Is the Amsterdam Light Festival Buffet Dinner Cruise private?

Yes. All of our Amsterdam Light Festival Buffet Dinner Cruises are completely private. The historic saloon boat is exclusively reserved for your group, allowing everyone to enjoy a relaxed evening together while cruising through Amsterdam’s illuminated canals.

What is included in the Buffet Dinner Cruise?

The package includes a 2-hour Private Amsterdam Light Festival Buffet Dinner Cruise, the exclusive Arts & Lights Buffet, a professional skipper, dedicated crew and a covered, heated historic saloon boat.

How is the buffet served?

Our exclusive Arts & Lights Buffet is beautifully presented in professional chafing dishes, allowing guests to help themselves throughout the cruise. This creates a relaxed and informal atmosphere where everyone can enjoy the buffet at their own pace.

Is the buffet a seated dinner?

No. Unlike our Dinner Cruise, the Buffet Dinner Cruise offers a more informal dining experience. Instead of elegantly set dining tables, guests usually enjoy a combination of shared seating and standing tables. This creates a relaxed atmosphere that is perfect for networking, company Christmas parties and informal celebrations.

Is the food freshly prepared?

Yes. All dishes are freshly prepared by our catering partner before departure and are served warm from professional chafing dishes throughout the cruise.

Are vegetarian options available?

Absolutely. The buffet includes vegetarian dishes, and additional dietary requirements can often be accommodated upon request.

Is halal catering available?

Halal catering can often be arranged upon request. Please contact our team before booking so we can discuss the available options for your group.

Are drinks included?

Drinks are charged afterwards based on actual consumption unless you choose to add our Unlimited Drinks Package. This package includes unlimited beer, house wines, soft drinks, coffee and tea.

Can we add mulled wine or hot chocolate?

Yes. Mulled wine and hot chocolate can be arranged upon request for an even more festive winter experience.

Can we add dessert?

Yes. You can complete your Buffet Dinner Cruise with our optional homemade dessert selection.

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. During busy evenings, Amsterdam’s canals can become crowded, 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.

Is there a toilet on board?

Yes. All boats used for our Amsterdam Light Festival Buffet Dinner Cruises are equipped with toilet facilities.

Which boat will we receive?

Your boat is selected based on your group size and availability. We always assign the most suitable historic saloon boat to provide the best possible experience. Smaller groups are accommodated aboard our intimate historic vessels, while larger groups may cruise aboard ships such as the Wapen van Amsterdam or Peter de Grote.

Can we choose a specific boat?

You are welcome to request a preferred boat, and we will always do our best to accommodate your preference whenever possible. However, our Amsterdam Light Festival Buffet Dinner Cruise Packages are based on assigning the most suitable vessel for your group size and availability. If you would like to guarantee a specific boat, the standard package is unfortunately not available. Instead, we will be happy to create a fully customised private charter where you can choose your preferred vessel, catering, entertainment and boarding location.

Can large groups book this package?

Absolutely. Our Buffet Dinner Cruise is ideal for larger groups. Larger parties 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.

Where does the cruise depart?

Our standard boarding locations at Amsterdam Central Station or Singel are included free of charge, depending on the assigned vessel. These locations provide the quickest access to the official Amsterdam Light Festival route.

Can we be picked up at another location?

Yes. We can arrange pick-up and drop-off at many locations throughout Amsterdam for an additional call-out fee. This allows your Amsterdam Light Festival Buffet Dinner Cruise to start or end at your office, hotel, restaurant or another convenient location.

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 Amsterdam regulations limit the sound level on commercial passenger vessels to 76 dB, creating a pleasant background atmosphere rather than a party setting.

Can the cruise be extended?

Yes. Your Amsterdam Light Festival Buffet Dinner Cruise can be extended for an additional fee, subject to availability.

What happens in case of bad weather?

Our cruises operate in almost all weather conditions. Rain, snow and freezing temperatures are no problem, as all boats are covered and heated. We only cancel in exceptional circumstances, such as an official KNMI Code Red weather warning, frozen canals or severe weather conditions that make sailing unsafe.

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.

Is the Buffet Dinner Cruise suitable for corporate events?

Absolutely. This package is especially popular for corporate Christmas parties, networking events, company dinners, end-of-year celebrations and other occasions where guests can move freely, socialise and enjoy a relaxed dining experience while cruising through the Amsterdam Light Festival.

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

Yes. We also welcome smaller groups aboard our private boats. Our buffet packages require a minimum of 10 guests. For smaller groups, we can create a tailor-made quotation or recommend alternative catering options, including luxury bites, pizzas, walking dinners or a fully served three-course dinner.