What are the 5 catering options on a drinks cruise in Amsterdam?

  • Thomas van Loon
  • 🕐 6 min leestijd

On a drinks boat in Amsterdam, you typically have five catering options: appetizers and snacks, a walking dinner, a buffet, a plated menu, and an onboard barbecue. The best option depends on the atmosphere you want to create, the duration of the cruise, and the size of your group. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about catering on a drinks boat in Amsterdam.

What is the difference between a drinks boat and a dinner cruise?

A drinks boat is a private vessel you rent for an informal gathering with drinks and snacks, while a dinner cruise revolves around a fully catered meal on board. The key difference lies in the format: a drinks boat puts socializing and freedom of movement first, while a dinner cruise seats guests at a table for a multi-course menu.

A drinks boat cruise typically lasts one to two hours and is ideal for an informal company outing, a department drinks event, or a networking gathering. Guests move freely around the boat, help themselves to drinks and snacks, and mingle in changing groups. This makes the format particularly well suited to team building: on a boat, you are literally brought together, which naturally encourages conversation.

A dinner cruise lasts three to four hours and follows a clearer structure. Guests are seated at set tables and served by staff, giving the event a more formal atmosphere. This format is better suited to business dinners, anniversary celebrations, or client events where the meal is the centerpiece.

Some cruises combine both elements: a drinks reception at the start, followed by a walking dinner or a three-course menu. This offers the best of both worlds and works well for groups that want to network informally while also sharing a meal together.

What catering options are available on a drinks boat?

On a drinks boat in Amsterdam, there are five common catering options: appetizers and snacks, a walking dinner, a buffet, a plated menu, and an onboard barbecue. Which options are available depends on the boat operator and the size of the vessel.

  • Appetizers and snacks: The most popular choice for a short cruise of one and a half to two hours. Think cheese, charcuterie, bitterballen, and dips passed around while guests stand and mingle. Light, accessible, and perfect for an informal atmosphere.
  • Walking dinner: A standing dinner where multiple small dishes are served instead of one large meal. Guests stay on the move and conversation flows more easily. Typically lasts three hours and works well for larger groups.
  • Buffet: Guests serve themselves from a centrally arranged buffet. This works well logistically on larger boats and gives guests the freedom to choose what they eat and when.
  • Plated menu: A more formal format where guests are served at the table with two or three courses. Suitable for a dinner cruise or a business dinner on the water.
  • Onboard barbecue: A popular summer option where food is grilled on the boat or at a mooring. Informal, festive, and easy to combine with a boat trip.

We offer all of these catering formats, depending on the boat and the package you choose. The entire boat is always reserved exclusively for your group, so there are never other guests on board.

How does catering on a boat in Amsterdam work logistically?

Catering on a boat in Amsterdam works differently than at a fixed venue. The onboard kitchen is limited or nonexistent, which means food is generally prepared in advance and finished or served on board. Logistics depend entirely on thorough preparation.

For most cruises, the catering is assembled beforehand and brought on board by a caterer or by the boat operator itself. Hot dishes are transported in thermal containers or warmed on board using an induction cooktop. Cold snacks and drinks are kept chilled in the onboard bar.

Space on a boat is more limited than in a venue hall, so the menu is tailored to what is practically feasible. A walking dinner or appetizers and snacks are logistically easier to manage than a formal three-course menu. For larger groups, a buffet setup is often the most efficient choice.

Drinks are typically handled through the onboard bar, including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. With all-inclusive packages, drinks and snacks are included in the price per person, so you do not need to keep track of individual tabs during the cruise.

What does catering on a drinks boat cost per person?

The cost of catering on a drinks boat in Amsterdam typically ranges from 50 to 130 euros per person, depending on the catering format, the duration of the cruise, and the size of the group. Appetizers and snacks are the most affordable option, while a plated dinner is the most expensive.

As a general guide, the following price indications apply, based on a group of approximately 50 people:

  • Drinks cruise with snacks: approximately 50 to 60 euros per person for one and a half to two hours
  • High tea cruise: approximately 75 to 80 euros per person for two hours
  • Walking dinner: approximately 110 to 120 euros per person for three hours
  • Three-course dinner: approximately 120 to 130 euros per person for three to four hours

These prices are all-inclusive: the boat, skipper, host or hostess, snacks, and drinks are all included. For smaller groups, the cost per person is generally higher, as the fixed costs of the boat are spread across fewer people. Always request a customized quote, as the final price depends on your specific requirements.

Can catering be fully customized?

Yes, catering on a drinks boat can be fully customized. You can choose from set packages or work with us to put together your own menu tailored to the occasion, your guests’ dietary requirements, and your budget. Customization is the standard, not the exception.

Practical adjustments that are possible include:

  • Vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options alongside the standard menu
  • A themed menu to match a corporate event or anniversary
  • Combined catering formats, such as a drinks reception followed by a walking dinner
  • Specific drinks packages, from house wine to premium cocktails
  • Adjustments to the duration and timing of the cruise based on your program

For a company outing in Amsterdam, customization is particularly valuable. Every group is different, and the catering should match the atmosphere you want to create. An informal department drinks event calls for something different than an executive meeting or a client dinner. A good boat operator actively thinks along with you and helps you make the right choices.

Which catering option is best suited to a company outing?

For a company outing on a drinks boat, a walking dinner or appetizers and drinks is the most popular and most suitable catering format. Both options encourage movement and conversation, strengthening the social aspect of a company outing without making the atmosphere feel formal.

Appetizers and snacks work best for shorter outings of one and a half to two hours, where the emphasis is on informal socializing. It is low-key, accessible to all colleagues, and gives the evening a relaxed character.

A walking dinner is the better choice if you want to spend more time on the water and give the evening a bit more structure without the formality of a seated dinner. Guests eat standing up, switch conversation partners, and keep moving. This format works particularly well for teams that do not know each other very well, or for larger groups where you want to avoid everyone spending the entire evening next to the same colleague.

For a more formal business dinner — such as a client evening or an executive gathering — a plated three-course menu is the logical choice. This gives the evening a polished character and suits occasions where the meal is also a substantive part of the program.

How Rederij De Nederlanden helps with catering on a drinks boat

We take care of all the catering for you, from the first decision to the final course. You do not need to organize or coordinate anything yourself. Our packages are all-inclusive and fully adaptable to your group’s wishes.

  • Choice of five catering formats: appetizers and snacks, walking dinner, buffet, plated menu, or barbecue
  • All boats are exclusively reserved for your group — no other guests on board
  • Groups of up to 60 people on a single boat; for larger groups, we combine multiple vessels
  • Custom menus, including vegetarian, vegan, and allergen-free options
  • Fixed prices per person, including the boat, skipper, host or hostess, snacks, and drinks
  • More than 20 years of experience with corporate groups and company outings in Amsterdam

Want to find out which catering option is the best fit for your company outing? Get to know us and discover how we have been taking the hassle out of corporate events on the water for years. Or request a no-obligation quote and discuss your requirements with our team.

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