Amsterdam Light Festival Tickets

Frequently Asked Questions Amsterdam Light Festival Tickets

What is included in my Amsterdam Light Festival ticket?

No the ship is not private you share the boat with other people that bought a ticket depending on the ship these can be 24-34 other people

What is included in my Amsterdam Light Festival ticket?

Every ticket includes a 75-minute Amsterdam Light Festival boat cruise, an enthusiastic guide and table bites. Drinks depend on the ticket option you choose. All mandatory fees and taxes are already included in the displayed ticket price.

What is the difference between the ticket options?

All ticket options include the same 75-minute guided cruise and table bites. The difference is how drinks are included:

• Classic: drinks available for purchase on board
• Cheers: open bar included
• Sparkling: open bar plus Prosecco, with one bottle per two guests

Are all taxes and Amsterdam Light Festival fees included?

Yes. The displayed ticket price includes VAT, the mandatory Amsterdam Light Festival fee and Amsterdam entertainment tax (VMR). There are no additional festival or entertainment fees added afterwards.

How long is the Amsterdam Light Festival cruise?

The scheduled cruise duration is approximately 75 minutes. Your cruise starts and finishes at Singel 359 in central Amsterdam.

Can the cruise take longer than 75 minutes?

Yes. The Amsterdam Light Festival attracts many boats and the canals can become particularly busy. Heavy traffic can occasionally add up to approximately 15 minutes to the cruise. We recommend allowing some extra time if you have plans afterwards.

Where does the Amsterdam Light Festival cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Singel 359, at the jetty in front of Restaurant Vijff Vlieghen. Look for the large restaurant sign above the boarding area.

Several operators depart from this location, so always check that you are boarding with Amsterdam by Boat / Rederij de Nederlanden and check in using your booking name.

How early should I arrive?

Please arrive 5–10 minutes before your scheduled departure. This gives you enough time to find the correct boat and check in with our host or skipper.

What if my boat isn’t at the dock when I arrive?

Don’t worry. We operate multiple cruises with several vessels throughout the evening, so your boat may still be completing its previous departure.

If the boat isn’t there 10 minutes before your departure time, simply wait at the meeting point. If you are not present approximately 5 minutes before departure, our skipper or host will try to contact you.

What happens if I miss my boat?

If you miss your scheduled departure, we’ll be happy to take you on the next available cruise if seats are still available.

Please note that later departures can sell out, so we cannot guarantee a place if you miss your original departure.

Can I change the date or time of my ticket?

Yes. You can reschedule your booking up to 48 hours before departure, subject to availability.

Which boats are used for the Amsterdam Light Festival ticket cruise?

Our shared ticket cruises are normally operated aboard the historic Proost van Sint Jan or one of our spacious City Tenders, Bredero or Multatuli.

The exact vessel depends on the departure and operational planning.

Can my boat differ from the one shown in the pictures?

Yes. We operate a fleet of unique historic and classic boats, so the vessel used for your departure may differ from the boat shown in the pictures.

All boats used for our ticket cruises are comfortably and luxuriously equipped for the Amsterdam Light Festival.

Are the boats covered?

Yes. Our Amsterdam Light Festival boats are fully covered, protecting you from rain, wind and typical Amsterdam winter weather while still providing great views of the city and artworks.

Are the boats heated?

Yes. Our boats have both regular heating and infrared heating to keep the interior comfortable during winter.

We still recommend bringing a jumper or warm clothing, particularly because the boarding location at Singel 359 is outdoors and not covered.

Do the boats have toilets?

Yes. All boats used for our Amsterdam Light Festival ticket cruises have toilet facilities on board.

Are the boats electric?

Yes. Our entire fleet is fully electric, creating a quiet and relaxed experience while cruising through Amsterdam’s historic canals.

Is there a guide on board?

Yes. An enthusiastic guide is included with every ticket. Your guide shares stories about the Amsterdam Light Festival, the artworks and Amsterdam as you cruise through the city.

What will we see during the cruise?

The experience is about much more than just the light artworks. Starting from Singel 359, you’ll cruise through Amsterdam’s atmospheric canals towards the Amstel while enjoying the city illuminated after dark.

Along the way you’ll see Amsterdam Light Festival artworks, historic canal houses, houseboats, illuminated bridges and famous Amsterdam landmarks, including sights such as the Skinny Bridge, NEMO and the historic VOC ship.

Will we see every Amsterdam Light Festival artwork?

The festival route features around 20 light artworks. The exact route and number of artworks you see can be affected by canal traffic and operational circumstances.

Are table bites included with my ticket?

Yes. Table bites are included with all ticket options and are served during the cruise.

Can I buy drinks on board?

Yes. If you choose our regular ticket, drinks are available for purchase from the bar on board.

Alternatively, choose one of our upgraded ticket options with an open bar included.

What is included in the open bar?

Our open bar includes the drinks specified with the selected ticket option. The exact drinks selection is shown when booking your ticket.

Is Prosecco included?

Our premium ticket includes an open bar plus one bottle of Prosecco per two guests, ready to make your Amsterdam Light Festival evening a little more special.

Is glühwein available on board?

Yes. We can offer hot glühwein on board while stocks last. As it is a popular winter drink, availability cannot always be guaranteed later in the evening if it sells out.

Can children join the Amsterdam Light Festival cruise?

Yes. Children and families are welcome aboard our cruises. Children aged 2 years and younger can join free of charge.

Can minors drink alcohol on board?

No. Alcohol is not served to minors. We may ask guests to show a valid ID card or passport when ordering alcoholic beverages.

What should I bring?

Please bring:

• Your ticket or booking confirmation
• A valid ID if you wish to consume alcohol
• Warm clothing for your journey to and from the boat
• A jumper or sweater for additional comfort if desired

The boat itself is covered and heated, but the boarding location is outdoors and not covered.

Does the Amsterdam Light Festival cruise operate in rain or snow?

Yes. Our cruises normally operate in rain, snow and cold weather. Our boats are covered and heated, making them suitable for Amsterdam’s winter conditions.

Cruises are only cancelled when conditions make sailing unsafe, such as an official Code Red weather warning or unsafe canal conditions.

What happens if there is heavy traffic on the canals?

The Amsterdam Light Festival route can become very busy. During periods of extreme congestion, our skipper may need to sail more slowly or wait for other vessels.

This can extend the cruise by up to approximately 15 minutes, so please take this into consideration when booking restaurants, trains or other activities afterwards.

Can intoxicated guests board the boat?

Guests who are visibly intoxicated before departure may be refused boarding for the comfort and safety of other passengers.

Guests who become excessively intoxicated or create a disturbance during the cruise may be required to leave the vessel.

Are drugs allowed on board?

No. The use of any drugs, including soft drugs, is strictly prohibited aboard our vessels and may result in the guest being removed from the boat.

Can I book the entire boat privately instead?

Absolutely. If you’d rather experience the festival exclusively with your own group, you can book a Private Amsterdam Light Festival Boat Tour.

Private cruises give you much more freedom to choose your boat, catering, drinks, onboard layout, duration and boarding location. You can also choose one of our convenient private all-in cruise packages.

Should I book Amsterdam Light Festival tickets in advance?

Yes. Popular departure times can sell out, particularly on weekends and evenings around Christmas. Booking in advance gives you the best choice of dates, departure times and ticket options.