What are 5 tips for a successful drinks cruise in Amsterdam?

  • Thomas van Loon
  • 🕐 6 min leestijd

A successful drinks cruise in Amsterdam starts with good preparation. The five most important tips are: choose the right boat size for your group, book early enough (especially during busy periods), choose a route that matches the atmosphere you want, arrange catering that fits the program, and select a charter company that takes care of everything. Below, we elaborate on each tip so you can organize a drinks cruise that everyone will be talking about for a long time.

How many people can fit on a drinks boat in Amsterdam?

On Amsterdam’s canals, each boat can accommodate a maximum of 60 people. This is due to the width of the canals and the safety regulations that apply to them. For larger groups, you can combine multiple boats, allowing you to be on the water with 100, 200, or even more than 1,000 people.

With us, groups of 10 to 60 people travel comfortably on a single boat. Do you have a group of more than 60 people? Then we deploy multiple boats sailing simultaneously, sometimes following the same route and sometimes with a separate program per boat. This way, every group retains the intimate atmosphere of a private cruise, while the overall event can still be organized on a grand scale.

Would you like to sail outside the canals — for example, toward the IJ or further into the region? Larger vessels are available that can accommodate more than 100 people on a single boat. That makes renting a drinks boat in Amsterdam easy to arrange even for very large groups.

When determining the boat size, also consider how you want to use the space. A standing drinks reception requires different space than a seated dinner. Discuss this in advance with the charter company so the boat suits both the program and the atmosphere you have in mind.

When is the best time to book a drinks boat in Amsterdam?

The best periods for a drinks boat in Amsterdam are spring (April through June) and early fall (September and October). The weather is pleasant, the canals are at their most beautiful, and the mood on board is immediately great. December is also popular, particularly because of the Amsterdam Light Festival, where you sail past illuminated artworks in the evening.

Booking during one of these periods? Then it’s wise to reserve at least eight to twelve weeks in advance. Popular dates fill up quickly, especially on Fridays and in the lead-up to the holidays. Waiting too long risks losing your preferred date or boat size.

During the quieter months (November, January, February, and March), there is more flexibility. You can sometimes book on shorter notice and more often have a choice of multiple dates. Some charter companies also offer more attractive rates during the low season.

A practical tip: if you need a specific day for a corporate drinks event — for example, just before the Christmas holidays — get in touch with the charter company as early as possible. That way, you’ll quickly know where you stand and can organize the rest of your planning around it.

What are the best routes for a drinks boat through Amsterdam?

The classic canal tour along the Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht is the most requested route for a drinks boat in Amsterdam. You sail past historic canal houses, narrow bridges, and characteristic corners of the city. This works well for both Amsterdam locals and guests who are less familiar with the city.

In addition to the canals, there are routes along the Amstel and the IJ. The Amstel route offers a quieter, almost rural feel and is popular with groups looking for something different from the busy city center. The IJ provides open space and an industrial harbor landscape, with views of the NDSM Wharf, Central Station, and the new urban development on the opposite bank.

For a completely different experience, you can also opt for a cruise outside Amsterdam — think the Zaanse Schans, Volendam, or the IJsselmeer. Our larger vessels have a wider sailing range than most Amsterdam charter companies, making it easy to combine these types of trips with drinks or dinner on board.

The best route depends on the duration of the cruise, the composition of the group, and the purpose of the event. A one-and-a-half-hour cruise pairs well with a classic canal tour. A longer day or evening calls for a route with more variety or a destination outside the city.

What catering options are available for a drinks boat in Amsterdam?

For a drinks boat in Amsterdam, several catering formats are available, ranging from simple appetizers to a fully served multi-course dinner. The most popular option for a corporate drinks event is a drinks cruise with snacks and beverages, with the emphasis on informal interaction and a relaxed atmosphere.

Want more than just drinks? There are also packages that include a walking dinner, where multiple courses are served while guests mingle and move around. A buffet on board works well for larger groups who prefer a flexible dining experience. And for a more formal event, a fully served three-course dinner with a set menu is also an option.

With us, the boat is always exclusively reserved for your group. This means the catering can be fully tailored to the group’s preferences, without having to account for other guests on board. It also makes it easier to incorporate dietary requirements, allergies, or a specific theme into the menu.

An overview of the most popular catering formats for a corporate drinks event on the water:

  • Drinks cruise: appetizers and beverages, informal atmosphere, 1.5 to 2 hours
  • Walking dinner: multiple courses, eaten standing, 3 hours
  • Buffet on board: flexible and suitable for larger groups
  • Three-course dinner: fully served, more formal, 3 to 4 hours
  • High tea cruise: afternoon arrangement with sweet and savory items

Discuss in advance how much time you have available and what atmosphere you’re aiming for. That largely determines which catering format best fits the program.

What should you look for when choosing a charter company for a corporate drinks event?

When choosing a charter company for a corporate drinks event in Amsterdam, there are several practical points that make a real difference. It’s not just about the boat itself, but also about the surrounding service, flexibility, and experience with business groups.

At a minimum, pay attention to the following:

  • Private cruise or shared vessel: some charter companies sell individual tickets and place groups together with other guests on one boat. For a corporate drinks event, you want the boat to yourselves. Always choose a charter company that exclusively offers private cruises and never sells individual tickets.
  • Experience with business groups: a charter company with experience in corporate events will think along with you about the program, timing, and logistics. This saves you, as the organizer, a great deal of time and stress.
  • Capacity and fleet: check whether the charter company has the right boat size for your group and whether options are available if the group turns out to be larger or smaller than planned.
  • All-inclusive packages: a charter company that combines catering, skipper, host, and bar in a single package makes the organization considerably simpler. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying and what’s been arranged, all in advance.
  • Accessibility and communication: how quickly does the charter company respond to questions? Do you have a dedicated point of contact? This is important if you need to make last-minute changes.

A good charter company thinks along with you and takes care of the details, so you can focus on your guests. That’s what truly hassle-free service means in practice.

How Rederij De Nederlanden helps with a drinks boat in Amsterdam

We organize private cruises for businesses and groups in Amsterdam, with more than ten years of experience in the corporate market. Our boats are always exclusively reserved for your group: no other guests, no shared vessel — just your own program on the water. Here are the key benefits at a glance:

  • Groups of 10 to 60 people per boat, with multiple boats combinable for larger events
  • Fully electric fleet: quiet, clean, and relaxed sailing through Amsterdam’s canals
  • Multiple catering formats available: from drinks and appetizers and walking dinners to a fully served dinner
  • All-inclusive packages with skipper, host, bar, and catering in one package
  • Wide sailing range: in addition to the canals, also the IJ, the Amstel, and destinations outside Amsterdam
  • One dedicated point of contact from booking to departure

Want to know what we can do for you? Read more about us or request a no-obligation quote. We’d love to help you find the best setup for your drinks boat in Amsterdam.

Also check out our options for renting a boat or explore the packages offered by Rederij De Nederlanden for more inspiration.

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