A dinner cruise as a company outing: it might sound like something only large multinationals do, but that’s no longer the case. More and more companies are choosing an evening on the water in Amsterdam, simply because it works. No standard drinks reception in a meeting room, no stiff chairs at a long table — just an evening where colleagues truly connect. In this article, we explain what a dinner cruise for a corporate group involves, what it costs, and how to organize one effectively.
What is a dinner cruise for a company outing?
A dinner cruise for a company outing is, in simple terms: you charter a boat, sail through Amsterdam, and dine on board. But it’s so much more than that. What makes dining on the water special is that everyone stays together in one place for the entire evening. No one slipping away to the bar, no groups splitting off into corners. On a boat, you’re all in it together — and that creates a very different kind of interaction than a conventional venue ever could.
A dinner cruise for businesses is therefore less of a sightseeing tour with food and more of a floating event venue. The boat is yours, the evening is yours, and the program revolves entirely around your group. That makes it a popular choice for team building, department outings, Christmas parties, and anniversaries.
Which types of boats are suitable for a corporate dinner?
Not every boat is suitable for dining on board. A proper corporate dinner requires space: for tables, for catering, and for a comfortable atmosphere. The most commonly used options are salon boats and larger canal vessels with an enclosed interior. These are suitable for all weather conditions and offer enough comfort for a multi-course dinner or a walking dinner.
On Amsterdam’s canals, a single boat can accommodate up to around 60 people. Have a larger group? Simply combine multiple boats, making it possible for groups of 100, 200, or even more to cruise simultaneously. For groups of up to 150 people, larger vessels are also available that sail outside the canals — for example, across the IJ or toward the Zaanse Schans. These boats offer more space and a wider sailing area than most Amsterdam boat operators can provide.
Want to know which boat best suits your group? Take a look at the options for a company outing on the water for a comprehensive overview.
What does a dinner cruise cost for a corporate group?
The cost of a dinner cruise in Amsterdam for a group depends on the type of package, the group size, and the duration of the cruise. To give you an idea, here is an overview based on approximately 50 people:
| Package | Duration | Price per person |
|---|---|---|
| Drinks cruise | 1.5 to 2 hours | €50 to €60 |
| High tea cruise | 2 hours | €75 to €80 |
| Walking dinner | 3 hours | €110 to €120 |
| Three-course dinner | 3 to 4 hours | €120 to €130 |
Prices include the skipper, host, catering, and drinks, depending on the package chosen. The larger the group, the more favorable the price per person tends to be. It’s always a good idea to request a custom quote so you know exactly what to expect.
How do you book a dinner cruise for a large group?
Booking a boat trip for a corporate group is less complicated than it sounds, as long as you start early. Popular dates fill up quickly, especially in spring (April through June) and fall (September and October). Around December, during the Amsterdam Light Festival, demand is even higher. Planning an outing for more than 50 people? Allow at least six to eight weeks of lead time.
A solid approach looks like this:
- Determine the group size and budget before making contact.
- Choose a package that suits the occasion: drinks, dinner, or a combination.
- Request a custom quote so you receive one clear total price with no surprises.
- Confirm the booking once the date and program are finalized.
- Share the details with your group: departure location, time, and dress code.
A good boat operator will work with you every step of the way and handle everything from start to finish — so you, as the organizer, don’t have to juggle multiple vendors.
What are the benefits of a boat trip as a company outing?
Why do so many companies choose a company outing on the water? A few reasons keep coming up time and again:
- Unique and memorable: an evening on Amsterdam’s canals is nothing like a standard drinks reception. People remember it.
- Enforced connection: on a boat, you can’t simply drift away. That leads to real conversations.
- No traffic issues: coaches are restricted in large parts of Amsterdam. A boat, on the other hand, is fully permitted and takes you exactly where you need to be.
- Everything in one place: transportation, venue, catering, and entertainment are all combined in a single package.
- Flexible for any group size: from 10 to over 1,000 people, by combining multiple boats.
For companies based near the RAI, the Zuidas, or the Beurs van Berlage, a boat is also a smart logistical choice: the group boards at a central location and is transported directly to the next destination — while the drinks are already flowing.
What packages are available for a corporate event?
Most boat operators offer more than just a standard dinner. For corporate events, there are typically several options to choose from:
- Drinks cruise: snacks, drinks, and a scenic route through the canals. Perfect as an informal department outing.
- Walking dinner: guests mingle while appetizers are served. Great for networking and interaction.
- Three-course dinner: served at the table, including an amuse-bouche, starter, main course, and dessert. Suitable for formal occasions or anniversaries.
- High tea cruise: an afternoon option featuring savory and sweet bites. Popular with women’s networks and client events.
- Barbecue on board: a casual summer option with a grill set up on deck.
- Transfer with drinks: the boat as transportation from A to B, with catering along the way.
Want a complete overview of what’s possible? Browse all packages for corporate events on the water and get inspired.
How Rederij de Nederlanden helps with your dinner cruise
At Rederij de Nederlanden, we have been organizing corporate events on the water for over 20 years, with a focus on the Amsterdam business market. We operate a fleet of our own boats as well as partner vessels, allowing us to serve groups of 10 to over 1,000 people. What sets us apart:
- Fully private: the boat is exclusively yours, with no other guests on board
- Multiple catering formats: from walking dinner and buffet to a fully served three-course menu
- Larger boats than most Amsterdam operators, also suitable for sailing outside the canals
- A single point of contact for the entire experience: boat, catering, skipper, and host
- Experience with MICE groups near the RAI, the Scheepvaartmuseum, and the Passenger Terminal
- All boats are fully electric: quiet, clean, and relaxing
Want to find out what we can do for your company outing? Read more about who we are and how we work, or request a no-obligation quote and we’ll be happy to think along with you.