 In 2016 we ended the year and started the New Year doing what we absolutely love - travelling! For the midnight countdown to welcome in the 2017 New Year we were sailing in the middle of the Pacific Ocean aboard the P&O Eden. If you have ever considered taking a cruise that includes New Years Eve, here are a list of Pros and Cons to consider. PROS Great Dinner To prepare for the evening we had the option of three restaurants for dinner. There was a special festive menu served in all restaurants and no surcharge for it being NYE. Lots of Options All the bars were in full swing on NYE so there was plenty to choose from. Jazz in the blue room, piano tunes in the Mix Bar, DJ on the pool deck, acoustics in Oceans Bar, band in the Dome - there was so much to choose from. If the crowd or the tunes were not taking your fancy at one venue you could simply walk to another! And best of all - no cover charge! Family Friendly As many locations now do - the cruise offered an option for families to celebrate NYE without having to wait for the official midnight countdown. The entertainment staff put on a great party from 7:30-9pm for all the junior cruisers (and their parents) to feel a part of the atmosphere with a rocking white-party on the pool deck. The kids got glow sticks, the parents joined in for the YMCA and a great time had by all. No Taxi Needed Wherever we needed to be on the night, whichever party we decided to attend - we were able to walk there! No-one had to be the designated driver. And at the end of the night we didn’t have to line up for hours to get a ride home, or pay a 10 x surcharge on Uber - we just walked back to the cabin! CONS  No Fireworks Fireworks and NYE go hand in hand - however in the middle of the ocean there was no such thing. If fireworks are a requirement for your celebration - a cruise may not be your thing. We did however get an awesome 2017 ice carving! No Live Television Coverage If you have ever celebrated NYE at home - or at a home party - live coverage of how people are celebrating around the world normally forms part of the occasion. When you are in the middle of the ocean you are in a bit of a bubble from what is going on in the world - that includes the coverage of the fireworks at iconic locations around the world. I have no idea who pressed the button to release the ball in New York this year! Celebrating with Strangers Unless you manage to convince your friends and family to join you on your NYE cruise, chances are you will be doing the countdown amongst mostly strangers. If you prefer to be surrounded by people you know, this is not the celebration for you. Limited Phone Coverage Unless you have your phone on International roaming, you will not be able to call/text your friends and family at NYE and clog up their inbox with obligatory Happy New Year texts! If you have ever cruise over New Year's Eve - how did you enjoy it? Leave us a comment. Penny - Itchy Feet Family Other blogs you may be interested in: - Christmas Cruising: Pros and Cons - Family Cruising: Five Helpful Tips - Y'All Come Back Soon - Trip to a Texas Ranch - Cycle London - Cruise Ship Thermal Suites
2 Comments
Troy
2/25/2017 06:47:56 pm
I did NYE a few years ago with a group of mates and it was fantastic! I had been surprised about no fireworks but it didn't detract from our night. We have a group doing NYE 2017 to 2018 this year again...and can't wait. Leave a Reply. |
AuthorPenny, an avid Trip Advisor Reviewer, is the author of ITCHY FEET FAMILY. A family of 4 living in Adelaide, Australia, and taking every opportunity to travel and explore the world. Archives
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