Is a dinner cruise in Amsterdam sustainable?

  • Thomas van Loon
  • 🕐 6 min leestijd

Sustainability is a word you hear everywhere these days, including in the events industry. But what does it actually mean when a boat company says they operate sustainably? And is a dinner cruise in Amsterdam really an eco-friendly choice for your corporate outing? Great questions. Let’s take an honest look.

What does sustainability mean for a dinner cruise?

Sustainability on a dinner cruise goes beyond just the boat’s propulsion. It’s about the whole picture: how the vessel is operated, what is served, where the food comes from, and how you minimize the overall impact of the event. A sustainable canal cruise in Amsterdam looks at three layers: the boat itself, the catering concept on board, and the choices you make as an organizer when booking.

The good news is that Amsterdam already has a solid foundation for sustainable events on the water. The city is imposing increasingly strict requirements on vessels operating on the canals, and boat companies that want to keep sailing must adapt. That pushes the industry in a positive direction.

Are electric boats in Amsterdam really more eco-friendly?

Short answer: yes, especially compared to diesel. Electric boats in Amsterdam produce no exhaust emissions while sailing, generate almost no noise, and cause less disturbance to the water. That makes a world of difference, particularly on Amsterdam’s narrow canals where air quality is already under pressure.

We sail exclusively with electric vessels. That’s not only better for the city — it also makes the experience more enjoyable. No diesel smell, no engine noise in the background of your conversation. Just the gentle sound of water along the hull. For a dinner or drinks reception on board, that really matters: guests relax faster and the atmosphere is immediately better.

One caveat worth mentioning in the interest of honesty: electricity is only as clean as its source. If the power comes from renewable energy, the footprint is minimal. It’s therefore worth asking a boat company how they charge their vessels.

How sustainable is the food and drink on board?

This is the area where most boat companies still have room to improve. On-board catering has an impact: food waste, packaging materials, and the origin of ingredients. A sustainable dinner cruise therefore calls for a caterer who makes conscious choices.

Think seasonal menus, locally sourced products, and less meat or fish from uncertified sources. The choice of package also plays a role: a walking dinner where guests assemble their own plates typically results in less waste than a plated menu where everyone receives the same thing regardless of preference.

We offer several catering formats on board, from a walking dinner and buffet to a plated menu with choices. Since the entire group has the boat to themselves, we can fully tailor the menu to the group’s preferences. That also means you, as the organizer, can opt for a more plant-based or locally sourced menu without compromising the experience.

What are the benefits of a sustainable corporate outing on the water?

A sustainable corporate outing in Amsterdam on the water offers a number of practical benefits that go beyond the environmental argument alone.

  • No bus required: Buses are prohibited or impractical in large parts of Amsterdam. A boat solves the transportation problem while adding an experience at the same time. Your group travels together, enjoys drinks along the way, and arrives relaxed.
  • Efficient and demonstrably responsible: More and more companies have ESG objectives or sustainability policies. A corporate outing on an electric boat fits right in and is easy to justify internally.
  • Less fragmentation: One venue, one moment, one experience. No different restaurants or locations to coordinate. That also reduces logistical overhead and travel movements.
  • High impact, low footprint: An evening on the water in Amsterdam is memorable without needing a flight or having to air-condition a large event hall.

For groups of up to 60 people, we sail Amsterdam’s canals. Have a larger group? We combine multiple boats so that everyone shares the same experience. View the options for a corporate outing on the water to see what suits your group.

How do you choose a verifiably sustainable dinner cruise in Amsterdam?

Not every boat company that calls itself sustainable can actually prove it. Here are a few concrete questions you can ask when comparing providers:

  • Do all boats run fully on electric power, or only part of the fleet?
  • How are the boats charged, and what energy source is used?
  • Can the caterer put together a sustainable or plant-based menu?
  • How does the company handle waste and packaging materials on board?
  • Is the company affiliated with recognized sustainability certifications or partnerships?

A boat company that cannot answer these questions, or remains vague, is probably using the word sustainable as nothing more than a marketing term. Transparency is the best proof.

How Rederij de Nederlanden supports a sustainable dinner cruise in Amsterdam

At Rederij de Nederlanden, we sail exclusively with electric vessels on Amsterdam’s canals. That is not a marketing decision — it is a deliberate choice for quality and responsibility. Our boats make no noise, produce zero emissions, and are therefore a perfect fit for companies that want to make their corporate outing demonstrably more sustainable.

  • Fully electric fleet for quiet, clean cruises through Amsterdam
  • Private use of the boat: no other guests, fully customized
  • Choice of multiple catering formats, including plant-based and locally sourced menu options
  • Scalable from small groups to over 1,000 people across multiple boats
  • All-inclusive packages so you don’t have to arrange a thing
  • Over 20 years of experience in the corporate market

Want to find out what we can do for your group? Learn more about Rederij de Nederlanden or request a quote directly and we’ll be happy to help you plan a sustainable evening on the water.

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