A dinner cruise in Amsterdam offers packages ranging from a walking dinner and a three-course meal to a drinks cruise or high tea on the water. Most providers work with fixed packages per person, though the content and duration vary considerably depending on the format. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about dinner cruises in Amsterdam, from capacity and costs to the best time to book.
What are the most popular packages for a dinner cruise in Amsterdam?
The most in-demand packages for a dinner cruise in Amsterdam are the walking dinner cruise, the three-course dinner on board, and the drinks cruise with appetizers. Each package has its own atmosphere, duration, and price, making it easy to tailor to the occasion and the group.
Below is an overview of the most common catering formats on the water:
- Drinks cruise: appetizers and drinks on board, ideal as a light opener or closing event. Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours. Estimated price: €50 to €60 per person.
- Walking dinner: multiple courses served while standing, encouraging more movement and interaction among guests. Duration: approximately 3 hours. Estimated price: €110 to €120 per person.
- Three-course dinner: a plated menu served at the table, with a starter, main course, and dessert. Duration: 3 to 4 hours. Estimated price: €120 to €130 per person.
- High tea cruise: a curated high tea with savory and sweet bites, popular as an afternoon program. Duration: approximately 2 hours. Estimated price: €75 to €80 per person.
The prices above are estimates based on a group of approximately 50 people. For smaller or larger groups, the price per person may differ. All packages include a skipper and fully catered service on board.
How many people can join a dinner cruise in Amsterdam?
Dinner cruise groups in Amsterdam can range from around 10 to more than 150 people, depending on the vessel. On Amsterdam’s canals, a maximum capacity of 60 people per boat applies due to the width of the waterways. For larger groups, multiple boats are combined.
We have a fleet of 10 privately owned boats and work with partner shipping companies, allowing us to accommodate groups of more than 1,000 people. This makes a dinner cruise a suitable program element for conferences, staff parties, or large corporate events. Smaller salon boats are ideal for intimate groups of 10 to 30 people, while larger vessels offer space for more extensive parties.
Traveling with a group of more than 60 people? We arrange multiple boats that travel together, ensuring everyone has the same experience and your group operates as one.
What is the difference between a private dinner and an all-inclusive dinner cruise?
The difference lies in exclusivity and the way costs are structured. With a private dinner on the water, you rent the entire boat for your group, with no other guests on board. An all-inclusive dinner cruise works with a fixed price per person that covers food, drinks, and the boat trip.
We exclusively offer private cruises. This means the boat is always reserved entirely for your group, regardless of which package you choose. You will never share the boat with other guests or groups. Many other providers in Amsterdam sell individual tickets for shared cruises, where you sit at the table with strangers. That is not how we operate.
An all-inclusive package with us means that catering, drinks, skipper, and hostess are all included in a single price per person. This way, you know exactly what you will pay in advance and there is nothing to book separately. Looking for something more tailored — such as a specific menu or a particular wine selection? We will put together a package based on your preferences.
Can a dinner cruise be combined with a corporate outing or event?
Yes, a dinner cruise pairs excellently with a corporate outing or business event. The combination of sailing, eating, and drinking on a private boat creates a relaxed atmosphere where colleagues naturally fall into conversation. This makes it a popular choice as a team-building activity, end-of-year party, or networking event.
For corporate outings on the water, we offer a variety of combinations. Think of a drinks cruise as the kickoff to a conference day, a walking dinner after a team day, or a dinner cruise as the closing event of a business gathering. We have extensive experience with large MICE groups and can also deploy our vessels as a transfer option between venues, with guests enjoying drinks or dinner along the way.
A boat is also a smart alternative to a bus, especially in Amsterdam where large coaches are increasingly being restricted from the city center. On a boat, everyone is together in one space, which naturally leads to more interaction than in a conference hall or on a terrace.
When is the best time to book a dinner cruise in Amsterdam?
The best periods for a dinner cruise in Amsterdam are April through June and September through October. During these months, the weather is pleasant, the canals are at their most beautiful, and availability is plentiful. December is also popular, particularly because of the Amsterdam Light Festival, but requires early booking.
During the summer months of July and August, the waterways are at their busiest. If you are aiming for a popular date — such as a Friday or Saturday in May or an evening during the light festival in December — book at least two to three months in advance. Companies planning a Christmas dinner or end-of-year drinks in the fall are advised to make their reservation in early autumn.
The good news: a dinner cruise is an attractive option even in the off-season. During the winter months, we sail with heated, enclosed boats, so you can enjoy your time on board comfortably even in November or January. Availability is greater during this period and prices are sometimes more favorable.
How Rederij De Nederlanden helps with a dinner cruise in Amsterdam
We provide fully customized private cruises on the water for groups of 10 to more than 1,000 people. Here is what we offer:
- Exclusive use of the boat: your group always has the boat entirely to itself, with no other guests.
- Multiple catering formats: from drinks cruises and walking dinners to three-course dinners and high teas, all served on board.
- Scalable for large groups: groups of up to 60 on a single boat, larger groups accommodated across multiple combined vessels.
- Tailored solutions for businesses and events: we collaborate with you on the program, catering, and timing.
- Electric fleet: quiet, clean boats that sail Amsterdam’s canals with no exhaust fumes or engine noise.
- All-inclusive packages: one price per person, including skipper, hostess, food, and drinks.
We are one of the few shipping companies in Amsterdam that exclusively offers private cruises and never sells individual tickets. Whether you are looking for an intimate dinner for 20 people or a large corporate event for 300 guests, we put together a package based on your wishes. Get in touch with us and discuss the possibilities with no obligation.
Also explore our on-the-water packages or read more about our lunch cruise in Amsterdam if you would like to sail during the day.
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