An evening on the water, great food, beautiful canals, and good company all around. Sounds perfect — but is a dinner cruise in Amsterdam really worth it? Or is it more hype than reality? In this article, we give you an honest answer to the most frequently asked questions, so you know exactly what to expect.
What exactly is a dinner cruise in Amsterdam?
A dinner cruise combines a boat tour through Amsterdam with a full dinner on board. You step onto a boat, sail through Amsterdam’s famous canals, and enjoy a complete meal along the way. No restaurant on the sidelines — the water is your backdrop.
Most dinner cruises in Amsterdam are private, meaning your group has the entire boat to themselves. No strangers at neighboring tables, no shared spaces with people you don’t know. That makes it a completely different experience from a regular night out at a restaurant. The atmosphere is intimate, the surroundings move with you, and conversation flows naturally.
What does a dinner cruise in Amsterdam cost on average?
The dinner cruise Amsterdam price depends on what you choose: the type of package, the group size, and the duration of the cruise. To give you a clear picture, here is an overview of typical prices:
| Package | Price per person | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Drinks cruise | €50 – €60 | 1.5 – 2 hours |
| High tea cruise | €75 – €80 | 2 hours |
| Walking dinner | €110 – €120 | 3 hours |
| Three-course dinner | €120 – €130 | 3 – 4 hours |
The prices above are indicative and based on a group of approximately 50 people. For smaller or larger groups, the price per person may vary. View our packages for an up-to-date overview of what is available.
What are the advantages of a dinner cruise compared to a restaurant?
A restaurant is familiar and reliable, but a canal dinner cruise in Amsterdam offers something no restaurant can match: movement. You sail through the canals while you eat, and that creates a completely different experience. A few concrete advantages:
- Private atmosphere: the entire boat is yours, with no other guests nearby
- Unique setting: Amsterdam’s canals as a living backdrop, by day and by night
- No travel between venues: dining, drinks, and sightseeing — all in one place
- Better group interaction: on a boat, you are literally together, which encourages conversation and connection
- Memorable: everyone remembers an evening on the water; a typical restaurant visit, much less so
That last point may be the most important of all. A dinner cruise is not a standard night out. It is an experience people are still talking about months later.
Is a dinner cruise suitable for a corporate outing?
Absolutely. A corporate boat trip in Amsterdam is particularly popular because it works so well for groups. Colleagues who would not normally talk much to each other naturally strike up conversations on a boat. The atmosphere is relaxed, there is no stage and no PowerPoint presentation. Just enjoying each other’s company.
A boat in Amsterdam is also a smart choice when you want to explore the city with a larger group. Buses are prohibited in large parts of Amsterdam, but a boat glides right through. Along the way, everyone can enjoy drinks or dinner together, and the whole group arrives at the destination at the same time. That also makes things considerably easier from a logistical standpoint.
For corporate outings, we recommend taking a look at a corporate outing on the water, where everything is arranged in advance and you do not have to worry about a thing.
What packages are available on a dinner cruise in Amsterdam?
There are more options than most people realize. A dinner cruise does not have to be a formal three-course dinner. Depending on the atmosphere you are looking for, you can choose from:
- Walking dinner: small dishes passed around while guests mingle and move about — ideal for an active and social evening
- Three-course dinner: served at the table, perfect for a more formal or celebratory occasion
- Drinks cruise with snacks: pleasantly informal, with bitterballen and a glass of wine in hand
- High tea cruise: an afternoon option with tea, coffee, and pastries — perfect for a slightly different time of day
- Barbecue on board: for those who prefer a more relaxed and casual atmosphere
We offer all of these catering formats on board, from walking dinner and buffet to a plated menu with choices. That way, the evening perfectly matches the atmosphere you have in mind.
When is the best time for a dinner cruise in Amsterdam?
Honestly, a salon boat in Amsterdam is worth it year-round — but there are certain times that are especially special.
- Summer (June – August): long evenings, warm light on the water, a terrace-like feel on board
- Autumn (September – October): quieter canals, beautiful colors, popular for corporate outings
- December: the Amsterdam Light Festival illuminates the canals, making a dinner cruise during this period truly spectacular
- Spring (April – May): the city literally comes into bloom — ideal for the first evening outing of the season
Keep in mind that popular periods, such as December and the summer months, fill up quickly. Be sure to book in advance if you have a specific date in mind.
How Rederij de Nederlanden helps with a dinner cruise in Amsterdam
At Rederij de Nederlanden, we organize private dinner cruises for groups of all sizes, from small gatherings to large corporate parties. We take care of everything for you, from catering to the route, and from the crew to the drinks on board. What sets us apart:
- Fully private: your group always has the boat to themselves
- Multiple catering formats: walking dinner, three-course dinner, drinks, high tea, and more
- Boats for 10 to 150 people, including a skipper and host
- Electric fleet for a quiet, relaxed cruise through the canals
- All-inclusive packages with a fixed price per person
- Over 20 years of experience with corporate groups and events in Amsterdam
Rederij de Nederlanden has been a specialist in canal tours and events on the water in Amsterdam for over ten years. We are happy to help you figure out what works best for your group and occasion. Send us a request and we will put together a tailor-made proposal.
Related Articles
- What does a typical day look like when you get married on a boat in Amsterdam?
- What is the difference between a dinner cruise and a high tea cruise?
- Is a dinner cruise Amsterdam suitable for large groups?
- What are the costs per person for a wedding on a boat in Amsterdam?
- What are the 5 most fun things to do during ADE with your company in Amsterdam?