What catering options does a dinner cruise in Amsterdam offer?

  • Thomas van Loon
  • 🕐 6 min leestijd

At a dinner cruise in Amsterdam, you get catering that is fully tailored to the occasion — from a plated three-course dinner to a walking dinner or a drinks-and-bites buffet. Most providers work with fixed packages, but with a private boat you can largely customize the catering to your needs. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about food and drink on the water.

What kinds of meals are served on a dinner cruise?

On a dinner cruise in Amsterdam, various types of meals are offered depending on the package you choose. The most common options are a plated three-course dinner, a walking dinner where guests mingle and sample small dishes, or a drinks-and-bites buffet. The choice depends on the atmosphere you want to create and how long the cruise lasts.

A three-course dinner suits a formal corporate dinner or an anniversary, where guests are seated and each course is served at the table. A walking dinner is popular for corporate outings where connection and interaction take center stage: guests move around, meet one another, and sample a variety of dishes. A drinks-and-bites buffet or cocktail cruise is shorter in duration and ideal if you want to combine an informal gathering with a trip through the canals.

We offer all of these catering formats on board. The boat is always reserved exclusively for your group, which means the catering and pace are entirely tailored to your wishes.

What is the difference between a buffet and a dinner cruise?

The difference lies in the way the food is served and the atmosphere that comes with it. With a buffet, guests serve themselves and have more freedom in what they eat and when. With a dinner cruise, courses are served at the table at set times, much like a restaurant experience. Both options work well on a boat, but they suit different types of occasions.

A buffet works well when you want guests to move around, strike up conversations, and keep the evening informal. It is also practical for larger groups, where serving individual plates becomes logistically more complex. A dinner cruise with plated courses is better suited to a formal dinner, a client event, or an occasion where you want guests seated at the table.

With a private dining experience on the water, you combine the best of both worlds: the exclusivity of your own boat with the freedom to choose a catering format that suits your group.

Can catering on a boat be adapted to dietary requirements?

Yes, catering on a boat can be adapted to common dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or halal. This is especially the case when you book a private boat where the catering is put together specifically for your group. With shared cruises, the options are more limited because the menu is prepared for all guests at the same time.

It is important to communicate dietary requirements well in advance so that the caterer or kitchen staff can take them into account. With a private boat, this is easier to arrange than with a public cruise, since the menu is tailored specifically to your group. When booking, always indicate how many guests have a specific dietary requirement so that sufficient alternatives are available.

Keep in mind that a boat has a smaller kitchen than a restaurant, which means the options are somewhat more limited than on land. That said, most common requirements can be accommodated well, especially with good preparation.

Are drinks included in a dinner cruise package?

With most dinner cruise packages, drinks are included, but this varies by provider and by package. Some packages include an open bar for the entire cruise, while others offer a welcome drink or drinks with the meal and charge additional consumption separately. Always check exactly what is included in the package before you book.

With an all-inclusive package, wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are typically included. More expensive wines, champagne, or specialty cocktails sometimes fall outside the package. For corporate groups, an open bar is often the logical choice, as it keeps the evening straightforward and guests do not need to pay for individual drinks.

With our packages, drinks are included as standard. Whether you choose a cocktail cruise, a walking dinner, or a three-course dinner, you know exactly what you will pay in advance and there are no surprises afterward.

How does catering work for a large corporate group on a boat?

For a large corporate group, catering on a boat works best when you choose a format that scales well, such as a walking dinner or a drinks-and-bites buffet. For groups of more than 60 people, multiple boats are deployed sailing simultaneously, each with its own catering and crew. This ensures that the level of service remains high on every vessel.

The logistics of catering for large groups require thorough preparation. Think about the number of dietary requirements, the timing of the courses, and the layout on board. For a corporate outing on the water, it is helpful to designate a single point of contact who communicates the group’s preferences to the organizer.

For larger groups, a walking dinner is often the most practical choice: guests stand and move around, making better use of the space on board while naturally encouraging interaction among colleagues. A plated sit-down dinner requires more space per person and is therefore better suited to smaller groups.

What does catering cost for a dinner cruise in Amsterdam?

The cost of catering for a dinner cruise in Amsterdam varies depending on the type of package, the group size, and the duration of the cruise. As a general indication: a cocktail cruise with snacks typically costs between €50 and €60 per person, a walking dinner is around €110 to €120 per person, and a three-course dinner averages between €120 and €130 per person. These prices include the boat, skipper, and catering.

Group size affects the price per person: with larger groups, the per-person price generally decreases. The price indications mentioned above are based on a group of approximately 50 people. For smaller or larger groups, the price may differ.

It is also useful to know exactly what is included in the price. With an all-inclusive package, you pay a single amount per person and the boat, skipper, catering, and drinks are all included. This makes budgeting straightforward, especially for corporate groups that need a clear overview of costs in advance.

How Rederij De Nederlanden helps with catering on the water

At Rederij De Nederlanden, we provide complete dinner cruise packages in Amsterdam, fully tailored to your group. Whether it is an informal cocktail cruise or a plated three-course dinner, the boat is always exclusively reserved for your group. No other guests, no shared tables — just your group on the water.

  • Multiple catering formats: walking dinner, drinks-and-bites buffet, three-course dinner, or high tea, depending on the occasion
  • All-inclusive packages: boat, skipper, catering, and drinks in one price per person
  • Custom solutions for corporate groups: from 10 to more than 400 people, spread across multiple boats if needed
  • Dietary requirements: let us know in advance and we will make sure everyone is well taken care of
  • One point of contact: we handle everything, from the catering to the route through the canals

Want to learn more about who we are and how we work? Find out more on our about us page. Or request a quote directly through our contact page and discuss your wishes with us. We are happy to help you find the perfect package for your group.

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