Giving a dinner cruise in Amsterdam as a gift is one of the most original presents you can give someone. Not a bunch of flowers that wilts after a week, not a gift card that ends up forgotten in a drawer. Instead, you’re giving a real experience: gliding along the Amsterdam canals, with delicious food, great drinks, and stunning views. But how does it work exactly? What does it cost? And who is it suitable for? In this article, we explain everything.
Can a dinner cruise in Amsterdam be given as a gift?
Yes, absolutely. Giving a dinner cruise Amsterdam gift is entirely possible and actually surprisingly easy to arrange. You book a cruise for a specific date, or you choose a gift voucher that the recipient can schedule themselves. Both options work great. All you need is an idea of the number of people and what type of package you have in mind. You arrange the rest together with the boat company.
What makes this gift so special is that you’re not just giving away an activity. You’re giving a moment. An evening that people will remember for a long time, where the company is just as important as the setting. And Amsterdam on the water is simply hard to beat as a backdrop.
Who is a dinner cruise gift most suitable for?
Giving a canal cruise as a gift works for almost anyone, but there are a few situations where it’s truly a perfect fit:
- Couples celebrating a special birthday or anniversary who want something more than a restaurant
- Family groups who want to do something fun together, without everyone having a different opinion about the venue
- Friends who have wanted to do “something special” for years but never know what
- Colleagues celebrating a farewell, promotion, or work anniversary
- Companies treating an employee or business relation to an exclusive outing
The minimum group size is typically ten people, so this is more of a gift for a group than for one person. That’s precisely what makes it fun: you’re not just giving an experience, but also a reason to celebrate something together.
What is included in a dinner cruise gift?
That depends on which package you choose. A dinner cruise gift on the Amsterdam canals typically comes in several options, ranging from a casual drinks cruise to a fully served three-course dinner. Below is an overview of the most common packages:
| Package | Duration | What’s included |
|---|---|---|
| Drinks cruise | 1.5 to 2 hours | Drinks and appetizers |
| High tea cruise | 2 hours | High tea with tea, coffee, and sweet and savory bites |
| Walking dinner | 3 hours | Multiple courses served standing, drinks included |
| Three-course dinner | 3 to 4 hours | Fully served dinner, drinks included |
In addition to food and drinks, there is always a skipper on board, and depending on the package, a host or hostess as well. The boat is exclusively for your group, so no other guests on board. That makes it private and personal — exactly what you want when you’re surprising someone. View all available packages to see which one best suits your gift.
How do you give a dinner cruise as a gift in Amsterdam?
There are two ways to give a boat rental Amsterdam gift:
- Direct booking: You choose a date, a package, and the number of people. You pay in advance and the recipient simply needs to show up. This works well if you know the recipient’s schedule and want to organize a surprise.
- Gift card or voucher: You give a voucher for a specific package or a set amount. The recipient picks their own date. This offers more flexibility, especially if you don’t know the recipient’s schedule.
In either case, it’s a good idea to contact the boat company in advance. That way you can be sure the package matches your wishes and that there’s room for any personal requests, such as a welcome drink, special decoration, or a personal message on board.
What does a dinner cruise gift in Amsterdam cost?
The price of an Amsterdam dinner cruise as a gift depends on the package and the number of people. As a general guideline, you can expect:
- Drinks cruise: from approximately $50 to $60 per person
- High tea cruise: from approximately $75 to $80 per person
- Walking dinner: from approximately $110 to $120 per person
- Three-course dinner: from approximately $120 to $130 per person
These prices are indicative and based on a group of around fifty people. For smaller groups, the price per person may be slightly higher. The advantage of an all-inclusive package is that you know exactly what to expect: no surprises afterward, no separate bills. Everything is included. That also makes budgeting for a gift considerably easier.
When is the best time to book a dinner cruise in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam on the water is beautiful year-round, but there are times when demand is particularly high. April through June and September and October are the busiest periods, followed by December around the Amsterdam Light Festival. If you want to cruise during those months, it’s wise to book well in advance, especially if you have a specific date in mind.
During the quieter winter months, from November through March, there is generally more availability and sometimes more flexibility in scheduling. Want to surprise someone with an Amsterdam canals gift during the off-season? You’ll often have more options and can move more quickly.
The same advice applies to a private dinner on the water: the earlier you book, the greater the chance of securing your preferred date and package.
How Rederij de Nederlanden helps with a dinner cruise gift in Amsterdam
At Rederij de Nederlanden, we have been organizing exceptional cruises on the Amsterdam canals, the IJ, and the Amstel for over ten years. Whether you want to arrange an intimate dinner for a small group or surprise a larger party, we’re happy to think along with you. Here’s what we offer:
- Fully private: the boat is always exclusively for your group, with no other guests on board
- Multiple catering styles: from drinks cruise and high tea to walking dinner and three-course dinner
- Skipper and host included: you don’t have to worry about a thing — we take care of everything
- Flexible and tailored: personal requests, welcome drinks, or special decorations are all open for discussion
- Groups of 10 to 175 people: we have the right boat for every group
- Electric fleet: quiet, clean, and entirely focused on enjoyment
Want to learn more about who we are and how we work? Read more on our Rederij de Nederlanden page. Ready to arrange an unforgettable gift? Send us a request and we’ll be in touch shortly.