New Year’s Eve Getaways: Top Cruises & Tours to Ring in 2026

1. Royal Caribbean – Caribbean New Year’s Eve Cruises

Royal Caribbean is known for turning its ships into floating New Year’s festivals. Expect themed deck parties, live DJs, and countdowns that fill the night sky with confetti and cheers. On select sailings, guests can enjoy fireworks from private islands like CocoCay or from Caribbean ports. Families will love the early “countdowns” for kids, while adults can toast champagne under the stars or watch the Times Square ball drop on the ship’s big screens. Whether you’re celebrating with family or friends, a Royal Caribbean cruise is a lively, tropical way to welcome 2026.

2. Carnival Cruise Line – A Fun-Filled New Year at Sea

If your ideal celebration includes energy, music, and laughter, Carnival Cruise Line delivers. On New Year’s Eve, the entire ship transforms into one big party with DJs, live bands, and balloon drops in the atrium. Enjoy a complimentary toast at midnight, followed by deck celebrations that last into the early hours. Families can relax knowing that Carnival’s youth clubs host supervised New Year’s Eve parties for kids and teens. Whether you’re singing karaoke or dancing under the stars, Carnival offers a casual, festive atmosphere that’s pure fun for everyone.

3. Norwegian Cruise Line – Freestyle New Year’s Celebrations

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a flexible and vibrant New Year’s Eve experience where you can celebrate your way. Across the ship, you’ll find parties in the lounges, theaters, and atrium, each with its own vibe. The main event happens on the pool deck, where guests gather for a lively midnight countdown beneath the open sky. Some itineraries even time the celebration to spectacular destinations, like past voyages that welcomed the New Year with fireworks in Barcelona. With live bands, themed events, and plenty of champagne, Norwegian’s freestyle approach makes for an unforgettable night at sea.

4. Virgin Voyages – Adults-Only New Year’s Bash in the Caribbean

For an elevated, adults-only experience, Virgin Voyages offers a sophisticated and stylish New Year’s celebration. These 18+ sailings feature live DJs, curated cocktails, and glamorous deck parties that rival upscale beach clubs. Dress to impress for the countdown as you toast with a glass of bubbly under the Caribbean stars. Many itineraries include a stop at Virgin’s private Beach Club at Bimini, where you can relax by day and dance the night away by night. Virgin Voyages is ideal for couples or groups of friends who want to start the year with a touch of luxury and plenty of fun.

5. Disney Cruise Line – A Magical Family New Year

Families can count on Disney Cruise Line to make the holidays truly enchanting. On New Year’s Eve, the ships come alive with festive décor, character meet-and-greets, and themed dinners. Mickey and friends appear in sparkling formal wear to celebrate with guests of all ages. As the clock nears midnight, the ship’s top deck becomes the center of excitement with live music, dancing, and a spectacular fireworks display at sea, something only Disney offers. With a perfect mix of elegance, family fun, and Disney magic, it’s a celebration that everyone will remember for years to come.

6. Princess Cruises – Elegant New Year’s Galas in Iconic Destinations

Princess Cruises takes a refined approach to New Year’s Eve with formal galas, gourmet dining, and live entertainment throughout the night. Expect balloon drops, champagne toasts, and music in every lounge. For a truly unforgettable experience, choose an itinerary that includes Sydney, Australia, where Princess ships often dock for a front-row view of the city’s world-famous fireworks over the Harbour Bridge. Whether you’re cruising through the South Pacific, Hawaii, or the Caribbean, Princess offers a timeless and elegant way to celebrate the start of a new year.

7. Celebrity Cruises – Chic Celebrations at Sea

If you prefer modern style and sophistication, Celebrity Cruises is your match. From live jazz on the Lawn Club to lively dance parties in the Solarium, the entire ship transforms into one giant New Year’s Eve celebration. Guests enjoy complimentary champagne, confetti-filled countdowns, and a festive energy that fills every deck. With a blend of luxury dining, trendy venues, and international itineraries, Celebrity offers the perfect balance of excitement and elegance for couples, groups, and solo travelers alike.

8. Cunard Line – A Grand New Year’s Ball at Sea

For a classic celebration straight out of a movie, Cunard Line delivers pure glamour. The highlight of New Year’s Eve is the ship’s Gala Ball, where guests dress in black-tie attire, dance to a live orchestra, and toast to the new year beneath crystal chandeliers. From waltzing in the Queen Mary 2 ballroom to enjoying live music in the lounges, it’s a night of timeless elegance. At midnight, a balloon drop, champagne toast, and lavish midnight buffet complete the evening. Cunard is the perfect choice for travelers who love tradition, sophistication, and a touch of nostalgia.

1. Globus – Tournament of Roses (Los Angeles, USA)

Globus offers an incredible way to celebrate New Year’s in sunny California with its 5-day Tournament of Roses tour. Spend New Year’s Eve at a festive gala in Los Angeles, complete with dinner, dancing, and a midnight toast. On New Year’s Day, enjoy reserved seats for the world-famous Rose Parade in Pasadena, featuring spectacular floral floats and marching bands. The tour also includes sightseeing, post-parade float visits, and special holiday meals. It’s a perfect mix of celebration, comfort, and iconic Americana.

Globus – New Year’s Eve Down Under (Australia & New Zealand)

For a once-in-a-lifetime New Year’s experience, Globus’ 3-week Australia and New Zealand tour includes a celebration in Sydney Harbour. Guests enjoy dinner, dancing, and front-row seats for Sydney’s iconic fireworks over the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The itinerary continues through both countries, offering beaches, wine regions, and natural wonders, a spectacular way to kick off the year.

2. CIE Tours – New Year’s Getaway: Tartan & Toasts (Scotland)

Celebrate New Year’s the Scottish way with CIE Tours’ “Tartan & Toasts” itinerary. This 5-day getaway includes Edinburgh’s famous torchlight parade, Hogmanay festivities, and fireworks over Edinburgh Castle. Guests also enjoy live music in traditional pubs and plenty of local flavor. CIE also offers a London-based version that includes the city’s spectacular fireworks and the New Year’s Day Parade. Both are excellent options for travelers looking to experience Europe’s most spirited celebrations.

3. Collette – Sunny Portugal featuring New Year’s Eve in Madeira

This 11-day Collette tour combines Portuguese culture with one of the world’s most dazzling fireworks displays. Spend four nights on the island of Madeira, where guests attend a black-tie gala overlooking Funchal Harbor. The evening includes fine dining, champagne, and panoramic views of fireworks lighting up the Atlantic. The itinerary also includes tours through Lisbon and Porto, offering an elegant and sunny start to the year.

Collette – London & Paris featuring New Year’s Eve in Paris

Celebrate the New Year in Europe’s most iconic capitals. This Collette itinerary begins in London, where holiday lights illuminate the city’s landmarks, and ends in Paris with an included New Year’s Eve celebration. Enjoy the magic of the Eiffel Tower and Champs-Élysées illuminated for the season as fireworks and festivities fill the City of Light. It’s a romantic and cultural experience ideal for couples and first-time visitors to Europe.

4.  Cosmos – Mediterranean Flavors (Holiday Departure)

This budget-friendly tour spans Spain, France, and Italy, with a special New Year’s Eve dinner in Venice included. Imagine toasting the New Year from one of the most romantic cities in the world, surrounded by canals and music. Cosmos also offers other holiday departures like “Splendors of Italy,” which includes a gala dinner in Rome on December 31. These affordable, well-planned tours make it easy to celebrate abroad without the stress of planning everything yourself.

5. Railbookers – New Year’s in Vienna aboard the Danube Express

Experience Old World elegance on Railbookers’ luxury train journey through Central Europe. The highlight is New Year’s Eve in Vienna, complete with a waltz lesson, an exclusive gala dinner at City Hall, and a classical concert on New Year’s Day. Guests travel aboard the private Golden Eagle Danube Express, combining the romance of train travel with the grandeur of Vienna’s New Year celebrations.

6. Exoticca – Custom Holiday Adventures Worldwide

Exoticca offers flexible, customizable guided tours around the world, many available over the holiday season. Whether you want to celebrate New Year’s under Japan’s temple bells, on a tropical beach in the Bahamas, or beneath the Northern Lights in Norway, Exoticca’s itineraries can be tailored to fit your style. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who want curated independence with expert support.

For Families:

• Disney Cruise Line: Magical fireworks at sea and family-friendly festivities.

• Royal Caribbean: Early countdowns for kids and plenty of onboard fun.

• Globus Tournament of Roses Tour: Great for all ages, with VIP seats at the Rose Parade.

For Couples:

• Collette’s Portugal & Madeira Tour: Romantic black-tie gala overlooking Funchal Harbor.

• Princess Cruises: Elegant celebrations in Sydney or Hawaii.

• Cunard Line: Classic ballroom glamour for an unforgettable night.

For Solo Travelers:

• Celebrity Cruises: Chic, social celebrations and a welcoming community vibe.

• Cosmos Tours: Affordable, easy-to-join group experiences.

• Norwegian Cruise Line: Flexible celebrations and solo stateroom options.

For Luxury Seekers:

• Silversea or Celebrity Cruises: Refined dining and elevated celebrations at sea.

• Railbookers’ Vienna New Year’s Train Tour: A first-class experience with Old World charm.

• Globus Down Under Tour: Sydney fireworks from a harbor-view cruise.

Whether you’re raising a glass at a cruise ship gala or watching fireworks light up a historic city square, celebrating New Year’s abroad is the perfect way to begin 2026 with unforgettable memories.

Ready to book your celebration? Connect with an Avoya Travel Personal Travel Advisor to find the best New Year’s cruise or guided tour deals before they sell out.