A dinner cruise at the NDSM is organized by reserving a private boat that sails on the IJ, choosing a catering format that suits your group, and booking at least six to eight weeks in advance. The NDSM site is located on the north bank of the IJ and is easily accessible by boat from Amsterdam city center. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about planning a dinner cruise in Amsterdam at the NDSM.
What makes the NDSM a special venue for a dinner cruise?
The NDSM site is a former shipyard on the north side of the IJ, known for its industrial atmosphere, expansive spaces, and creative character. For a dinner cruise, it is a unique location because you moor in an environment that is radically different from Amsterdam’s classic canals, while still being right in the heart of the city.
What makes the NDSM so appealing for a corporate dinner on the water is the combination of space and atmosphere. The site has a raw, authentic feel that suits companies looking for something different from a standard drinks reception in a meeting room. Its position on the open water of the IJ also gives you the room to sail with larger vessels — something simply not possible on Amsterdam’s narrow canals.
The NDSM is also easy to reach. A free ferry runs from Amsterdam Centraal, and there is plenty of space to moor. For groups departing from the city center, a cruise across the IJ to the NDSM is a great way to start the evening — combining the sailing experience with an arrival at an impressive destination.
What type of boat is suitable for a dinner cruise on the IJ?
For a dinner cruise on the IJ, you need a larger, stable vessel designed for open water. Salon boats and event boats with an enclosed deck are the most suitable, as they provide space for tables, a bar, and catering, while also offering protection from wind and rain.
On the IJ, you can sail with larger vessels than on the canals. While the canals are limited to boats accommodating a maximum of 60 people, the larger event boats on the IJ can accommodate groups of up to 150 people on a single vessel. This makes the IJ particularly well suited to larger corporate groups who want to dine together on one boat.
When choosing a boat, consider the following:
- Group size: determine how many people you are bringing and choose a boat that fits comfortably, without filling it to maximum capacity
- Dining format: a served three-course menu requires more space per person than a walking dinner or buffet
- Season: open decks are pleasant in spring and summer, but for an autumn or winter dinner you will want an enclosed, heated space
- Facilities: consider a fully equipped bar, sound system, and adequate restroom facilities
We offer exclusively private charters. This means the entire boat is always reserved solely for your group. No other guests are on board, ensuring maximum privacy and an atmosphere that is entirely tailored to your evening.
What catering options are available for a dinner cruise in Amsterdam?
For a dinner cruise in Amsterdam, several catering formats are available depending on the desired level and atmosphere of the evening. The most popular options are a walking dinner, a buffet, or a served three-course menu.
Each format has its own character:
- Walking dinner: guests move freely and help themselves to appetizers from various stations. This works well when you want people to mingle and not spend the entire evening at the same table
- Buffet: a relaxed format where everyone composes their own plate. Great for mixed groups with a wide range of preferences
- Served three-course menu: guests are seated at the table and attended to by staff. This suits a formal corporate dinner or a special occasion where you really want to impress
- Drinks and snacks: ideal when the focus is on networking and drinks, with food playing a supporting role
We offer all of these catering formats on board and put together the menu based on your preferences, the number of guests, and your budget. Everything is taken care of — from drinks and tableware to serving staff. You don’t need to arrange a thing.
For a fully private dinner on the water, we are one of the few providers in Amsterdam that organizes this exclusively for a single group, with no other guests on board.
How far in advance should you book a dinner cruise at the NDSM?
For a dinner cruise at the NDSM, it is best to book six to eight weeks in advance. During busy periods — such as April through June, September and October, and the month of December — availability is more limited and booking early becomes even more important.
The closer you are to your desired date, the less likely you are to secure the boat that best suits your group. For larger groups of more than 80 people in particular, it is advisable to get in touch three months in advance, allowing sufficient time to coordinate the catering, route, and any extras.
A useful rule of thumb:
- Small group (up to 30 people): at least four weeks in advance
- Medium-sized group (30 to 80 people): six to eight weeks in advance
- Large group (80 to 150 people): three months or more in advance
- Christmas period or Amsterdam Light Festival: preferably book as early as September or October
What does a dinner cruise for a corporate group in Amsterdam cost?
The cost of a dinner cruise for a corporate group in Amsterdam is roughly between €110 and €130 per person for a three-course menu, based on a group of 50 people. The exact price depends on the group size, catering format, duration of the cruise, and any extras such as entertainment or an open bar.
An overview of standard price indications:
- Drinks cruise (1.5 to 2 hours): approximately €50 to €60 per person
- Walking dinner (3 hours): approximately €110 to €120 per person
- Three-course dinner (3 to 4 hours): approximately €120 to €130 per person
- High tea cruise (2 hours): approximately €75 to €80 per person
Keep in mind that the price per person decreases as the group size increases. For groups of fewer than 30 people, the price may be slightly higher. All prices are inclusive of the boat, skipper, crew, and catering. You pay one all-inclusive rate and won’t need to reconcile separate invoices afterward. Want to know more about our corporate outing packages? That page provides a full overview.
How do you combine a dinner cruise at the NDSM with a conference or event?
A dinner cruise at the NDSM can be combined with a conference or event by using the boat as a closing activity or as a transfer between two venues. After the program, guests board the vessel, the evening begins immediately with drinks on the water, and dinner follows during the cruise.
This works particularly well for MICE groups who have a conference or trade show in Amsterdam during the day — for example at the RAI or the Beurs van Berlage. Instead of a static dinner in a hall, you offer guests a moving venue on the IJ, giving the evening a completely different character. We have extensive experience supporting large MICE groups and can deploy our vessels as a floating event venue or as a transfer with catering on board.
Practical combination options:
- Transfer with drinks: guests are taken by boat from the conference venue to the NDSM, with drinks and snacks served along the way
- Dinner after the program: the boat departs after the conference ends and serves as an exclusive dining venue on the water
- Multiple boats for large groups: for groups of more than 150 people, we combine multiple boats sailing simultaneously so that everyone experiences the same program
A corporate event on the water requires careful coordination between the program at the fixed venue and the sailing schedule. Plan boarding at least 15 minutes after the official end of the conference, so guests can board at a relaxed pace.
How Rederij De Nederlanden helps with a dinner cruise at the NDSM
We organize private dinner cruises on the IJ for corporate groups of any size, fully tailored to your needs and completely hassle-free. Here is what we take care of for you:
- Exclusive boat: the entire vessel is always reserved for your group — no other guests on board
- Catering of your choice: from walking dinner and buffet to a served three-course menu, we tailor the menu to your preferences
- Capacity for large groups: we welcome groups of up to 60 people on a single boat, and for larger groups we combine multiple vessels
- Experienced crew: skipper, host, and serving staff are included — you don’t need to arrange anything yourself
- Flexible routes: we sail on the IJ, past the NDSM, and through Amsterdam’s canals, depending on what best suits the evening
- All-inclusive pricing: one rate per person, everything included
Want to find out what we can do for your group? Read more about us or request a no-obligation quote and we will be happy to help you plan the perfect dinner cruise at the NDSM.