A dinner cruise from Amsterdam to the Zaanse Schans takes an average of 3 to 4 hours, depending on the departure location and the pace of the cruise. The distance by water is roughly 15 to 20 kilometers, depending on the route via the IJ and the Zaan. Below you’ll find everything you need to know about the route, what’s on offer on board, and when to best plan this kind of trip.
How long does a cruise from Amsterdam to the Zaanse Schans take?
A cruise from Amsterdam to the Zaanse Schans typically takes one and a half to two hours one way, meaning a full round trip including dinner and time at the destination quickly adds up to 3 to 4 hours. The exact travel time depends on your departure point in Amsterdam, the type of vessel, and any stops along the way.
From the center of Amsterdam, you first sail across the IJ toward the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal or the Zaan, depending on the chosen route. The Zaan is the river that runs through the Zaanstreek region and flows directly past the windmills and historic buildings of the Zaanse Schans. Once on the Zaan, you’re literally sailing past the region’s most iconic landmarks.
Since the sailing time already takes up a significant portion of the total outing, it makes sense to make the journey itself part of the experience. Having dinner or drinks on board turns the travel time into something enjoyable and productive, rather than something you simply have to get through.
What route does a dinner cruise from Amsterdam to the Zaanse Schans follow?
The most common route runs from the center of Amsterdam via the IJ to the North Sea Canal, and then via the Zaan to the Zaanse Schans. This route offers a varied view of Amsterdam: from the historic city center and the modern port area to the open water of the IJ and, ultimately, the green, distinctive landscape of the Zaanstreek.
What makes this route special is the transition from urban to rural. You sail past the NDSM wharf, past shipyards, and then the water opens up into a quieter stretch. As you approach the Zaanstreek, the first wooden houses and windmills begin to appear.
Our larger vessels have a much wider sailing range than most Amsterdam boat operators, who typically only navigate the Amsterdam canals. These are precisely the vessels suited for a cruise to the Zaanse Schans, as they can handle the open waters of the IJ and the Zaan. A dinner cruise on the water certainly doesn’t have to stop at the Prinsengracht.
What can you expect from a dinner cruise on this route?
On a dinner cruise to the Zaanse Schans, you enjoy a fully catered dinner while the city and countryside glide past. The boat is reserved exclusively for your group, meaning there are no other guests on board and you set the atmosphere entirely yourselves.
In terms of catering, several options are available depending on what best suits the group and the purpose of the evening:
- Walking dinner: informal, guests move around the boat and enjoy small dishes — ideal for networking and interaction
- Served three-course dinner: everyone is seated at the table and waited on, fitting for a more formal or celebratory occasion
- Buffet or drinks cruise: relaxed and accessible, well suited for larger groups who want to mingle and catch up
In addition to the food, there is a bar on board, a host to assist your group, and of course an experienced captain who knows the route. The electric motor ensures that conversations are never drowned out by engine noise — all you hear is the water. That gives this kind of cruise a very different atmosphere from a dinner in a restaurant or event venue.
Also take a look at our private dining arrangements for a full overview of what’s possible on board.
Is a cruise to the Zaanse Schans suitable for a corporate outing?
Yes, a cruise to the Zaanse Schans is an excellent choice for a corporate outing, precisely because it offers more than a standard venue. The combination of sailing, dining, and a unique destination creates an experience that colleagues will genuinely remember.
What makes this format appealing for companies:
- The boat naturally brings people together, encouraging real interaction without the need for a structured team-building program
- No transportation to an external venue is required — the boat is both the transport and the event space
- The program is fully customizable: from a casual drinks cruise to an elaborate dinner with entertainment
- Groups of up to 60 people can be accommodated on one boat; for larger groups, multiple boats can be combined
For companies looking for an original corporate outing in Amsterdam, a cruise to the Zaanse Schans is a step above the usual options. It’s not a standard drinks reception at a bar or a sightseeing cruise with individual tickets — the boat is entirely yours.
When is the best time to book a dinner cruise to the Zaanse Schans?
The best periods to book a dinner cruise to the Zaanse Schans are April through June and September through October. During these months the weather is pleasant, the light on the water is beautiful, and crowds in Amsterdam are manageable. These are also the most popular months for corporate outings, which means availability can be limited.
December is another popular period, largely due to the Amsterdam Light Festival. An evening cruise past the light installations, combined with dinner on board, is a memorable combination that many companies choose for their Christmas gathering.
During the winter months of January through March, things are quieter and there is more flexibility for shorter lead times and quicker planning. Our boats sail in winter as well, with partially heated interiors, so a cruise to the Zaanse Schans is perfectly possible outside the high season.
If you plan to sail in spring or autumn, we recommend booking at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance, especially for larger groups. Popular dates fill up quickly.
How Rederij De Nederlanden helps with a dinner cruise to the Zaanse Schans
We arrange private cruises to the Zaanse Schans for groups of all sizes, fully tailored to your needs. Here’s what we take care of for you:
- Exclusive boat: the entire boat is always reserved for your group — there are never other guests on board
- Catering of your choice: from drinks and snacks to a fully served three-course dinner, we tailor everything to your preferences and budget
- Larger vessels for open water: our boats can navigate the IJ and the Zaan, something most Amsterdam operators are unable to do
- Groups of up to 60 people on one boat; for larger groups, we combine multiple vessels
- Fully taken care of: captain, host, bar, and catering are all arranged — all you have to do is enjoy yourselves
- Custom planning: we think along with you on the route, the program, and the timing
Want to know more about who we are and how we work? Read more about Rederij De Nederlanden. Or get started right away and request a no-obligation quote for your cruise to the Zaanse Schans.