The Ana Teknie is the flagship of the Queen Tour boats and is the largest New Year’s Eve dinner cruise boat in their fleet, as well as the one that carries their logo.
If you’re wondering what to expect from a New Year’s Eve Cruise on Queen Tour boats, keep reading.
Tour
The new year’s cruise showcases the authentic history and cultural importance found on Istanbul’s shoreline which includes Dolmabahce Palace, Ortakoy Mosque, Cıragan Palace, and Rumeli Fortress.
As the boat makes its way to the Asian side, you’ll the Bosphorus Bridge and then turn at the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge before passing Beylerbeyi Palace, seaside mansions, and finally the Maiden’s Tower.
Entertainment
The show starts with a whirling Dervish performance and Turkish gypsy dance. A Caucasian folk dance comes next along with a group belly-dancing show which normally concluded the pre-dinner show.
After the food has been served, there’s Turkish folk dance, rhythm shows, and an exotic belly dancer finale.
Welcome Drink
A welcome drink is offered as soon as you board and and led to your table.
Snacks
The cold starters plate comes with a traditional mezze fare.
Appetizers
The hors d’oeuvre is accompanied by a fresh seasonal salad.
Menu
The main course is a choice of grilled chicken or fish with rice.
Dessert
To sweeten your tastebuds, a baklava dessert, seasonal fruit ad Turkish coffee come next.
Drinks
You can choose your unlimited package to include both non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks. The soft drinks include fanta, coke, sprite, juice, etc, along with coffee and tea.
Alcoholic drinks include a selection of local wine, beer, raki, vodka, and gin, while a premium drink package is available for imported beers and spirits.
Party Favors
These are handed out at around 23:30 as the deck opens up for all to enjoy. The party favors generally include a hat, and new year’s noisemakers and whistles.
Champagne
When the midnight hour draws near the crew will start handing out glasses of champagne for everyone to toast with as the countdown cheers erupt.
Fireworks
The boats stay in close view of the stationary barges in the Bosphorus where the NYE fireworks are lit and sent into the sky. At the stroke of midnight, it will almost seem as if a rainbow of shooting stars are flying across the sky as the heavens cheer their arrival.
Thankfully this moment will build into a crescendo finale where camera flashes will only add to the electric light show above.
Music
A professional DJ takes over after midnight to keep the party going getting everyone on the dance floor as the boat does a slow crawl back to port.