Amsterdam Canal Cruise » Types of Cruises » Amsterdam Canal Cruise Cruise with Cheese & Wine – The Most Classic Cruise!
Amsterdam Canal Cruise Cruise with Cheese & Wine – The Most Classic Cruise!
One of the most popular cruises in Amsterdam is the Classic Cruise with Cheese & Wine. What is it all about? Where can you buy the tickets? How much does it cost? And what do the reviews say? Read on.
- By: Emily Winslow
As one of the most popular cruises in Amsterdam, the Classic Amsterdam canal cruise with Cheese & Wine, glides you along the city’s world-famous canals for iconic views of the landmarks and local scenes that define this capital of the Netherlands.
As you pass by the narrow canal houses aboard the classic boat, the history contained within their slanted walls tells the story of Amsterdam’s golden age as a major port and trading hub. The boat captain provides informative commentary to supplement the views, pointing out highlights like the Anne Frank House and the bustling Bloemenmarkt flower market along the way.
If you opt for the cheese and wine pairing, you can sample some of Holland’s most delicious export products while absorbing the culture and scenery of quintessential Amsterdam from its timeless waterways. Here is everything you need to know about this classics cruise.
About The Amsterdam Canal Cruise Cruise with Cheese & Wine
This classic one-hour canal cruise consider one of the best and most popular cruises in Amsterdam canals. This laidback takes you along the historic UNESCO-listed waterways of central Amsterdam. Operated by the well-established local tour company Flagship Amsterdam and available to book online via GetYourGuide.
On board, you’ll gently glide through scenic stretches of the city while a knowledgeable guide gives you context and background about landmarks seen from the water. Highlights include floating past the famous Skinny Bridge, the eye-opening Red Light District windows, houseboats, and old warehouses that line the canals.
You’ll get unique views of the maritime history museum, the ritzy Golden Bend mansions, and areas like the old Jewish quarter and former harbor. Plenty of great photo opportunities of quintessentially Amsterdam scenes too.
The basic cruise allows you to sit back and soak up the sights, but you can also upgrade to include unlimited Dutch cheeses and wines while onboard – a nice touch. Guidance is in English, and you’re welcome to ask questions or recommendations of your skipper at any time.
Tickets & Price
Ticket price for this cruise starts from just €17.96 per person and can be conveniently booked via GetYourGuide’s website. The tour has handy flexible booking options – you can secure your spot with no upfront payment and cancel with a full refund if plans change, up to 24 hours before.
There are a few options to choose from when booking:
Meeting Point/Departure Locations:
- Anne Frank House (Prinsengracht 267)
- Central Station (Prins Hendrikkade 33A)
Drink Options:
- No Cheese & Drinks (€19.95 per adult)
- With Unlimited Dutch Cheese & Drinks (€34.50 per adult)
The cheese & drinks upgrade gives you unlimited Dutch cheeses, wines, beers and soft drinks as you cruise. If you select the “no cheese & drinks” option, you can still purchase drinks individually onboard if you wish.
After selecting your preferred departure point and drink option, you’ll pick from available 1-hour time slots that work with your schedule. The tour meeting points are right in the heart of Amsterdam’s top attractions, so they are convenient to get to.
As you glide through scenic stretches of canal, a knowledgeable local guide will point out Amsterdam highlights like the Skinny Bridge, Golden Bend mansions, and Red Light District windows floating by. You’re welcome to ask questions about the city’s history and culture as you go.
So for €19.95-€34.50 per adult, this small-group cruise allows you to soak up quintessential Amsterdam sights from a cozy vantage point on its beautiful UNESCO-listed canals.
Top Sights You will See
This 1 hour canal cruise passes by many of Amsterdam’s top attractions and scenic spots. Guests can start the tour at either Prins Hendrikkade near Central Station or outside the famous Anne Frank House on Prinsengracht.
Gliding away from the city center, you’ll sail by historic sites like the towering Westerkerk church and charming 9 Streets shopping district. Further along the UNESCO-listed canals, highlights include floating past the beautiful Skinny Bridge, the Royal Theater Carré, and unusual Dancing House architecture.
The knowledgeable guide will point out Golden Age mansions lining the opulent Herengracht canal, as well as hotels with iconic canal views like The Seven Bridges. Other scenic stretches include the tree-lined Leliegracht and landmark Canal House museum.
After an entertaining hour taking in quintessential Amsterdam by water, the cruise concludes back at your original departure point – either Prins Hendrikkade or outside the Anne Frank House.
Good to Know Before You Book This Cruise
Since you’re on an open-air boat, be sure to dress warmly as it may get chilly, especially in the evening or colder months. The providers recommend wearing layers to stay comfortable.
This is not a wild party tour – it’s a laidback sightseeing cruise suitable for all ages. The minimum drinking age in the Netherlands is 18, so you’ll need to show ID to purchase alcoholic drinks onboard if you appear under 18. Parents should also be aware that children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
When boarding the boat, there is a fairly large step down. Stewards are on hand to kindly assist passengers who need an extra hand to safely get on and off the vessel. Just let them know if you need support.
What the Reviews Say?
The reviews of the Amsterdam Canal Cruise with Cheese & Wine paint an overall very positive picture from past travelers.
The all-round experience seems to get consistent praise – from the knowledgeable and entertaining guiding bringing the scenic canals to life, to the generous flows of tasty Dutch cheeses, wines and beers. Many travelers highlight the exceptional value for money given everything the cruise includes.
While there are minor suggestions like confirming the meeting point in advance or adding more cheese variety, people found the hospitality and service shone through any small hiccups. Nighttime tours appear especially popular for the romantic, glittering ambience.
The few critiques around incorrect meeting coordinates or boats not matching photos seem rare exceptions rather than common complaints. Instead, reviewers emphasise an enjoyable, relaxed way to take in classic Amsterdam sights from a cozy vantage point on the water. It’s no wonder many vow to rebook this cruise the next time they’re in town!
In summary, Flagship Amsterdam receives glowing reviews for providing visitors with a memorable floating taste of quintessential Amsterdam’s history and culture – all while sipping unlimited wines! An easy top pick for first-time and return travelers alike.
About Flagship Amsterdam Cruises
Flagship Amsterdam is a well-established local canal cruise tour operator with an excellent reputation. Originally founded back in the 1970s by a born-and-bred Amsterdam family, they have decades of experience showing visitors the beauty of Amsterdam by water.
Over the years, Flagship Amsterdam has expanded its fleet to now include 17 boats departing from various locations around central Amsterdam. Their team has grown too, with over 60 friendly skippers, guides and support crew offering tours in languages like English, Spanish, French, German and more.
The company prides itself on sharing insider knowledge about Amsterdam’s famed canals and sights alongside their signature warmth and humor. They also serve up tasty Dutch cheeses and wine aboard some of their cruises for that added gezellig atmosphere.
As a trusted family-owned firm with deep local roots, Flagship Amsterdam receives rave reviews from visitors. Their canal tours let you experience the real beating heart of Amsterdam beyond the crowds and tourist traps. So whether you choose a historic tour or a relaxing drinks cruise, you can expect red carpet treatment boarding a Flagship Amsterdam vessel.
More useful information about Amsterdam Canal Cruises
- Read on about all type of Amsterdam Canal Cruises.
- How much are tickets, and where can you buy them? Read our guide for Amsterdam Canal Cruise Tickets.
- Blue Boat Company or Lovers? Check out the top cruise providers in Amsterdam!
- Canal Cruise Amsterdam at Night – Read this before you book tickets!
- Sightseeing Canal Cruise in Amsterdam or a Dinner Cruise? Which one suits you?
We are a group of travelers who love to explore and write about Amsterdam. Over the years, we have gained extensive experience with cruising over the Canals in Amsterdam. Here, you could find all the essential information you need to know about Amsterdam Canal Cruises, including the different types of cruise, prices, tickets, operating hours, departure points, and many more.