What are the differences between a private boat trip and a shared wedding cruise?

  • Thomas van Loon
  • 🕐 6 min leestijd

Getting married in Amsterdam on the water is a dream that more and more couples are turning into reality. But as soon as you start planning, you quickly run into a practical question: do you go for a private cruise or a shared wedding cruise? It might sound like a minor detail, but it makes a world of difference when it comes to atmosphere, budget, and the freedom you have on your big day. In this article, we lay everything out clearly.

What is the difference between a private cruise and a shared wedding cruise?

The answer is exactly what you’d expect. With a private cruise, the entire boat is reserved exclusively for your group. No strangers on board, no shared spaces, no compromises. The route, the timing, the menu, and the atmosphere are tailored entirely to you.

A shared wedding cruise means you sail on the same boat as other guests or even other couples. This is a concept offered by some providers, where you share a few hours with other participants at a lower price per person. The advantage is the reduced cost, but the downside is obvious: it’s your day, and you’d rather not share it with strangers.

At Rederij de Nederlanden, we work exclusively with private groups. We do not offer single tickets or shared cruises. That’s a deliberate choice: a wedding deserves full attention and personalized service, without other guests wandering into the frame during the first dance or the toast.

What boat options are available for a wedding in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has many boat operators, but not every operator has vessels large enough for a full wedding. Most providers have small rowboats or compact salon boats, suitable for a maximum of 12 to 20 people. That works well for an intimate dinner, but not for a wedding with 60, 80, or even 150 guests.

We are one of the few operators in Amsterdam with boats large enough for a complete wedding. Our fleet ranges from atmospheric canal barges and comfortable city tenders to classic salon boats available for hire in Amsterdam, suitable for groups of 12 to 175 people. All boats run on electric power, so the only sound you’ll hear is the gentle lapping of the water.

When is a private cruise the best choice for a wedding?

Almost always — but especially in the following situations:

  • You want complete control over the program, timing, and menu
  • Your group is larger than 20 people
  • You want to create a personal moment, such as a ceremony or speeches on board
  • You’re combining the cruise with a dinner, high tea, or custom drinks reception
  • You want the atmosphere to perfectly match your wedding style

A private cruise also gives you the freedom to depart when it suits you, sail a little longer if the mood calls for it, or choose a specific route past Amsterdam’s most beautiful spots. Our skippers know the canals like the back of their hand and know exactly which route makes the greatest impression.

What are the cost differences between a private cruise and a shared wedding cruise?

A shared cruise may seem cheaper, but the comparison is less straightforward than it appears. With a shared cruise, you pay less per person, but you have no say over the program, the catering, or the atmosphere. For a wedding, that’s rarely an acceptable trade-off.

With a private cruise, you pay for the exclusivity of the entire boat along with the service that comes with it. The price depends on the size of the boat, the duration of the cruise, and the package you choose. Browse our packages for a clear overview of the options and corresponding price ranges. As a general guide: a drinks cruise starts at around 50 to 60 euros per person, while a full dinner on board comes in between 120 and 130 euros per person.

How many guests can join a wedding cruise in Amsterdam?

That depends on the boat and the route. On Amsterdam’s canals, there is a maximum of 60 people per boat. For larger weddings, we can combine multiple boats so the entire group travels together. For weddings with 100 guests or more, we deploy our larger vessels, which can also sail beyond the canals.

Group size Suitable option Sailing area
12 to 30 people Salon boat or city tender Amsterdam canals
30 to 60 people Larger salon boat or canal barge Canals, Amstel, IJ
60 to 175 people Large vessel or combination of boats IJ, Zaanse Schans, IJsselmeer

What packages are included with a wedding cruise?

A wedding cruise in Amsterdam is much more than just a boat ride. You can choose from a variety of catering options, all fully tailored to your wishes:

  • Drinks and canapés for an informal celebration after the ceremony
  • High tea for an elegant afternoon on the water
  • Walking dinner for a dynamic and sociable dining experience on board
  • Plated three-course menu for a formal dinner cruise
  • Buffet for larger groups where everyone chooses at their own pace

All boats are provided with a skipper and a host or hostess included. You won’t have to worry about a thing — just enjoy the day.

How Rederij de Nederlanden helps with your wedding cruise in Amsterdam

Rederij de Nederlanden is one of the few operators in Amsterdam with a fleet large enough for a complete wedding. We work exclusively with private groups, so your day is truly yours. Whether it’s an intimate cruise for 20 guests or a grand celebration for 150 people, we take care of everything from start to finish.

  • Choice of multiple boat types, from salon boat to large vessel
  • Full catering on board, from drinks reception to plated dinner
  • Skipper, host or hostess, and full service included
  • Custom route, timing, and program
  • Experience with weddings of 12 to 175 people
  • Electric boats for a quiet, relaxed experience

Want to find out what we can do for your wedding? Read more about who we are and what sets us apart, or request a quote directly for your wedding cruise in Amsterdam. We’d love to think it through with you.

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