A dinner cruise in Amsterdam is no ordinary night out. You glide past illuminated canal houses, the water gently lapping beneath you, while enjoying great food and drinks with your group. Whether you’re planning a company outing, celebrating a special occasion, or simply want to organize an unforgettable evening — a dinner cruise in Amsterdam is an experience people will talk about for years to come. But which format suits your group best? Here’s a look at the three most popular options.
Why a dinner cruise in Amsterdam is unforgettable
Amsterdam is at its most beautiful from the water. The canals, the narrow bridges, the historic facades — it’s a backdrop you simply can’t experience the same way from a restaurant or conference room. A culinary canal cruise through Amsterdam combines that unique view with a warm, convivial atmosphere around the table, and that’s what makes it so special.
But there’s another reason why a boat works so well for groups: everyone is together. There’s no slipping away to another room, no distraction from a busy venue. You’re with your group, on the water, and that naturally brings people closer. That’s exactly why a dinner cruise in Amsterdam is so popular for company outings, anniversaries, and other group events.
With us, the boat is always entirely yours. No other guests, no shared spaces. Just your group, your program, and your evening. That makes it personal and exclusive — without any of the hassle.
1: Luxury dinner cruise with a multi-course menu on the canals
The classic dinner cruise experience in Amsterdam: a served multi-course menu as you sail through the canals. Think a three-course dinner or a walking dinner on board, with dishes served as the boat moves quietly through the city. No rush, no queue at the bar — just pure enjoyment.
This format works beautifully for groups who truly want to unwind or celebrate. An anniversary, a farewell party, a business dinner with clients — the multi-course menu gives the evening structure and a touch of elegance. The cruise lasts an average of three to four hours, leaving plenty of room for conversation, drinks before the meal, and a relaxed finish.
Our salon boats in Amsterdam are specially equipped for evenings like these. A three-course dinner is priced at around €120 to €130 per person. A walking dinner — where guests mingle, alternate between standing and sitting, and are served a series of small dishes — comes in at around €110 to €120 per person. Both options are fully catered, from the menu to the service on board. You don’t have to think about a thing. Browse our packages for a complete overview of what’s available.
2: High tea cruise for an indulgent afternoon on the water
Not everyone wants an evening program. The high tea cruise is a wonderful alternative for a leisurely afternoon treat on the water. Think sandwiches, scones, savory bites, and sweet treats, served as you sail along the Amsterdam canals. Classic, cozy, and just a little different from a high tea at a hotel or tearoom.
This format is popular with groups of friends, afternoon staff outings, and associations looking to organize something enjoyable without committing to a full evening program. The cruise lasts an average of two hours, making it practical as well — everyone is back in good time, even those with a long journey home.
The high tea cruise in Amsterdam costs around €75 to €80 per person and includes all food and drinks. The boat is exclusively yours, making it ideal for more intimate occasions such as a baby shower or a birthday celebration. Renting a salon boat in Amsterdam for a high tea is one of our most requested options in spring and summer.
3: Drinks and buffet cruise for large groups
Got a large group and want to organize something where everyone can move around freely, chat, and network? Then the drinks and buffet cruise is the perfect choice. Canapés, an extensive buffet, or a barbecue on board — this format is more relaxed in structure and gives everyone the freedom to make the evening their own.
For company outings, this is one of the most popular formats. People can move around, switch between groups, and connect naturally — while everyone sails together through the canals, making it a shared experience all the same. The drinks cruise lasts an average of one and a half to two hours and costs around €50 to €60 per person, including snacks and drinks.
For larger groups: our fleet consists of more than ten vessels of our own, supplemented by partner boats. On the canals, we accommodate up to 60 guests per boat. Have a bigger group? We combine multiple boats so everyone can sail at the same time. For groups of up to 150 people, we deploy our larger vessels. That’s how renting a boat in Amsterdam for a dinner or drinks event is perfectly manageable, even for large corporate groups.
Which dinner cruise suits your occasion?
The choice depends mainly on the atmosphere you want to create and the size of your group. Here’s a quick overview:
- Three-course dinner or walking dinner: perfect for a more formal program, client entertainment, or a special celebration. Price: €110 to €130 per person; cruise duration: 3 to 4 hours.
- High tea cruise: ideal for an afternoon program, smaller groups, or an intimate occasion. Price: €75 to €80 per person; cruise duration: 2 hours.
- Drinks and buffet cruise: the best choice for networking events, company outings, and larger groups who want a more relaxed celebration. Price: €50 to €60 per person; cruise duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.
Not sure which option best fits your group or occasion? It’s also possible to combine formats — for example, drinks followed by a sit-down dinner. We’re happy to think it through with you.
How Rederij de Nederlanden helps with your dinner cruise in Amsterdam
Rederij de Nederlanden specializes in private cruises with culinary packages for groups of 10 to over 150 people. We are one of the few providers in Amsterdam where you can organize a fully private dinner on the water, with no other guests on board. Everything is taken care of for you: from the menu and service to the skipper and the program.
- Choice of multiple catering formats: walking dinner, three-course dinner, high tea, or drinks with buffet
- Fully private: the boat is always exclusively reserved for your group
- Scalable for small and large groups, with multiple boats combined when needed
- All-electric vessels cruise silently and emission-free through the Amsterdam canals
- Includes skipper, hostess, and full on-board service
- Over 20 years of experience with corporate groups and events
Want to find out what we can do for your group? Read more about us or request a quote directly for your dinner cruise in Amsterdam.
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