Published: September 23, 2024
Updated: September 26, 2024
Hey, if you’re ever in Budapest for New Year’s Eve, you HAVE to try the river cruise. Seriously, it was one of the most magical experiences I’ve ever had in this city. Just imagine: you’re sailing down the Danube, sipping on unlimited champagne, and watching the fireworks light up the sky over the Parliament building. It was absolutely surreal, and I can’t recommend it enough.
Boarding the Ship – A Chilly Start but Totally Worth It
So, we got to Dock 42 around 9:45 PM, and I’m not gonna lie, it was freezing! We stood around for about 20 minutes waiting to board the Fanny (yes, that was the name of the boat), but once we got on board, it was cozy and warm. The price for the night was about 169.90 CHF per person, which felt steep at first, but once the drinks started flowing, I realized it was worth it!
The boat had both indoor and outdoor seating, but obviously, we grabbed a spot by the window because I wanted to see every bit of Budapest lit up at night. There’s no formal seating plan, so we just found a spot and settled in.
Drinks Galore, but the Food… Meh
Let me tell you, the unlimited drinks were no joke. There was local wine, beer, champagne, and soft drinks – all included in the price. I had more than my fair share of champagne, and the staff kept topping us up, which was awesome. But the sparkling water came from a homemade soda gun (not ideal), so we asked for a sealed bottle, and they happily swapped it out.
Now, about the food… it was buffet-style, which is fine, but don’t expect a gourmet meal. The goulash was great, but it ran out pretty fast. Some of the other dishes were just okay – nothing to write home about. It felt a bit chaotic trying to get to the food, and by the time I made it, the options were limited. Still, I wasn’t really there for the food. The views and the overall vibe more than made up for it.
The Views and the Midnight Magic
As the boat started sailing down the Danube, we passed by some of the most iconic landmarks – Buda Castle, the Chain Bridge, and of course, the Parliament building. Being on the water with these views all around you is just something else.
At midnight, we all went up to the open deck (yes, it was freezing, but I didn’t care). The fireworks went off right over the Parliament building, and it was breathtaking. We had our Prosecco in hand, and everyone was in such high spirits. That moment, with the fireworks reflecting off the water and everyone cheering, was something I’ll never forget. It made the entire night feel so special.
A Few Bumps Along the Way
Now, it wasn’t all perfect. The music started late and kept skipping at times, which was a bit annoying, especially for a New Year’s Eve party. And yeah, like I mentioned earlier, the food could have been better – especially considering the price. The boat’s windows also fogged up quite a bit from the cold, so seeing the views from inside wasn’t always easy. But stepping out on the deck was totally worth it for those crystal-clear views of the city lights.
FAQ: What You Need to Know
How much does it cost?
The price for the night was 169.90 CHF per person, which includes the 4-hour cruise, unlimited drinks (local wine, beer, champagne, and soft drinks), and buffet-style food.
What’s included?
You get a 4-hour cruise, all the drinks you can handle, and a buffet. The drinks were flowing all night, but the food was just average, and you had to be quick to get the good stuff.
Is it cold?
Oh yes, especially on the deck. Bring a warm coat, gloves, and a scarf if you want to hang out outside, which I highly recommend when the fireworks go off.
What’s the best part?
The views, hands down. Seeing Budapest all lit up from the river is something else, especially with the fireworks at midnight.
Final Thoughts: Should You Do It?
Absolutely! Despite a few hiccups with the food and music, the Budapest New Year’s Eve river cruise was totally worth it. The unlimited drinks, the friendly staff, and those unbeatable views of Budapest at night made it an experience I’d love to repeat. If you’re looking for a fun, laid-back way to ring in the New Year with friends or loved ones, I’d say go for it. Just be sure to grab a spot on the deck when the fireworks start!
Would I do it again? Absolutely. Just maybe with a few more layers next time!
