Can you start a multi-day honeymoon on a boat in Amsterdam?

  • Thomas van Loon
  • 🕐 6 min leestijd

A honeymoon traditionally begins at the airport, but more and more couples are choosing a more memorable starting point. What if you extended the most beautiful day of your life with a romantic boat trip through the Amsterdam canals before heading to your final destination? The idea of a honeymoon boat trip in Amsterdam is not only romantic — it’s also surprisingly easy to arrange. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about getting married on a boat, the most beautiful routes, costs, and how to plan it all smoothly.

Can you start a honeymoon on a boat in Amsterdam?

Yes, absolutely. Amsterdam is the perfect setting for a romantic start to your honeymoon. The canals, the historic canal houses, and the tranquil waters of the Amstel create a backdrop that few cities in the world can match. A wedding canal cruise in Amsterdam works in two ways: as a festive finale to your wedding day, with your guests spending a few more hours together on the water, or as an intimate departure point for just the two of you before the honeymoon truly begins.

The great thing is that Amsterdam offers plenty of options. From a small, atmospheric salon boat for the newlyweds alone to a larger vessel where you can include family and friends. The combination of water, city, and a fully catered experience makes this a truly special alternative to the standard restaurant dinner.

What types of boats are suitable for a wedding or honeymoon?

Not every boat is equally suited for a wedding. For occasions like this, you want comfort, atmosphere, and plenty of space. The most popular choices are:

  • Salon boats: classic, elegant, and perfect for intimate groups. Renting a salon boat for a wedding gives you a timeless, luxurious feel on the water.
  • Larger event vessels: suitable for weddings with more guests, with room for catering, music, and a dance floor.
  • Canal barges and city tenders: more casual and atmospheric, ideal if you want to organize a relaxed drinks reception after the ceremony.

We are one of the few boat operators in Amsterdam with vessels large enough for a full wedding. While most operators only offer small dinghies or compact salon boats, our ships can accommodate up to 175 guests — making us the ideal choice for anyone who truly wants to celebrate their entire wedding on the water.

What are the most beautiful sailing routes for a romantic boat trip in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has plenty to offer on the water, but some routes are simply extra special for a romantic occasion. Our skippers know the city inside and out and know exactly which bridges, canals, and vistas are the most impressive.

  • The classic canal ring: along the Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht, with stunning canal houses and charming bridges.
  • The Amstel: quieter and more open, offering a view of the city from a different perspective. Ideal for a serene, romantic atmosphere.
  • The IJ: for those who love space and open water, with the panorama of Amsterdam-Noord in the background.
  • Day trips to the surrounding region: our larger vessels also sail beyond the canals, toward the Zaanse Schans, Volendam, or the IJsselmeer. Perfect if you want to turn your boat trip into a full day out as the start of your honeymoon.

During the Amsterdam Light Festival in winter, the canals are illuminated with spectacular works of art, making a boat trip even more magical.

How much does it cost to rent a boat for a wedding or honeymoon?

The cost depends on the size of the boat, the duration of the trip, and the catering you’d like to include. Below is a general overview based on our packages:

  • Drinks cruise (1.5 to 2 hours): from approximately €50 to €60 per person
  • High tea cruise (2 hours): from approximately €75 to €80 per person
  • Walking dinner (3 hours): from approximately €110 to €120 per person
  • Three-course dinner (3 to 4 hours): from approximately €120 to €130 per person

These prices are indicative and based on a group of approximately 50 people. For smaller or larger groups, or for a fully customized arrangement, we are happy to put together a tailored quote. All packages include a skipper and crew, so you won’t have to worry about a thing.

How do you plan a multi-day honeymoon that starts with a boat trip in Amsterdam?

Starting your honeymoon with a boat trip requires a little extra planning, but it’s very manageable. Here’s how to go about it:

  1. Decide on the timing: schedule the boat trip immediately after the ceremony, or the following morning as a calm and relaxed start to your journey.
  2. Choose your package: do you want an intimate trip for just the two of you, or one last festive send-off with your guests? Both options are possible.
  3. Coordinate the logistics: book a hotel close to the boarding point for your wedding night, so you can step on board refreshed the next day.
  4. Think ahead to your onward journey: Schiphol Airport is easily accessible from Amsterdam, meaning you can be on your way to your final destination shortly after the boat trip.
  5. Book in advance: popular dates, especially in spring and summer, fill up quickly. Plan at least three to six months ahead.

What are the benefits of an electric boat for a romantic cruise?

All vessels in our fleet run on electric power. That may sound like a technical detail, but for a romantic occasion it makes a world of difference. Without the rumble of a diesel engine, all you hear is the soft sound of the water. You can hold a conversation without raising your voice, music sounds crisp and clear, and the atmosphere on board is calm and relaxed.

Electric boating is also good for the city. Amsterdam takes great care of its canals, and by sailing emission-free we contribute to a cleaner environment — for future generations to enjoy this city as well. For a wedding or honeymoon beginning in Amsterdam, that adds an extra layer of meaning.

How Rederij de Nederlanden helps create an unforgettable start to your honeymoon

At Rederij de Nederlanden, we take care of everything for your wedding boat hire in Amsterdam. Whether you choose an intimate salon boat cruise or a large wedding celebration on the water, we make sure everything is perfect. Here’s what we offer:

  • Boats for groups of 12 to 175 people, including skipper and crew
  • A fully electric fleet for a quiet, romantic atmosphere
  • Customized catering: from drinks and snacks and high tea to a full three-course dinner
  • Private charters, so the boat is exclusively for your group
  • Sailing routes through the canals, along the Amstel, across the IJ, and into the surrounding region
  • Tailor-made packages, designed around your wishes and budget

Want to find out what we can do for your wedding or honeymoon? Explore our options for getting married on a boat in Amsterdam and learn more about who we are and how we work. Ready to start planning? Send us a no-obligation inquiry and we’ll be happy to think along with you.

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