than 100 boats of different shapes, sizes and shapes. What we all had in common was the desire to experience New Year’s Eve on one of the best “stages” in Portugal!

And so it was. Once the countdown to midnight was over, the corks were popped on the sparkling wine bottles and the fireworks began…

The fireworks show

It was organized by the Lisbon City Council to celebrate the entry into 2024. A live music show in Praça do Comércio, on a stage set up for the purpose, brought together 130,000 people.

And the tradition was repeated. This time with an incredible 13-minute fireworks display. Those who saw it on land say it was a unique and unforgettable moment. And those who saw it on board can confirm that.

The privileged 360º view provided by the boat – which also allows the fireworks to be seen over the entire city of Lisbon, Almada, Alcochete, Barreiro and Seixal – created a dazzling scene, with the fireworks reflecting in the waters of the river.

A truly magical moment, as you can see in the video below:

And it continued in 2024

It was a little after 1 a.m. on January 1, 2024 when we docked again.

The return trip was a lively one. In fact, we had taken a three-hour evening stroll, enjoyed some Portuguese specialties, toasted the new year, listened to lively music and watched a dazzling fireworks display. Every element contributed to creating a festive and special atmosphere.

This exclusive way of celebrating the arrival of the new year, chosen by our guests, guaranteed a unique experience that will remain etched in everyone’s memory.

This is an option that certainly stands out as an incomparable choice. May there be many more years filled with experiences as memorable as this one!