Can you order alcohol on a dinner cruise in Amsterdam?

  • Thomas van Loon
  • 🕐 6 min leestijd

Yes, you can absolutely order alcohol on a dinner cruise in Amsterdam. In fact, for most groups, a well-filled glass is an essential part of the evening. Whether you’re opting for a classic three-course dinner on the water or an informal walking dinner with appetizers, drinks can be arranged with virtually every package. Below, we explain exactly what’s possible, what it costs, and how to handle it smartly for a group outing.

What drinks are available on a dinner cruise?

On a dinner cruise in Amsterdam, the drink selection is typically extensive. Think wine (red, white, and rosé), beer, soft drinks, water, and coffee or tea. More luxurious packages also include prosecco, champagne, or cocktails. Some operators work with a limited basic selection, while others offer an extensive drinks menu that can be upgraded to your preferences.

With a drinks package for a boat tour, a package is usually put together in advance, so there’s no hassle with separate bills during the cruise. This works well, especially for larger groups. Think of a package that includes wine with dinner, beer and soft drinks during the reception, and coffee or tea at the end. Everything tailored to your needs, no surprises afterward.

Is an open bar possible on a boat tour in Amsterdam?

An open bar on a boat in Amsterdam is certainly possible. This means guests can drink unlimited from a predetermined selection during a set period. That sounds festive — and it is — but there are a few things to keep in mind.

What’s included in an open bar? That varies by provider. Sometimes it covers beer, wine, and soft drinks. Sometimes spirits or cocktails are included as well. Always ask in advance so you’re not caught off guard. An open bar is usually offered as a time-limited arrangement, for example during two hours of the reception or dinner.

For larger groups, such as corporate outings or team-building events, an open bar is a popular choice. It creates a relaxed atmosphere and no one has to reach for their wallet all evening. For the organizer, it’s also easier: one price per person, everything included.

What does a drinks package on a dinner cruise cost?

The cost of drinks on a dinner cruise in Amsterdam depends on the type of package, the duration of the cruise, and the selection available. Below is a general overview:

Package Duration Indicative price p.p. Drinks
Drinks cruise 1.5 to 2 hours €50 to €60 Beer, wine, soft drinks, appetizers
Walking dinner 3 hours €110 to €120 Drinks included with each course
Three-course dinner 3 to 4 hours €120 to €130 Wine, water, coffee with dinner
High tea cruise 2 hours €75 to €80 Tea, coffee, soft drinks, optional bubbles

The prices above are indicative and based on a group of approximately 50 people. For smaller or larger groups, the price per person may differ. Tip: always opt for an all-inclusive package if you want to avoid the hassle of separate drinks or receipts on board.

Can you also choose an alcohol-free package?

Absolutely. A dinner cruise in Amsterdam doesn’t have to revolve around alcohol at all. More and more groups are consciously choosing an alcohol-free arrangement, whether due to personal preference, religious reasons, or simply because there’s an early start the next morning.

An alcohol-free package can be just as festive. Think mocktails, freshly squeezed juices, sparkling water, specialty coffee, or tea. Combine that with a great dinner or a high tea on board and you have an evening no one will forget quickly — without a single drop of alcohol. Simply let us know when you book and the package will be tailored accordingly.

How do you arrange drinks for a large group outing on the water?

For larger groups, the more you arrange in advance, the smoother the evening will go. The best way to organize drinks for a group outing on the water is as part of a complete package. This avoids endless tallying of who drank what and creates a relaxed atmosphere for everyone.

A few practical tips for organizing drinks for a group cruise:

  • Choose an all-inclusive package so that drinks are already included in the price per person.
  • Communicate dietary or drink preferences in advance, such as alcohol-free, gluten-free beer, or a specific wine preference.
  • Ask about an open bar option if you’re planning a longer cruise of three hours or more.
  • Combine drinks with catering: a drinks reception with appetizers followed by dinner works better than standalone drinks without food.
  • Ask about options for multiple boats if your group exceeds 60 people. We can combine multiple boats so that even large parties can cruise together.

On the canals of Amsterdam, boats can accommodate up to around 60 people. For a corporate outing on the water with a larger group, multiple boats can be deployed simultaneously, each fully equipped with a bar and catering. That way, everyone cruises together while each boat has its own atmosphere.

How Rederij de Nederlanden helps with drinks on a dinner cruise

At Rederij de Nederlanden, we always arrange drinks as part of the complete package. No separate bills, no hassle on board — just pure enjoyment. Our boats are fully private: the boat is exclusively yours, including a skipper, host or hostess, and bar. Whether you’re going for a drinks cruise with beer and appetizers, a walking dinner with wine arrangements, or a served three-course dinner with an open bar, we tailor everything to your wishes.

  • All-inclusive packages with drinks included, from €50 per person
  • Open bar options available for receptions and dinners
  • Alcohol-free alternatives always available on request
  • Scalable from small groups to over 1,000 people across multiple boats
  • Completely hassle-free: one point of contact for catering, drinks, and the cruise

Rederij de Nederlanden has more than ten years of experience with corporate groups and private events on the water in Amsterdam. Read more about who we are and how we work, or request a quote directly. Send us a request and we’ll be happy to help you put together the perfect drinks package for your evening on the water.

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