Amsterdam Dinner Cruise
Tickets, Price, Tips and More!
Book Your Amsterdam Dinner Cruise Tickets
- Multiple Cruises Options
- Multiple Menu Options
- Multiple Duration Options
Choose Your Amsterdam Dinner Cruise
Get to know the soul of Amsterdam with dinner with one of this best-sellers cruises:
Dinner Amsterdam Cruise Types
Select from 3-Course Dinner, Burger. BBQ or Pizza to match your dinner cruise in Amsterdam:
The Classic 3-Course Dinner Cruise
This 3 Course dinner cruise is one of the most popular dinner cruises in Amsterdam, offering a delightful 2-hour journey through the city’s famous canals. Guests enjoy a three-course meal prepared by Dutch chef Frans Kelders, with meat, fish, and vegetarian options available. The all-inclusive package features beer, wine, and soft drinks, creating a memorable evening experience.
- Best Suited For: Couples, foodies, canal enthusiasts.
- Duration: 2 hour.
- Price Range: Around €80 per person
Amsterdam Burger Dinner Cruise
This popular Amsterdam dinner cruise combines sightseeing with a casual dining experience. Guests enjoy gourmet burgers from Beers & Barrels Restaurant while cruising the city’s iconic canals. The 90-minute journey features high-quality Dutch ingredients, Gouda-topped burgers, and vegetarian options, all guided by a knowledgeable skipper through Amsterdam views.
- Best Suited For: Casual diners seeking scenic experience.
- Duration: 1 hour
- Price Range: Around €40 per person
BBQ Cruise with Unlimited Drinks
Another very popular dinner cruise in Amsterdam is this BBQ cruise experience with unlimited drinks. For about 60 euros, guests enjoy a 2-hour journey through the city’s iconic waterways, guided by a bilingual skipper. The cruise features a generous barbecue spread and open bar, making it ideal for social gatherings and sightseeing.
- Best Suited For: Food lovers seeking festive atmosphere.
- Duration: 2 hours.
- Price Range: Around €60 per person.
Unlimited Drinks & Pizza Cruise
A very popular Amsterdam canal cruise which combines sightseeing with a casual pizza dinner. For about 38 euros, guests enjoy a 75-minute journey through the city’s historic waterways, complete with gourmet pizza and unlimited drinks. The cruise features multilingual audio guides and views of Amsterdam’s iconic architecture.
- Best Suited For: Pizza lovers seeking relaxed sightseeing.
- Duration: 75 minutes.
- Price Range: €40.
Amsterdam Dinner Canal Cruise Tickets Prices
Amsterdam dinner canal cruise tickets typically range from about €40 to €150 per person. This wider range reflects a greater variety of options available to tourists and locals alike.
At the lower end, around €40-60, you can find basic dinner cruises that usually include a simple meal and a shorter canal tour, perhaps 1.5 to 2 hours long. These budget-friendly options might offer a fixed menu with limited choices and may not include drinks in the base price.
Mid-range cruises, priced between €70-100, often provide a more substantial meal, possibly with some choices, and might include a welcome drink or a glass of wine. The duration is typically longer, around 2.5 to 3 hours, allowing for a more leisurely experience.
The higher-end cruises, ranging from €110-150, generally offer gourmet multi-course meals, a wider selection of drinks, and often feature additional amenities like live music or guided commentary. These luxury experiences usually last 3-4 hours and may use more upscale boats.
Factors affecting the price within this range include the quality of the food, the inclusion of drinks, the duration of the cruise, and any additional features or entertainment provided. Seasonal pricing may also apply, with higher rates during peak tourist seasons.
Where You Should Buy The Tickets?
When it comes to purchasing Amsterdam dinner canal cruise tickets, several reliable options are available to ensure you get the best deal and a smooth booking experience.
Online platforms like Tiqets and GetYourGuide are popular choices for booking dinner cruises. Tiqets, being a Netherlands-based company, has a strong grasp of the local tourism market and often offers a wide range of dinner cruise options. Their platform is user-friendly and frequently features competitive prices and occasional discounts. GetYourGuide, known globally, also provides a variety of dinner cruise choices with detailed descriptions, making it easy to compare different experiences.
Booking directly through the cruise operators’ websites is also a viable option. Companies like Blue Boat Company, Lovers Canal Cruises, and Stromma Netherlands have their own online booking systems. This direct approach can sometimes yield the best prices, especially if they’re running promotions. Additionally, booking directly may give you more flexibility with dates and times, and potentially offer extras not available through third-party sites.
For those who prefer a more personal touch or have specific requirements, local travel agencies in Amsterdam can be helpful. They often have insider knowledge and may be able to secure special packages or group discounts.
If you’re already in Amsterdam, you can purchase tickets at the cruise company kiosks located near popular departure points like the Anne Frank House or Central Station. However, this last-minute approach risks cruises being sold out, especially during peak season.
Regardless of where you choose to buy, it’s generally advisable to book in advance, particularly during busy periods like summer or holidays. Many platforms and companies offer free cancellation up to 24-48 hours before the cruise, providing flexibility if your plans change.
Remember to compare prices across different platforms and check for any current promotions or bundle deals that might include other Amsterdam attractions. By doing so, you can ensure you’re getting the best value for your Amsterdam dinner canal cruise experience.
Meeting point / Pick-up & drop-off
Most dinner cruise companies depart from conveniently located docks in the city center. This allows you to simply walk, take a taxi, or use public transport to arrive at your embarkation point.
Popular docks near top attractions and accommodations include across from Central Station, next to the Anne Frank House museum, behind the Bloemenmarkt Flower Market, and along the Amstel River by the Hermitage Museum.
When booking, carefully confirm the exact meeting time and departure dock address so you arrive in time for boarding. Arrive 10-15 minutes early. If running late, urgently call the provided contact number so they can wait if possible.
At the end of your cruise, the boat will return to the original docking point or a nearby disembarkation jetty. This is again located centrally. From here you can walk, hail a taxi, or take a short tram ride back to your hotel or next destination.
Some companies offer hotel pick-up/drop-off services within the city center for an added fee. This can provide door-to-door convenience if you’d rather not transit before and after your dinner cruise. Just account for traffic delays.
Double checking the logistics in advance results in a smooth rendezvous and wonderful evening on the water without having to worry about Amsterdam transport before or after.
Top Amsterdam Dinner Cruise Providers
Plan Your Trip
Multi-course plated dinners often start with an appetizer like smoked salmon, prawn cocktail, or Dutch cheese sampler. Soup and salad courses follow before moving to the mains. Entrée selections generally include meat options like seared steak or lamb, poultry such as duck breast, and fish selections like grilled sea bass or salmon. Vegetarian diners can usually substitute pasta or risotto dishes.
Sides often feature Dutch specialties like roasted new potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Desserts tend to include sweets like chocolate mousse cake, tiramisu, or fruit tarts. The meals are very generously portioned.
Some cruises offer signature cocktails before dinner. Wine pairings with each course are popular. Boats have full bar service with beers, wines, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase separately.
Date, cherry, apple, and other seasonal ingredients are incorporated into the dishes and desserts. Menus change frequently to reflect what’s fresh. Dinner cruises showcase Amsterdam’s creative cuisine.
Amsterdam dinner canal cruises typically operate during evening hours, offering a range of departure times to accommodate different schedules and preferences. Here’s an overview of common operating hours:
Most dinner cruises start between 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM, with the exact times varying by season and operator. In summer, when daylight lasts longer, some cruises may start later to take advantage of the twilight ambiance.
Early evening departures, around 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, are popular among families or those who prefer dining earlier. These cruises often coincide with the traditional Dutch dinner time.
Later departures, from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM, cater to those who enjoy a more nighttime atmosphere or want to see Amsterdam’s illuminated bridges and buildings.
Some operators offer multiple departure times throughout the evening to provide flexibility for tourists with varying schedules.
During peak tourist season (typically April to September), cruise companies may increase their frequency and offer more departure times to meet higher demand.
In winter months, cruises might start earlier due to earlier sunsets, sometimes beginning as early as 5:30 PM.
Special holiday cruises, such as those on King’s Day or New Year’s Eve, may have unique operating hours to align with festivities.
It’s worth noting that while dinner cruises primarily operate in the evening, some companies offer lunch cruises or brunch options during daytime hours, typically starting between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM.
Most cruise operators run daily, but it’s always advisable to check specific schedules, especially during off-peak seasons or holidays when service might be reduced.
Remember to arrive at least 15-30 minutes before the scheduled departure time, as punctuality is crucial for these cruises.
Amsterdam dinner canal cruises typically offer a range of durations to suit different preferences and schedules. Here’s an overview of common cruise lengths:
Standard dinner cruises usually last between 2 to 2.5 hours. This duration provides enough time for a leisurely meal while cruising through Amsterdam’s iconic canals. It’s long enough to enjoy the sights and dining experience without taking up an entire evening.
Shorter options, lasting around 1.5 hours, are available for those with tighter schedules or who prefer a quicker experience. These cruises often offer a condensed menu or lighter fare, focusing on providing a taste of canal dining without an extended time commitment.
For those seeking a more immersive experience, extended cruises lasting 3 to 4 hours are available. These longer journeys allow for a more comprehensive tour of Amsterdam’s waterways, often including areas beyond the central canal ring. They typically feature multiple courses and a more relaxed dining pace.
Some operators offer sunset cruises, timed to coincide with the setting sun. The duration of these can vary depending on the season, but they’re usually around 2.5 to 3 hours.
Specialty or gourmet cruises might extend to 4 or even 5 hours, incorporating wine tastings, multiple stops, or entertainment alongside the meal.
When choosing a cruise duration, consider your overall itinerary, dining preferences, and how much of the city you wish to see from the water. Longer cruises provide more comprehensive experiences but may limit other evening activities. Shorter cruises offer flexibility but might feel rushed for some diners.
Remember that the advertised duration usually includes boarding and disembarking time, so the actual cruising time might be slightly less than the total experience length.
The weather plays a significant role in the enjoyment of a dinner cruise in Amsterdam, influencing both the ambiance and the overall experience.
Amsterdam’s climate is temperate maritime, characterized by mild summers and cool winters. The best weather for dinner cruises typically occurs from late spring to early autumn (May to September). During these months, temperatures often range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), providing comfortable conditions for an evening on the canals.
Summer evenings are particularly delightful, with long daylight hours allowing passengers to enjoy scenic views well into the night. However, summer is also the rainiest season, so occasional showers are possible. Many cruise boats have covered areas or retractable roofs to ensure comfort regardless of light rain.
In winter (November to February), dinner cruises offer a cozy retreat from the cold. Temperatures can drop to around 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F). While chilly, this season provides unique charm with festive lights reflecting on the water and the possibility of snow-dusted canal houses.
Spring and autumn can be unpredictable, with a mix of sunny days and cooler, wetter periods. These seasons offer the chance to see Amsterdam’s foliage changes or blossoming trees along the canals.
Amsterdam canal dinner cruise - The Best Way to See the city!
Floating Historical Panorama
Unique Perspective of the City:
Glide through Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canals, viewing stunning architecture and historic bridges from water level. Watch the city transform as night falls, revealing illuminated landmarks. This unique vantage point offers an unparalleled view of Amsterdam’s layout and beauty.
Dining Meets Sightseeing
Enjoy gourmet Dutch or international cuisine while cruising past breathtaking views. This efficient, multi-sensory experience blends flavors and sights, deepening your appreciation of Amsterdam’s culture. Maximize your time by combining dinner and sightseeing into one memorable evening.
Romantic Canal Serenity
Experience the romance of canal dining. Gentle boat motion, soft lighting, and shimmering water reflections create an intimate ambiance. Perfect for special occasions or a serene escape, this tranquil journey allows you to unwind and absorb Amsterdam’s charm away from busy streets.
Dinner Cruise in Amsterdam - Insider Tips
- Reserve your cruise tickets directly through the company’s website well in advance for the best rates and availability. These popular tours sell out.
- Carefully select your departure time to allow sufficient hours for a leisurely multi-course meal before other plans.
- If available, preorder wine pairings or drinks packages to complement your meal.
- Specify any dietary restrictions or allergies so they can accommodate you.
- Request a waterside table for optimal romantic canal views during your meal if an option.
- For special occasions, see if you can arrange flowers, gifts, or cakes to be waiting at your table.
- On private charters, customize details like music, decor, route, and catering to make it a personalized evening.
- Read online reviews of different provider options to select the ambiance and cuisine that suits you.
- Triple check the departure dock location and arrive 15 minutes before boarding time so you don’t miss this special evening.
- Dress up a bit – dinner cruises tend to have more elegant, refined atmospheres.
FAQ
How long do dinner cruises typically last?
Most dinner cruises are 2-3 hours to allow sufficient time for a multi-course meal at a leisurely pace along with taking in canal views.
What type of cuisine is served onboard?
Menus range from traditional Dutch specialties to Pan-European fusion cuisine. Dishes change seasonally based on fresh ingredients.
Can you make special meal requests for dietary needs?
Yes, just notify the cruise company beforehand about any food allergies, restrictions, or preferences so they can accommodate.
Are drinks like wine, beer, and cocktails included?
Drink packages can be added on, but typically drinks must be purchased separately. Some cruises include a welcome drink.
How should you dress for dinner cruises?
While there is no formal dress code, dinner cruises tend to be more refined so smart casual or cocktail attire is recommended.
Can kids and families take dinner cruises?
Yes, though the later timing and formality means they likely appeal more to adults without young children. Discounts for kids 12 and under are common.
What happens if it rains or storms during the cruise?
Most boats have interior saloon seating as an alternative. Tours proceed rain or shine, though may adjust routes if severe.
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!
- Amsterdam Evening Canal Cruise – 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.