December is the season of company parties, and a private yacht on the Bosphorus turns the usual hotel ballroom into an evening your team talks about all year. The palaces, mosques and bridges light up after sunset, the saloon is heated and the whole boat belongs to your company. Here is how we plan corporate New Year and year-end parties with companies in Istanbul and with teams flying in from abroad.
Choose your date
Most companies hold their party in December rather than on 31 December itself, when employees want to be with their families. Weeknights in the first three weeks of December are the most popular, and they give you a wider choice of yachts. If you want to celebrate the night itself, a private yacht on 31 December is also possible; see our private New Year's Eve yacht guide.
Formats that work on a yacht
Gala dinner cruise
A seated dinner in the saloon while the yacht cruises past Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy and the bridges. Ideal for speeches, awards and a toast to the year. See our corporate gala dinner cruise.
Cocktail party
Canapés, drinks and a DJ, with guests moving between the saloon and the decks. It suits larger teams and keeps the evening informal. See our corporate yacht party page.
Show night
Dinner with a Turkish night show: whirling dervish, folk dances and a belly dancer, then a DJ. A favourite with international teams who want a taste of Istanbul.
How many guests
Our fleet covers teams from 12 people to 200 guests on one yacht. Up to 77 guests fit comfortably on our 24 m flagship, up to 130 on our celebration yacht, and up to 200 on our 44 m yacht. For a seated dinner, plan on a little less than the maximum capacity. See all boats on our yachts.
A typical evening
| Time | Programme |
|---|---|
| 19:00 | Boarding at the pier closest to your office or hotel, welcome drink. |
| 19:30 | Speech from management and a toast to the year. |
| 20:00 | Dinner or cocktail menu as the yacht cruises the Bosphorus. |
| 21:30 | Awards, a show or a DJ set. |
| 22:30 | Return to the pier, or continue the party for longer. |
This is a sample; the times, length and route are planned around your programme.
Speeches, branding and extras
- A sound system for speeches, toasts and presentations
- Company flags and table decoration in your colours
- A DJ, live music or a full show programme
- A photographer or videographer for your internal channels
- A cake or a special dessert for the year-end toast
- Transfers for your team from the office or hotels
What shapes the quote
A corporate party is priced on the yacht, the length of the event, the menu and drinks, the entertainment and the branding. We send a written quote with everything included, so you can get approval quickly. Read more about what affects private yacht prices, or see all our corporate yacht events.
Planning timeline
- October to early November: choose the date and the yacht, and confirm with an advance payment.
- Late November: finalise the guest count, menu, drinks and entertainment.
- One week before: confirm the final numbers, the programme and the transfers.
Frequently asked questions
Can we hold our company New Year party on a yacht in Istanbul?
Yes. We plan corporate year-end and New Year parties on private yachts on the Bosphorus for teams from 12 to 200 guests, with dinner, drinks, speeches and entertainment.
Which dates are best for a corporate year-end party?
Weeknights in the first three weeks of December are the most popular and give you the widest choice of yachts. Private yachts on 31 December are also available.
Can the yacht be decorated with our company branding?
Yes. We can decorate the yacht with your company flags and table decoration in your colours, and there is a sound system for speeches.
Is there a sound system for speeches?
Yes. Our yachts have a sound system for speeches, toasts and presentations, and the saloon can be arranged for a short ceremony.
How far in advance should we book?
For December dates, book in October or early November. The larger yachts for company groups are booked first.
Spend midnight on the Bosphorus
Join our New Year's Eve cruise from €175 per person with hotel transfers, gala dinner, shows and champagne at midnight, or ask us for a private yacht for your group.
More New Year's Eve guides
- New Year's Eve in Istanbul 2026: the complete guideWhere to celebrate, weather, transport and tips.
- Where to watch the New Year's fireworks in IstanbulThe best views of midnight over the Bosphorus.
- A private yacht for New Year's Eve in Istanbul: the planning guideYacht size, price factors, menus and timings.
- New Year's Eve in Istanbul: dinner cruise or private yacht?Compare the two ways to celebrate on the water.
- New Year's Eve party in IstanbulThe dinner cruise menu and show programme.
- Why celebrate on the Bosphorus?Reasons to welcome the new year on the water.