Amsterdam Light Festival Group Cruise

Can groups visit Amsterdam Light Festival together?

Yes. An Amsterdam Light Festival group cruise is ideal for friends, families, associations, clubs, student groups, travel groups and other organised groups. You can book seats together on a shared cruise or charter an entire boat exclusively for your group.

Should our group book shared tickets or a private boat?

For smaller groups looking for an easy option, shared tickets are usually the simplest choice. If you want your own space, more flexibility, catering, drinks or a different boarding location, we recommend a private Amsterdam Light Festival group cruise.

Can we book multiple Amsterdam Light Festival tickets together?

Yes. Groups can book multiple seats on the same shared cruise, subject to availability. We recommend booking together rather than separately to make sure everyone is on the same departure.

How much are Amsterdam Light Festival group tickets?

Shared cruise tickets start from €29 per person, with different options available for drinks. Private group cruise prices depend on your group size, selected boat, duration, catering and drinks.

How many people can join an Amsterdam Light Festival group cruise?

We have boats for small, medium and large groups. Our varied fleet allows us to match the vessel to your group size, preferred setup and catering requirements.

Can large groups book Amsterdam Light Festival cruises?

Yes. We operate larger vessels for bigger groups and events. For very large groups, it may also be possible to use multiple boats, depending on availability.

Can we choose our own boat for a private group cruise?

Yes. With a bespoke private cruise, you can choose your preferred boat subject to availability and suitability for your group size and plans.

What is the difference between a bespoke private cruise and a group package?

A bespoke cruise gives you maximum flexibility over the boat, duration, catering, drinks, boarding location and onboard setup.

Our private group packages combine the boat, crew and catering into an easy arrangement with clear per-person pricing. They’re ideal if you want everything organised without building the cruise from scratch.

What private cruise packages are available for groups?

Groups can choose from several arrangements, including bites cruises, buffets, Art & Lights packages, dinner cruises and walking dinners. Drinks can also be included depending on the selected package.

Can we have food on our private group cruise?

Yes. Catering options range from luxury bites and buffets to walking dinners and private dining. This means your cruise can become the complete evening rather than simply a tour of the festival.

Can drinks be included?

Yes. Private groups can choose from different drinks arrangements, including open bar packages, wines and seasonal winter drinks. Our boats have fully stocked bars on board.

Is glühwein available for groups?

Yes. Hot glühwein can be arranged, subject to availability. It’s a popular addition to Amsterdam Light Festival cruises during the winter months.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

Yes. Menus can be adapted for vegetarian and various dietary requirements. Please provide your group’s requirements in advance so the catering can be arranged accordingly.

Can we have a private chef on board?

Yes. Selected dining arrangements can include a private chef cooking and preparing dishes on board, making this particularly suitable for private dinners and special group occasions.

Where do shared Amsterdam Light Festival group cruises depart from?

Shared ticket cruises depart from Singel 359 in central Amsterdam.

Can a private group be picked up somewhere else in Amsterdam?

Yes. One of the biggest advantages of booking privately is access to 150+ boarding locations throughout Amsterdam. This makes it possible to start close to your hotel, restaurant, office or another part of your programme, subject to accessibility for the selected vessel.

Which private boarding locations are available without an additional call-out fee?

Our standard private boarding locations include Singel 9, Singel 250, Singel 359 and Amsterdam Central Station. Alternative locations can be arranged for an additional call-out fee.

How long does an Amsterdam Light Festival group cruise take?

Our shared ticket cruise takes approximately 75 minutes. Private cruises offer more flexibility and can be longer depending on your chosen programme, catering and arrangement.

What will our group see during the cruise?

You’ll experience the Amsterdam Light Festival route and its light artworks, but the city itself is just as much part of the evening. Expect illuminated canal houses, historic bridges, houseboats and landmarks such as the Skinny Bridge and NEMO as you cruise through Amsterdam after dark.

Are the group cruise boats covered?

Yes. The boats used for our Amsterdam Light Festival cruises are covered, making them suitable for Amsterdam’s winter weather.

Are the boats heated?

Yes. Our boats are heated using regular heating and infrared heating, creating a comfortable environment during cold winter evenings.

Do the boats have toilets?

Yes. Our Amsterdam Light Festival boats have toilet facilities on board. Photos of the facilities can be found on the individual boat pages.

Are the boats electric?

Yes. Our fleet is fully electric, creating a quiet atmosphere that is especially pleasant when enjoying drinks, dining and conversations with your group.

Do the boats have bars?

Yes. Our vessels have fully stocked bars, with different drinks arrangements available for private groups.

Can the boat layout be adapted to our group?

Most of our boats have flexible floor plans, allowing the setup to be adapted for drinks, dining or social gatherings. Proost van Sint Jan and Najade have more fixed layouts.

Can we bring decorations on a private group cruise?

Yes. Suitable decorations can be brought on board for private cruises. During the festive period, our vessels are also decorated by us with lights and Christmas ornaments.

Is an Amsterdam Light Festival group cruise suitable for birthdays?

Absolutely. A private cruise can be combined with drinks, bites, dinner and decorations, making it a great option for birthdays and other celebrations during the festival.

Is an Amsterdam Light Festival group cruise suitable for Christmas parties?

Yes. The Christmas period is one of the most popular times for private group cruises. You can combine the festival with drinks, catering and a festive onboard setting for a Christmas or end-of-year get-together.

Can tour operators and travel groups book a cruise?

Yes. Shared and private options are available for tour groups, travel organisations and organised group visits. For larger groups, a private vessel often provides the easiest way to keep everyone together.

Do you also organise corporate group cruises?

Yes. Companies can book dedicated Amsterdam Light Festival Corporate Cruises with options for networking, drinks, dinner, Christmas parties and client events.

How far in advance should groups book?

We recommend booking early, particularly for Friday and Saturday evenings and the Christmas period. Larger groups should book as early as possible because the number of boats suitable for a specific group size becomes more limited as popular dates fill up.

What happens if it rains or snows?

Cruises normally continue during rain, snow and cold weather because the boats are covered and heated. Sailing is only cancelled when weather or canal conditions make operating unsafe.

Can a private group cruise start before the festival lights turn on?

Yes. Private cruises offer flexible starting times. You can begin your event earlier and time the cruise so that you join the Amsterdam Light Festival route once the artworks are illuminated.

Can you help us choose the best option for our group?

Yes. Simply provide your group size, preferred date, budget and what you’d like to do on board, and our team can recommend a suitable boat, package, catering and boarding location for your Amsterdam Light Festival group cruise.The boat itself is covered and heated, but the boarding location is outdoors and not covered.