Pancake Boat Cruise in Amsterdam – Here’s What You Need to Know!
The Pancake Boat Cruise is one of the most interesting cruises in Amsterdam. Here is everything you need to know about this tasty tour that floats you along the city's scenic canals while enjoying an unlimited pancake bar on board.
- By: Noah Bennett
The Pancake Boat Cruise is surely one of the most tempting activities going in Amsterdam – a city already bursting with delightful things to do. This unique 75-minute tour floats you along the IJ river on a boat where piping hot pancakes are freshly made and flowing freely, available with a mouthwatering array of sweet and savory Dutch toppings.
As you sail by iconic Amsterdam sights like the A’DAM Tower and EYE Film Institute, washing down pile after pile of fruit-laden, chocolate-drizzled, or bacon-topped pannenkoeken with picturesque views, you’ll experience the city from a whole new delicious perspective.
Here is everything you need to know about this all-you-can-eat extravaganza on the water so you can decide if it’s the right fit for a vacation both tasty and relaxing. We’ll outline what’s included, how to get there, what goes on during the trip, and what to expect so you can plot this bottomless bounty of pancake paradise into your Amsterdam itinerary – or just live vicariously through the views and syrup-drenched scoffs of those lucky enough to climb aboard!
About the Amsterdam Canal Pancake Boat Cruise
The Pancake Boat Cruise departs from NDSM wharf and takes passengers on a 75-minute tour along the IJ river. Operated by Tiqets, this unique activity allows guests to sail past Amsterdam sights like the A’DAM Tower and EYE Museum while enjoying an all-you-can-eat pancake bar on board.
The pancakes are made fresh on the boat and come with a variety of sweet and savory Dutch toppings to choose from, including fruit, chocolate, cheese, and bacon. In between pancakes, passengers can relax on the deck and take in views of modern Amsterdam from the water.
The boat itself is wheelchair accessible, however the restrooms on board are not. Tiqets notes that drinks can be purchased separately during the tour.
This pancake cruise aims to be a tasty way to discover Amsterdam by boat. The focus is more on the peaceful experience and scenery than on promoting the tour. With an open deck and freshly made pancakes, it offers a unique perspective on the Netherlands’ sweet specialty.
Tickets & Price
Ticket for this cruise starts at €22.50 per person when booking in advance through Tiqets. Tickets can be refunded with full cancellation privileges if canceled before 11:59pm the night prior to cruising. When reserving spots, guests select both a tour date and departure timeslot. Booking early is recommended as spaces are limited.
The all-you-can-eat onboard pancake bar has options for gluten-free batter, though pets are not allowed on board unless they are certified service animals. Smartphone tickets must be displayed when boarding, and guests are advised to arrive 15 minutes early.
The ticket grants access to a 75-minute ride on the Pancake Boat with an unlimited pancake buffet throughout featuring a variety of sweet and savory Dutch toppings. There is also a children’s ball pit for younger guests. Drinks can be purchased separately if desired.
The boat’s downstairs area is suited for families while the upstairs has adult seating only. Rescheduling tickets after booking is not possible per the provider’s policy, but full refunds are allowed if canceled before 11:59pm the night prior to touring.
FAQ
What is the Amsterdam Pancake Boat Cruise?
The Pancake Boat Cruise is a 75-minute tour along the IJ river in Amsterdam on a boat with an all-you-can-eat pancake bar on board. As the boat drifts past sights like the A’DAM Tower, passengers can enjoy sweet and savory Dutch pancakes.
Who operates the tour?
The Pancake Boat Cruise is operated by Tiqets International B.V. Tickets can be booked directly through their website.
What is included in the ticket price?
The ticket includes the 75-minute boat tour, unlimited pancakes from the on-board buffet, a variety of sweet and savory topping options, and access to a children’s ball pit.
What is not included in the ticket price?
Drinks are not included with the ticket but can be purchased separately on board.
How much do tickets cost?
Tickets start at €22.50 per person when booking in advance online.
What are the boarding procedures?
Guests are asked to show a smartphone ticket when boarding. Arriving 15 minutes early is recommended. Boarding can involve waiting in line.
What is the cancellation and refund policy?
Full refunds are offered if tickets are cancelled before 11:59 pm the night prior to cruising. Refunds or rescheduling are not allowed after that time.
Is there assigned seating?
The boat’s downstairs area is suited for families while the upstairs has adult seating only.
Are there accommodations for guests with disabilities?
The boat itself is wheelchair accessible but the on-board restrooms are not. Service animals are allowed.
What do the Reviews Say?
Based on over a dozen reviews from verified customers on Tiqets, the Amsterdam Pancake Boat Cruise receives consistently positive feedback. Multiple reviewers highlight the variety and quality of the all-you-can-eat pancakes available on board. Several note friendly staff and beautiful views from the boat as it drifts along Amsterdam’s scenic canals.
A few reviewers faced a long wait time during boarding but found the experience improved once on board. One mentions that the ball pit was a nice feature for entertaining children. Some travelers wished drinks were included given the price.
While a few had trouble understanding all the commentary during tours or thought views could be limited at times, most reviews rate the cruise as “Excellent” or “Good.” Visitors say it’s a delicious, well-organized, and family-friendly way to experience Amsterdam and Dutch pancake culture from the unique setting of the water.
About Tiqets International B.V.
Founded in Amsterdam in 2014, Tiqets is a global platform that makes booking tickets for museums, attractions and tours an easy, on-demand experience.
The start-up was established by a group of Dutch entrepreneurs who believed there had to be a simpler way to discover and access things to do in cities worldwide. They began by selling white-label tickets before launching their own app and website focused on instant, last-minute mobile bookings.
Over the past decade, Tiqets has expanded rapidly. After early success in Amsterdam, the company grew across Europe and then entered major markets like the USA and APAC region. Key milestones have included becoming Google’s first partner for reserve with tours & activities in 2017 and achieving integration with Apple Maps in 2020 for in-app attraction booking.
Strategic partnerships with travel industry players like Airbnb and Trip.com Group have helped propel even faster growth. Tiqets has surpassed 30 million tickets sold to date across over 4,000 venues and counting. Last year alone they broke records for the most tickets sold in a single day.
From its Amsterdam roots, Tiqets has cemented itself as a leading global platform to discover and purchase instant tickets for top museum, tours and attractions on-the-go.
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.