New Year's Eve Guide

Sydney has one of the world’s best New Year’s Eve celebrations and now there’s even better reasons to check out the party there.

Captain Cook Cruises is offering a special two night cruise of Sydney Harbor culminating with the New Year’s Eve fireworks extravaganza.  Over three days the cruise travels around Sydney Harbour up to Watson’s Bay and the upper reaches of the Parramatta and Lane Cove Rivers. The Captain Cook’s Explorer cruises past the Opera House, Fort Denison, Government House, Tarango Zoo, the mansions of Sydney’s rich and famous and under the Harbour Bridge, all while the on-board commentator relates the sights history and any intriguing anecdotes. Day trips visit beachside Watson’s Bay and its historic naval establishments; the bustling restaurant and entertainment precinct, Darling Harbour and an early morning walk around Bradley’s Head offers glorious views from the headlands and visits the old artillery emplacements.  On New Years Eve, passengers will enjoy a spectacular New Year’s Eve Captain’s Dinner while being in the middle of Sydney Harbours amazing celebrations and fireworks display.  Prices for this unique two night cruise start from only $1080 per person twin share and include all accommodation, meals, day trips and on-board facilities.

They also offer a one night cruise if you just want to experience the fireworks.

In other Sydney New Years news, The Daily Telegraph is reporting that for the first time, the National Parks and Wildlife Service will officially open Clark, Goat and Shark islands this year to revellers. This will provide a front row seat with uninterrupted views of one of the world’s best New Year’s Eve celebrations.  The sought-after tickets will go on sale on December 1, with numbers limited to just 2000 people.  Transfers to and from the islands will be included in the ticket, expected to be $160 for adults, $105 for children and under-fives free.  The islands have no catering so visitors will need to bring their own food and drinks. Restrictions will apply to how much can be brought. More details after the jump. 

- Goat, Clark, Shark islands open for New Year’s Eve revellers [The Daily Telegraph]

Say it aint so!  WROC-TV is reporting that not many establishments that are licensed to serve alcohol in New York State want to stay open all night on New Year’s Eve. The State Liquor Authority says that they have received only 16 applications for “all night” permits so far, with the November 17 deadline approaching rapidly. Last year, the agency received 611 applications. The SLA issued new regulations in July requiring that “all night” permit applications be filed 45 days in advance of the event.

We can only hope that most bars are just running late and will get their applications in before the November 17 deadline.

- NY Bars Serving Less Alcohol for New Years [WROC-TV]

Welcome to the first weekly summary of New Year’s Eve news, updates, events and annoucements for the week. This is the place for news that we weren’t able to fit into it’s own post, but is relevant to New Years Eve nonetheless.

Ypsilanti’s New Year Jubilee will be discontinued, organizers say [Ann Arbor News]
The New Year Jubilee of Southeastern Michigan, held for the past 15 years in Ypsilanti to help revelers ring in the new year in an alcohol-free, family-friendly way, will be discontinued.  Dwindling funds, losing two large venues to hold activities and bad weather were among the factors that went into the decision to close down the annual celebration, said Lynda Hummel, who has coordinated the event for several years. (full story)

NIAGARA FALLS: Holiday lights extends to new years [Niagra Gazette]
The City of Niagara Falls will host a family friendly New Year’s Eve celebration at Hyde Park this year thanks to the help of the United Way of Niagara and Seneca Niagara Casino and Hotel. This year’s event will kick off with a fireworks display on Nov. 26 and will end Dec. 31 with a family fun night that will also include fireworks as well as games for children and an appearance by the band, A List. The closing event is being sponsored by the Seneca Niagara Casino. (full story)

Selling New Year’s trips for Russians is standing still [Baltic Business News]
Looks like the financial crisis is affecting everyone as BBN reports, “Last year 80 pct of New Year’s trips for Russians were sold by November, this year the percentage is 5. Russia is panicking that worldwide crisis is going to repeat terrifying events of 1998’s crisis. They dare to go abroad only for a weekend, but are scared to take a trip that lasts for a week…” (full story)

Patti Smith Confirms New Years Shows [Relix]
Punk/poet Patti Smith will once again ring in a new year at New York’s Bowery Ballroom. Smith has a longstanding tradition of New Year’s Eve performances at the intimate Lower East Side room and will close 2008 with performances at the venue on December 30 and 31. One of the few musicians comfortable playing everything from art galleries to dive bars on the same tour, Smith has made the Bowery Ballroom something of her hometown venue in recent years. (full story)

Welcome to the first installment of our New Year’s party review column, where we provide you with information on some of the best New Years Eve parties that are happening this year.

The first party that caught our attention was the New Year’s Eve party at Tavern on the Green in New York, NY. Tavern on the Green is a New York institution and has won numerous awards and praises.  The restaurant is located just inside Central Park, which provides you with the opportunity to take in the Central Park fireworks as well as the Midnight Run through the park.

This party also promises multiple DJs spinning hip-hop, dance, 80s and rock. There is a 6 1/2 hour open bar, dinner and continental breakfast.