A dinner cruise in Amsterdam is one of those experiences that truly stays with people. You glide gently through the canals while enjoying great food, good drinks, and wonderful company. But which package suits you or your group best? Whether you’re organizing a corporate dinner, celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking for something out of the ordinary — there are several options to choose from. In this article, we outline five popular dinner cruise packages in Amsterdam, so you know exactly what to expect.
Why a dinner cruise in Amsterdam is so special
Amsterdam has hundreds of restaurant options, but a dinner cruise on the Amsterdam canals offers something no restaurant can match: movement. Your table travels past illuminated bridges, historic canal houses, and the vibrant city waterways. That creates an entirely different atmosphere from a static venue.
What makes a canal dinner cruise in Amsterdam even more appealing is the exclusivity. When you hire a boat for a group, you have the vessel entirely to yourselves. There are no other guests on board, creating an intimate atmosphere that is rarely found in a restaurant. That makes it ideal for both corporate dinners and personal celebrations.
1: Classic dinner cruise with a three-course menu
The most popular package is the classic canal cruise with dinner, where a full three-course menu is served on board. Think attentive service, a beautifully set table, and dishes brought to you as you sail through the canals.
This package typically lasts three to four hours and is perfect for groups who truly want to enjoy a culinary evening. The atmosphere is relaxed yet refined. Prices for a three-course dinner on the water are generally around €120 to €130 per person, depending on group size and specific preferences.
This is the ideal choice for a corporate client dinner, an anniversary, or a birthday where you want to offer something extra. The combination of great food and a unique setting makes for an evening guests will remember for a long time.
2: Luxury high tea package on the water
Not everything has to happen in the evening, and not every occasion calls for a full dinner. A high tea cruise in Amsterdam is an elegant alternative for an afternoon activity. Think savory bites, sweet treats, scones, and tea or coffee, all served as you cruise along the canals.
This package lasts approximately two hours and is popular with groups of friends, daytime staff outings, and corporate lunches with a special touch. Prices are around €75 to €80 per person. It’s an accessible package that still feels like something truly special.
What sets this package apart is the timing: during the day or early afternoon, making it suitable for groups who aren’t available in the evening or simply prefer to head out a little earlier.
3: Drinks and buffet package for companies
For corporate outings, the drinks and buffet package is one of the most requested options. You combine a relaxed drinks reception with an extensive buffet on board, creating an informal atmosphere where people naturally fall into conversation.
This is exactly where a boat shows its strength compared to a traditional drinks venue: on a boat, everyone is close together, there’s no option to disappear into a corner, and the surroundings naturally spark conversation. That encourages genuine interaction within the team.
We offer this package for groups of various sizes. On the Amsterdam canals, boats can accommodate up to 60 people, and for larger groups, multiple boats can be combined so that everyone is on board at the same time. View our packages for corporate outings and drinks cruises for a full overview of the options.
4: What does a private dinner cruise in Amsterdam cost?
A frequently asked question: what is the price of a private dinner cruise in Amsterdam? The answer depends on several factors: group size, the duration of the cruise, the type of package, and any specific requests on board.
As a general guideline, you can expect the following prices:
- Drinks cruise: approximately €50 to €60 per person (1.5 to 2 hours)
- High tea cruise: approximately €75 to €80 per person (2 hours)
- Walking dinner on board: approximately €110 to €120 per person (3 hours)
- Three-course dinner: approximately €120 to €130 per person (3 to 4 hours)
These prices are based on a group of approximately 50 people. For smaller or larger groups, the price per person may vary. Important to note: when you hire a private boat for a dinner in Amsterdam, the boat is entirely yours, including the skipper and host. There are no other guests on board.
Looking to hire a salon boat for an intimate private dinner? Visit our page on private dining in Amsterdam for more details and inspiration.
5: All-inclusive cruise with a culinary themed dinner
For groups who want everything taken care of, the all-inclusive themed dinner package is an excellent choice. Everything is included: the boat, the skipper, the host, the food, the drinks, and optional entertainment. All you have to do is enjoy yourself.
A culinary themed dinner can take many forms: an Italian evening, an Asian buffet, a barbecue on board, or a classic Dutch menu. The details are determined in consultation, ensuring it perfectly matches the atmosphere you want to create. This makes it a popular choice for Christmas parties, departmental dinners, and anniversaries.
The all-inclusive nature brings peace of mind when it comes to organization. No separate invoices, no coordination between different suppliers, and no surprises afterward. That is exactly what many organizers are looking for when planning a special evening without the headache.
How to choose the right dinner cruise package
With so many options available, it helps to answer a few questions before making a decision:
- How large is the group? Small groups fit comfortably on a salon boat; larger groups require more space.
- What is the purpose? Networking and team building call for a different atmosphere than a formal client dinner.
- What time works best? During the day, early evening, or a late dinner cruise?
- What is the budget? Set a rough amount per person in advance so you can quickly compare the right options.
- How much do you want to arrange yourself? If you’re short on time, opt for an all-inclusive package.
A good provider will think along with you and help you put together the package that best fits your situation. It doesn’t have to be complicated.
How Rederij de Nederlanden can help with dinner cruise packages in Amsterdam
At Rederij de Nederlanden, we have been organizing dinner cruise packages in Amsterdam for over twenty years for corporate groups, associations, and special occasions. We offer multiple catering formats on board: from a served three-course menu and walking dinner to a buffet and high tea. The boat is always exclusively private for your group — no other guests on board.
- Capacity from 10 to more than 1,000 people (multiple boats can be combined)
- Fully all-inclusive packages including skipper, host, food, and drinks
- Flexible arrangements: choose a standard package or put together a tailor-made option
- Electric boats for a quiet, relaxed cruising experience on the canals
- Over twenty years of experience with corporate groups and MICE events
- One point of contact for the entire organization
Rederij de Nederlanden is an official partner of Amsterdam Marketing and is highly recommended on Tripadvisor. Read more about who we are and what drives us, or request a quote directly. Send us an inquiry and we will get back to you promptly with a suitable proposal for your dinner cruise in Amsterdam.