Sick of life on this side of the pond? Desperate to make a transatlantic crossing and spend some of your hard earned dollars? There are a myriad of European luxury cruises to satisfy every budget, taste and style under the fiery Mediterranean sun. Ditch your winter woolies, grab your hat and you’ll be saying arrivedeci to 2008 in true style. 

Large Luxury Cruise Lines, for those looking for something on a grand scale with generous amenities and activities and loads of fellow cruisers to meet and mingle with.

* Crystal Cruises

Famous for its impeccable service and superb cuisine, Crystal Adventure cruises offer dozens of itineraries in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. They offer unique on-shore experience, which depending on your personal preference, could see you bobsledding in Lillehammer or driving a formula one race car in Monte Carlo. The Creative Learning Institute, which is onboard some of the ships, allows you to take a range of classes including Chinese painting and acting. So you could be learning, celebrating and enjoying the sunshine all in one day!

 * Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Both the 700 passenger Seven Seas Voyager and the 490 passenger Seven Seas Navigator, are built to carry twice the passenger load, so you will never feel crowded. They offer 7 to 14 day itineraries through Europe and the Mediterranean with a selection of themed programs centered on, among other things, food and wine, antiques, shopping and the environment.

 Small Luxury Cruise Lines, catering for those more inclined to a personalized, intimate experience. Fewer people, more staff, more indulgence!

* Seabourn Cruise Line

Seabourns fleet of three 208 passenger, all suite ships offer a luxurious European cruise experience, with superior service and the finest cuisine. The ultimate in luxury and indulgence, the staff will attend to your every need at any time of the day. Passengers can participate in a variety of water sports and even swimming in the ocean in a steel mesh pool. Seabourn cruise Northern Europe and the Mediterranean in 7 to 18 days.

* Silversea Cruises

The height of luxury, Silverseas four all suite-ships are all inclusive and offer you the more space and indulgence than any other cruise - but for a price of course! Activities include expert lectures, complimentary excursions, as well as an onboard library, pool, gym and casino facilities. Silversea offers 7 to 15 day European cruise itineraries.

After all your hard work sailing around the Med, perhaps you’ll come back eager to explore some more Noo experiences!

If you find yourself in the City of Brotherly Love for NYE, eager to see the famous Penn’s landing fireworks, why not get a unique perspective from onboard a Spirit cruise. 

Spirit Cruises $175.26

Want to create an unforgettable event in Philadelphia? Treat your guests to an on-the-water experience on the Spirit of Philadelphia they’ll remember for a long time to come. Spirit Cruises is the most vibrant and theatrical dining cruise experience to hit Philadelphia. Delicious food, lively dancing, premium bar, keepsake glass and engaging entertainment guarantee a fabulous evening!

For other events in Philadelphia, surrounding cities or slightly further afield, check out our New Years Eve events section.

If Obama’s election isn’t enough to get you excited about ringing in the New Year in our nation’s capital, then maybe a cruise onboard Spirit or Odyssey will get you more in the mood. Check out the New Years in Washington DC for other New Years Eve ideas.

* Spirit Cruise $200.37

Bountiful dining, star-quality entertainers, dancing to the hottest DJ’s - what better way to bring in the New Year than with a Spirit cruise. Your favorite cocktails are all included in the ticket price, along with premium open bar. 

* Odyssey Cruise $298.05

Spend an unforgettable evening cruising the Potomac River, stroll around the outside decks and enjoy the spectacular sight of all the illuminated Washington monuments. The cruise includes a four course menu of creative appetizers, sumptuous entrees and delicious desserts prepared fresh onboard daily, a premium open bar, a boarding photo, live entertainment and dancing and a champagne toast at midnight.

Chicago, Chicago…that toddling town all swept up in Obama fever, will no doubt be more than ready to celebrate again come New Year’s Eve. It takes nothing more than a bit of hope, success and change to get people in the mood to party. So whether you are Chicago born and bred or thinking of heading there for the festive season, why not check out one of Mystic Blue Cruises:

Eve of Eve Dinner - $99.90

For something a bit different and a bit unusual, why not head out on the harbor on December 30th for a Mystic Blue Eve of Eve cruise? A casual yet contemporary atmosphere, with great service, an amazing view and a fresh buffet, the Eve cruise also features a DJ and a premium open bar.

If celebrating on the actual day is more your style, Mystic Blue also offers a New Years Eve cruise aboard one of their luxury boats. Enjoy the incredible views of the Chicago skyline and finish the night off by dancing to the DJ’s high energy music.

If the idea of stepping away from the relaxation and luxury of a cruise early morning on January 1st makes you feel physically ill, maybe its time to look into something a bit more prolonged. A bit more extensive…a week or more of luxury perhaps? A New Years Cruise doesn’t have to start and end on New Years Eve/Day. Wouldn’t it be modern to board a boat on the 27th of December, spend a few days relaxing and making friends, swimming, eating and drinking cocktails? Come December 31st, you’ll have arrived in paradise, be more than ready to celebrate and dance the night away! The best part - by the end of the party, you can stumble back to your cabin, the challenges of finding a cab, braving the freezing weather and battling extensive crowds wont even cross your mind.

Here are a few of our favorite extended cruises that are on offer for the New Years period (Prices include shipboard accommodations, ocean transportation, fabulous entertainment and daily activities, on-board meals and some beverages and port charges, unless otherwise stated):

* Celebrity Cruises 11 Night Southern Carribean - from $699.00

With 6 bars, a lounge, 3 clubs, a casino, spa and 3 pools, you’ll be relaxing in no time. Highlights of the itinerary include Puerto Rice, Aruba, Barbados, St Lucia and St Kitts. 

* Carnival Cruise Lines  7 night Exotic Western Caribbean - from $599.00

A wide array of onboard activities for singles, couples and families from pool games and live entertainment, to romantic restaurants and a nightclub.

* Holland America Line 10 night Sunfarer Caribbean Holiday - from $799.00

Aside from elegant restaurants featuring fresh seafood and an extensive wine list, the main highlight aboard this ship is the Crows Nest which turns into a nightclub!

Don’t limit yourself to this selection though, check out Cruises Only where you can browse by destination, date, company, ship and departure point. If your still not convinced, head back to the New Years Eve 2008-2009 where you can find satisfy all your New Years Eve desires.

For all you Bostonites who want to experience the First Night New Year’s Celebrations from the comfort and privacy of a luxury cruise ship, look no further than the choices that follow. It’s up to you whether you want some midday madness aboard the Odyssey or an elegant evening affair on Spirit Cruises (Boston) but either way you’ll be rewarded with a unique and memorable experience.

Odyssey Lunch Cruise $58.82

Celebrate the last day of the year with the whole family! The Odyssey Lunch Cruise, complete with a mock countdown to midnight at noon and special pricing for kids, makes this a great way to celebrate the New Year’s holiday with the entire family .

Includes:
* Luxury Cruise: Our friendly hostess will seat you at your private table for a two hour escape to the signature elegance and total entertainment experience only a true luxury cruising vessel can provide.

* Unmatched Skyline Views: Enjoy spectacular views from your table. Explore the ship and her many observation decks.

* Distinctive Cuisine: You and your guests will order from our 3-course menu of creative appetizers, sumptuous entrees and delicious desserts prepared fresh onboard daily.

* Live Entertainment: Dine, mingle and dance to a medley of live music, from softer classics early in the cruise to today’s favorites.

* Beverages: Coffee, tea and iced tea are complimentary. Award winning wines, liquor and beer may be purchased separately from your Odyssey service team. 

Odyssey Dinner Cruise $195.06

With all the inclusions of the lunch cruise, this is the ideal New Years Eve experience aboard Boston’s most luxurious cruising vessel. Enjoy the midnight celebrations with a champagne toast and the First Night Fireworks Display.

 Spirit Cruise $149.21

Cruise onboard the Spirit of Boston this New Years Eve and enjoy a delicious dinner, engaging live entertainment and dancing till the early hours. See Boston’s Historic Seaport District from the best seat in the harbor and make this special occasion a truly unforgettable event. 

Includes:

* Festive Cruise: Many tables are designed for seating with other guests, reminiscent of ocean-going cruises. 

* Drinks: Coffee, tea, iced tea and water are complimentary. You may also purchase mixed drinks, fine liqueurs, specialty waters, champagne and exceptional wines.

* Dazzling City Views: Enjoy Boston’s famous waterfront from a totally different point of view through our boats huge panoramic windows or from any of the ships outdoor viewing decks. You’ll also be treated to an excellent view of the fireworks display at midnight.

* Delicious Dining - Enjoy a Grande New Year’s Dinner Buffet, where you can select as much or as little as you like from an amazing array of entrees and side dishes. Finish off your meal with your choice of luscious desserts. 

* Live Musical Revue: While you relax over coffee and dessert, Spirit’s star quality performers will dazzle you with a center stage show.

* Dance, Dance, Dance - Spirit’ s dinner cruises spotlight some of the hottest DJs in the city. For nearly two hours, you can dance to a huge range of hits.
For additional information and to purchase tickets, visit Noo.com.

For those New Yorkers or honorary New Yorkers looking to get out of the Times Square shuffle this New Years Eve, a Spirit Cruise could have you sailing the last night of 2008 away in no time. With four fantastic cruises to choose from, there will be no packed like sardines feeling here!

Bateaux New York $440.00

New York’s ultimate experience for the New Year’s connoisseur! This 5-hour event experience offers stunning views of New York City’s skyline from an all glass boat, four-course plated meal, premium open bar, live jazz entertainment with a three-piece band and vocalist, and spectacular views of the New Year’s Eve fireworks celebration at the Statue of Liberty at midnight. This sophisticated and elegant package includes:

• Splendid Plated Holiday Dinner
• Open Premium Bar
• Live Music With Jazz Classics
• Sophisticated Dance Music
• Never-Ending Skyline Views
• Party Favors & Beautiful Decorations
• Midnight Champagne Toast
• New Year’s Fireworks (weather permitting)
• Tax and gratuity included

Celebration Cruise: $249.00

For those whose budget doesn’t quite stretch to the Bateaux but still want to indulge with a full buffet dinner, the Celebration Cruise is the answer. You’ll get a complete package of fun that includes:

• Five-Hour Party On New York Harbor
• Premium Open Bar
  (All passengers must be 21 or older with ID)
• Dinner Buffet
• Live Entertainment
• DJ For Dancing The Night Away
• Party Favors & Festive Decorations
• Champagne Toast At Midnight
• PLUS! The Best Seats In Town For The Fireworks (weather permitting)