Frequently Asked Questions Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise Packages

Is the Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise private?

Yes. All of our Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise Packages are private cruises, meaning the boat is reserved exclusively for your group. You will never share the boat with other guests.

Which artworks will we see during the cruise?

Our cruises follow the official Amsterdam Light Festival route, passing approximately 20 illuminated artworks. The exact route may vary depending on canal traffic, weather conditions and your departure location.

Will we see the complete Amsterdam Light Festival route?

Most of the official festival route is included. However, Amsterdam’s canals can become busy during the festival, which may occasionally result in waiting times. Your skipper will always choose the best possible route to show you as many artworks as possible.

Are the boats covered and heated?

Yes. All of our historic saloon boats are fully covered and heated, ensuring a comfortable cruise throughout the winter season, regardless of the weather.

Can we stay warm during the cruise?

Absolutely. Rain, snow and freezing temperatures are no problem. Our boats are fully covered and heated, allowing you to enjoy the Amsterdam Light Festival in comfort throughout the cruise.

Is there a toilet on board?

Yes. All boats used for our Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise Packages are equipped with toilet facilities.

Which boat will we receive?

The boat is assigned based on your group size and availability. We always select the most suitable vessel for your group. If you have a preferred boat, please let us know. A specific vessel can be guaranteed by booking a fully customised private charter.

Can large groups also book these packages?

Absolutely. Our Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise Packages are available for both small and large groups. Larger groups are accommodated aboard vessels such as the Wapen van Amsterdam and Peter de Grote. Due to their size, these ships follow a slightly different route, including the Nieuwe Herengracht, Oosterdok and the Amstel.

Can we choose our own boarding location?

Yes. Our standard boarding locations at Amsterdam Central Station or Singel are included free of charge, depending on the assigned vessel. Alternative pick-up locations throughout Amsterdam can be arranged for an additional fee.

Is the food freshly prepared?

Yes. During our Dinner Cruise and Walking Dinner Cruise, our chef prepares and serves the dishes fresh on board, creating a unique culinary experience while cruising through Amsterdam.

Are vegetarian options available?

Yes. Vegetarian options are available for all of our Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise Packages. Please inform us of any dietary requirements before your cruise.

Is halal catering available?

Halal catering can often be arranged upon request. Please contact us in advance so we can discuss the available options for your group.

What is included in the unlimited drinks package?

Our unlimited drinks package includes beer, house wines, soft drinks, coffee and tea. Mulled wine can also be arranged upon request.

Can we order drinks without the unlimited drinks package?

Yes. If you choose not to upgrade to the unlimited drinks package, all beverages will be charged afterwards based on actual consumption.

Can we play our own music on board?

Yes. You can connect your own music via Bluetooth to the onboard sound system. Please note that, due to Amsterdam municipal regulations, music on commercial passenger vessels is limited to 76 dB, creating a pleasant background atmosphere rather than a party setting.

What happens in case of bad weather?

Our cruises operate in almost all weather conditions. Rain, snow and sub-zero temperatures are no problem. We only cancel a cruise in exceptional situations, such as an official KNMI Code Red weather warning, frozen canals or severe weather conditions that make it unsafe to operate or reach the departure location.

Can we customise one of the packages?

Yes. All packages can be customised to suit your event. If you’re looking for a fully tailored experience, we can create a bespoke Amsterdam Light Festival cruise with your preferred boat, catering, entertainment and boarding location.

Can we extend the cruise?

Yes. All Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise Packages can be extended for an additional fee, subject to availability.

Why is the Amsterdam Light Festival surcharge not included?

The Amsterdam Light Festival surcharge is a mandatory fee charged by the festival organisation. As an Official Amsterdam Light Festival Partner, we are required to collect and transfer this fee for every guest.

What is the VMR charge?

The VMR is the municipal entertainment tax that commercial passenger vessels are required to pay to the City of Amsterdam. This mandatory charge is therefore listed separately from the package price.

How far in advance should we book?

We recommend booking as early as possible. The Amsterdam Light Festival is one of the busiest periods of the year, and many dates sell out well in advance.

Are these packages suitable for corporate events?

Absolutely. Our Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise Packages are especially popular for corporate Christmas parties, client appreciation events, team outings, networking events, end-of-year celebrations, business dinners and private festive gatherings.

Our group is smaller than 15 guests. Can we still book a private cruise?

Absolutely. We also welcome smaller groups aboard our private boats. However, our Amsterdam Light Festival Packages are based on a minimum of 15 guests. For smaller groups, we create a fully customised quotation based on the required boat, crew and catering.

Our buffet packages require a minimum of 10 guests. For groups smaller than 10, we offer a wide range of alternative catering options, including pizzas, luxury bites, walking dinners and fully served three-course dinners.

Contact our team and we’ll be happy to create a tailor-made proposal that perfectly suits your group size and budget.