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 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 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)