The Celestial is a City Cruises New Year’s Eve cruise on the River Thames aboard a modern glass-roof boat, sailing from Tower Millennium Pier (Lower Thames Street, EC3N 4DT) on 31 December 2026. Boarding is at 9:15pm and the cruise runs from 9:45pm to 1:15am, 3 hours 30 minutes on the water. Included are a selection of canapés, a glass of champagne on arrival and another when the clock strikes midnight (children are offered a soft drink), live music and views of London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks from the river. A full bar is available on board. Seating is not allocated, and the dress code is casual.
London’s skyline through a glass roof
The Celestial is built for looking out. The boat has a glass roof and contemporary interiors, so the view does not stop at the windows: Tower Bridge, the City and the lights along both banks are overhead as well as alongside, and you watch them from the warmth of the cabin rather than from a crowded embankment in the December cold.
It is also the lighter way to spend New Year’s Eve on the river. There is no sit-down dinner to schedule the night around: canapés, champagne, live music and a full bar, and the freedom to move, meet people and find your spot as midnight approaches. Seating is spacious but not allocated, so a seat is not guaranteed — it is an evening for mingling as much as for sitting.
How the night unfolds
9:15pm — Tower Millennium Pier
At the pier, look for the City Cruises coloured check-in desk: you receive a coloured check-in card and are directed to the queue for your cruise. The nearest stations are Tower Hill, Fenchurch Street, Tower Gateway DLR and London Bridge.
9:45pm — champagne and canapés
A glass of champagne on arrival and a selection of canapés as the Celestial leaves the pier and the live music begins.
Midnight — the fireworks from the river
A second glass of champagne when the clock strikes twelve, a soft drink for children, and the New Year’s Eve fireworks seen from the Thames.
Until 1:15am — into 2027
Live music continues through the first hour of the new year, until the Celestial returns to Tower Millennium Pier at 1:15am.
Good to know before you book
The dress code is casual: New Year’s Eve is a good excuse to dress up, and flip-flops, leisurewear and ripped jeans are best left at home. There is no allocated seating on this cruise and a seat is not guaranteed. Children aged 5 to 17 are welcome, with a child fare, and are offered a soft drink in place of champagne.
Canapés and two glasses of champagne are included; other drinks are bought from the full bar on board. Roads across central London close early on 31 December, so check the Transport for London travel information before you set off.
