During a dinner cruise in Amsterdam, guests are typically served a multi-course menu, a walking dinner, or a buffet, depending on what is agreed upon in advance. The dishes are prepared on board or delivered fresh, and paired with drinks included in the package. Whether you opt for a plated three-course dinner or a casual drinks reception with snacks, food takes center stage while the Amsterdam canals provide the backdrop. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about food and drinks on a dinner cruise.
What type of menu is offered on a dinner cruise?
On a dinner cruise in Amsterdam, there are three common menu formats: a plated multi-course menu, a walking dinner, or a buffet. Which type you choose depends on the atmosphere you want to create, the size of your group, and how formal or informal you want the evening to be.
A three-course dinner is the most classic option. Guests are seated at the table and served a starter and main course, followed by dessert. This works well for business dinners, anniversaries, or other occasions where a relaxed, sit-down meal is the goal. With us, you choose from a set menu compiled in consultation with your group.
A walking dinner is more informal and dynamic. Guests move around, mingle, and pick up small dishes from various stations or are served by staff on board. This format works particularly well for corporate outings where networking and making connections are the focus. On a boat, where your group has the entire space to yourselves, those connections happen naturally.
A buffet falls somewhere in between: guests serve themselves, but remain seated at the table. This is a popular choice for larger groups where you want to offer variety without the evening feeling too formal.
What snacks and drinks are included in a dinner cruise?
A dinner cruise typically includes welcome drinks and appetizers at the start of the journey, followed by drinks served alongside dinner. What exactly is included varies by package and is always agreed upon in advance.
Typical components of the drinks package include beer, wine, soft drinks, and water. More extensive packages also include prosecco on arrival, cocktails, or specially curated wine pairings. Non-alcoholic alternatives are always available.
The appetizers at the start of the cruise are designed to welcome the group and set the mood. Think along the lines of bitterballen, cheese, charcuterie, or seasonal snacks. With a walking dinner, the small dishes replace the traditional starter and form a full part of the meal.
Looking for something specific, such as a particular wine selection, a themed appetizer menu, or a non-alcoholic package? That can always be arranged in consultation. The boat is exclusively reserved for your group, so there is plenty of room to tailor everything to your wishes.
Can the menu be adapted to dietary requirements?
Yes, the menu on a dinner cruise can be adapted to dietary requirements. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other options are almost always possible, provided you notify us in advance. The more time there is to arrange it, the smoother the process.
When putting together the menu, you can share the dietary requirements of your group. These may include:
- Vegetarian or vegan
- Gluten-free or lactose-free
- Nut or shellfish allergies
- Religious dietary requirements such as halal or kosher
The more participants have specific requirements, the more important it is to discuss this early in the planning process. With a private cruise, this is easier to accommodate than on a shared boat trip, as the menu is tailored entirely to your group and there is no need to account for other guests.
What is the difference between a dinner cruise and a high tea cruise?
The main difference between a dinner cruise and a high tea cruise is the time of day and the type of food. A dinner cruise takes place in the evening and features hot dishes, while a high tea cruise takes place during the day and revolves around sweet and savory pastries, sandwiches, and tea.
A high tea cruise typically lasts two hours and is a popular choice for afternoon outings, friends’ get-togethers, team events, or anniversaries. The atmosphere is lighter and less formal than a dinner cruise. It suits groups who want to celebrate something together without it needing to be an evening affair.
A dinner cruise lasts an average of three to four hours and offers a more extensive program. The combination of a multi-course menu, drinks, and the evening ambiance on the water makes it ideal for formal business dinners, Christmas parties, or special occasions.
Looking for something in between? A lunch cruise combines the convenience of a daytime outing with a full meal, and is well suited to business meetings or groups who are not available in the evening.
How is food served while the boat is underway?
Food during a dinner cruise is served by staff on board while the boat is moving. Guests do not need to stop anywhere or disembark. The service team works within the boat itself, making it a unique and intimate experience.
With a plated dinner, it works just like a restaurant: courses are brought out one after another, wine is topped up, and the pace is adjusted to suit the group. With a walking dinner, guests move around the boat and are offered dishes by the staff. With a buffet, the food is set out at a fixed location on board and guests can help themselves whenever they like.
The boats are designed so that serving food while underway works seamlessly. There is ample space for staff to move around, and the electric motor ensures a smooth, stable journey with no vibrations or engine noise. This also makes the experience more pleasant for guests: there is no need to raise your voice to be heard across the table, and the food stays steady.
How Rederij De Nederlanden helps with a dinner cruise in Amsterdam
We offer exclusively private cruises: the boat is always reserved entirely for your group. There are no other guests on board, and the program is tailored entirely to your wishes. Whether you choose a walking dinner, a three-course dinner, or a high tea, we help you figure out what best suits the occasion and the group.
- Multiple catering formats: walking dinner, buffet, plated set menu, or high tea
- Adaptable to dietary requirements: vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and more
- Drinks package included: from welcome drink to wine with dinner
- Groups of 10 to 150 people: for larger groups, we combine multiple boats
- Electric boats: quiet, smooth, and ideal for a relaxed dining experience
- Fully taken care of: captain, host, and service staff are always included
Want to find out what is possible for your group? Read more about who we are and what sets us apart, or request a no-obligation quote so we can put together the perfect package together.