Most dinner cruises in Amsterdam depart not from Amsterdam Centraal, but from jetties in the canal district, such as along the Singel, the Prinsengracht, or the Kloveniersburgwal. Rederij De Nederlanden, for example, departs from the Singel, within walking distance of the city center. Depending on how you travel, you can get there in five to twenty minutes from Amsterdam Centraal. Below you will find exactly where to go, how to get there, and what else you can expect from a dinner cruise through Amsterdam.
Where exactly do dinner cruises in Amsterdam depart from?
Dinner cruises in Amsterdam typically depart from the historic canal district, not from Amsterdam Centraal itself. The most common departure locations are the Singel, the Prinsengracht, the Keizersgracht, and the area around the Scheepvaartmuseum. The exact jetty varies by operator and sometimes even by package or group size.
Our boats depart from the Singel, right in the heart of Amsterdam. It is a central and easily accessible location, both for groups arriving by train and for attendees coming from the Zuidas or a conference venue heading to the water. The jetty is easy to recognize, and one of our team members will always be there to welcome you.
For larger groups or special routes, the departure location can also be adjusted. For MICE groups and corporate clients, we sometimes offer the option to board closer to a conference venue or hotel, depending on the availability of a suitable mooring.
How do you get from Amsterdam Centraal to the departure jetty?
From Amsterdam Centraal to the departure jetty on the Singel, it is approximately a ten to fifteen minute walk. The route runs via the Damrak or the Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal and is easy to navigate on foot. By tram (lines 2, 11, 12, or 17 toward the city center), you can get there in five minutes.
A few practical options at a glance:
- On foot: approximately 10–15 minutes through the city center
- Tram: lines 2, 11, 12, or 17 toward Leidseplein or Dam, get off at Spui or Koningsplein
- Taxi or rideshare: 5 minutes, convenient in bad weather or if you have luggage
- Bicycle: park your bike at Centraal Station and walk the rest of the way
Coming from another part of the city, such as the RAI, the Beurs van Berlage, or the Zuidas? The Singel is also easily accessible via the Noord-Zuidlijn metro (Rokin station, five minutes on foot) or by taxi. We always send groups a clear set of directions with the exact jetty location, so no one has to search around.
What is the difference between a canal tour and a dinner cruise?
A canal tour is a sightseeing trip through the canals, usually with a guide or audio system and no extensive catering. A dinner cruise in Amsterdam combines sailing with a full dinner on board, where food and drink take center stage alongside the experience on the water.
On a canal tour, you typically buy an individual ticket and share the boat with other tourists. A dinner cruise is a far more personal experience. We exclusively offer private cruises: the boat is fully reserved for your group, with no other guests on board. This makes it ideal for corporate outings, group dinners, and special occasions where you prefer not to share the experience with strangers.
In terms of catering, we offer several formats: from a walking dinner and a buffet to a plated set menu. The choice depends on the atmosphere you are looking for, the size of your group, and your budget.
Which canals and routes does a dinner cruise cover in Amsterdam?
A dinner cruise typically travels through Amsterdam’s classic canal district: the Singel, the Herengracht, the Keizersgracht, and the Prinsengracht. Depending on the duration of the cruise, the route can be extended to include the Amstel, the IJ, or the area around the Scheepvaartmuseum.
Our skippers know the city inside and out and tailor the route to the package and the wishes of the group. For a drinks cruise of an hour and a half, we generally stay within the city center. For a longer dinner cruise of three to four hours, we also sail along the Amstel or toward the IJ, where you get a completely different perspective of Amsterdam.
Want to venture beyond Amsterdam? Our larger vessels have a wider sailing range than most Amsterdam operators. We also sail to the Zaanse Schans, Volendam, Muiden, and the IJsselmeer, which is an attractive option for groups looking to combine a day trip with a dinner on the water.
What is included in a dinner cruise in Amsterdam?
A dinner cruise in Amsterdam typically includes the boat, a skipper, catering, and drinks. What exactly is included in the package varies by operator and arrangement. Always check whether the price is all-inclusive or whether drinks are charged separately.
Our approach is transparent. Our packages are all-inclusive and include:
- A private boat exclusively for your group
- An experienced skipper and hostess on board
- Catering of your choice (walking dinner, buffet, or plated dinner)
- Drinks (wine, beer, soft drinks, and water)
- A sound system and the option for presentations or entertainment
We work with a fixed price per person, so you know exactly what to expect in advance. A three-course dinner is priced at approximately €120 to €130 per person, while a drinks cruise starts from €50 per person. The price is based on a group of around fifty people and may vary depending on group size and specific requirements. Also take a look at our private dining options for a complete overview.
When is the best time to book a dinner cruise?
The best time for a dinner cruise in Amsterdam is spring (April through June) and early autumn (September and October). The weather is pleasant, the canals look beautiful, and availability is reasonably good, provided you book in time. December is popular due to the Amsterdam Light Festival, but requires early reservations.
For corporate clients, the busiest periods are April–June, September–October, and December. During those months, popular dates fill up quickly. It is therefore advisable to book two to three months in advance, especially if you have a large group or a specific date in mind.
Looking for a quieter period? November, January, and February are less busy. The atmosphere on the water in winter is actually quite special, and we have winter vessels with a heated interior, making a dinner cruise just as enjoyable during the colder months.
How Rederij De Nederlanden can help with your dinner cruise in Amsterdam
We organize private dinner cruises for groups of ten to over a thousand people, with everything arranged through a single point of contact. Whether you are planning an intimate corporate dinner or a large event on the water, we will work with you on the route, the menu, and the logistics.
- Private boat: the boat is always exclusively reserved for your group, never shared with other guests
- Flexible catering: choose from a walking dinner, buffet, or plated dinner
- Multiple boat sizes: from ten to sixty people per boat on the canals, with larger vessels available for wider routes
- All-inclusive packages: fixed price per person, no surprises afterward
- Departure from the Singel: centrally located and easily accessible from anywhere in Amsterdam
- Tailor-made service: route, timing, and catering fully customized to your wishes
Want to learn more about who we are and how we work? Read more on our about us page. Or get in touch directly and discuss your wishes with us via our contact page. We are happy to help you plan the perfect evening on the water.
Also explore our corporate outing packages or discover everything about boat rental in Amsterdam on our website.