Dining on the water sounds like something special — and it is. But how does a dinner cruise in Amsterdam actually work? What exactly do you get, what does it cost, and is it right for you or your group? In this article, we walk you through it step by step, so you know exactly what to expect.
What exactly is a dinner cruise in Amsterdam?
A dinner cruise is simply a meal on a boat while you sail through Amsterdam’s canals. You step on board, food and drinks are served, and along the way you glide past the city’s most beautiful spots. No static restaurant dining room — just a moving table with views of illuminated bridges, historic canal houses, and the vibrant city waterways.
What sets a canal cruise with dinner apart from an ordinary restaurant evening is the combination of experience and togetherness. On a boat, you’re literally close to one another. There’s no retreating to another table, and that’s precisely what makes it so powerful. Conversations start naturally, the atmosphere builds together, and the surroundings do the rest.
What does the program of a dinner cruise look like?
A typical dinner cruise in Amsterdam lasts between three and four hours. The program generally looks like this:
- Boarding and welcome: You come on board, are welcomed by the crew, and offered a first drink.
- Sailing and starter: The boat departs and as Amsterdam passes by, the first course is served.
- Main course and dessert: Depending on the package, the main course and dessert follow, including matching drinks.
- After-dinner drinks on board: After dinner, there’s time for a drink or coffee while the boat gently makes its way back to the dock.
The exact details depend on the package you choose. Some groups opt for a walking dinner where everyone stands and mingles, while others prefer a served three-course menu at the table. Both options have their own charm.
What is served to eat and drink during a dinner cruise?
The catering options on board are more varied than many people expect. When you rent a boat in Amsterdam with dinner, you can choose from several formats:
- Walking dinner: Multiple courses are served as bite-sized dishes and passed around, ideal for an informal atmosphere and plenty of interaction.
- Three-course dinner: A classic served menu with a starter, main course, and dessert, including drinks.
- On-board buffet: Guests help themselves from an extensive buffet, which works well for larger groups.
Drinks are included in most packages: think wine, beer, soft drinks, and coffee or tea. Looking for something special, such as a champagne toast or a specific wine package? That can usually be arranged on request.
Browse our packages for dinner cruises and other boat trips for a complete overview of what’s possible on board.
What does a dinner cruise in Amsterdam cost?
The price of a dinner cruise in Amsterdam depends on the type of package, the group size, and the duration of the trip. As a general guideline, you can expect the following prices per person (based on approximately 50 people):
| Package | Duration | Price per person |
|---|---|---|
| Drinks cruise | 1.5 to 2 hours | €50 to €60 |
| Walking dinner | 3 hours | €110 to €120 |
| Three-course dinner | 3 to 4 hours | €120 to €130 |
| High tea cruise | 2 hours | €75 to €80 |
Keep in mind that the price per person becomes more favorable as the group gets larger. For smaller parties, the price may be slightly higher. It’s always a good idea to request a custom quote.
What’s the difference between a dinner cruise and a drinks cruise?
A frequently asked question: what’s the difference? The answer is actually quite simple.
A drinks cruise focuses on drinks and snacks. You sail for one to two hours, nibbles and beverages are served, and the atmosphere is informal and relaxed. Perfect for a Friday afternoon get-together, a networking event, or a laid-back team outing.
A dinner cruise takes things a step further. You spend more time on board, a full multi-course dinner is served, and the evening has more structure and depth. It’s a complete night out, not just drinks.
Both options have their place, depending on what you want to achieve. Want to bring people together briefly? Go for the drinks cruise. Want to create a truly shared evening? Then dinner is the natural choice.
What occasions is a dinner cruise suitable for?
An Amsterdam canal dinner cruise works for a surprisingly wide range of occasions. The most popular include:
- Corporate outings and team building: The boat as a venue creates a unique setting where colleagues naturally fall into conversation. Suitable for groups of up to 60 on the canals, or larger parties using multiple boats or larger vessels.
- Christmas dinners: A dinner on the water is far more memorable than a standard restaurant evening. Especially in December, during the Amsterdam Light Festival, the atmosphere is truly extraordinary.
- Anniversaries and birthdays: A milestone deserves a special setting. The boat is private, the company is yours, and the evening is fully tailored to you.
- Wedding dinner: For those who want to combine their wedding dinner with a unique Amsterdam experience.
- MICE and conferences: After a day of meetings or a conference at the RAI or Beurs van Berlage, a dinner on the water is the perfect closing event. We have extensive experience with large MICE groups and can also use the boat as a floating event space or transfer option.
For a fully private dinner on the water, with no other guests on board, you can find out more on our page about private dining in Amsterdam. We are one of the few providers in Amsterdam where this is truly possible.
How Rederij de Nederlanden helps you with your dinner cruise in Amsterdam
At Rederij de Nederlanden, we organize dinner cruises for groups of all sizes and occasions. Whether you want to dine with 20 colleagues or host an evening for 150 guests, we work with you and take care of everything from start to finish.
- Choice of multiple catering formats: walking dinner, three-course dinner, or buffet
- Fully private on board — no other guests
- Dedicated skipper, host, and service staff included
- Electric boats for a quiet, relaxed cruise
- Scalable from small groups to over 1,000 people using multiple boats
- Sailing area ranging from Amsterdam’s canals to the IJsselmeer and the Zaanse Schans
Want to find out what we can do for your group? Read more about who we are and how we work, or request a no-obligation quote and we’ll be in touch shortly.