What do you eat on a dinner cruise in Amsterdam?

  • Thomas van Loon
  • 🕐 6 min leestijd

A dinner cruise in Amsterdam might sound like something reserved for a special occasion, but more and more companies and groups are choosing it as their go-to format for an evening that truly delivers. But what do you actually eat on board? And what makes a dinner cruise in Amsterdam different from a regular restaurant dinner? In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions so you know exactly what to expect.

What exactly is a dinner cruise in Amsterdam?

An Amsterdam dinner cruise is a dining experience that takes place on board a boat as it glides through Amsterdam’s canals. You’re not seated at a fixed location — you enjoy your meal while the city drifts past you. The combination of great food, a warm atmosphere, and views of the illuminated canals creates an experience that simply can’t be replicated in a restaurant.

What makes a dinner cruise in Amsterdam so special is the setting. Your entire group has the boat to themselves — no other guests joining you. That naturally creates an intimate, relaxed atmosphere. There’s no rush, no queue at the bar, and no other tables interrupting your conversation. The boat is yours.

What dishes are served on a dinner cruise?

This depends entirely on the package you choose. A dinner cruise menu typically comes in three popular formats:

  • Walking dinner: Guests mingle while small bites are served. Ideal for groups who want to network and move around freely.
  • Buffet on board: Everyone helps themselves, creating an informal and sociable atmosphere. Popular for corporate outings and team-building events.
  • Plated three-course dinner: A full sit-down menu with a starter, main course, and dessert, served at the table. Think restaurant quality — but on the water.

The dishes themselves vary by package and season. Expect seasonal ingredients, Dutch classics with a modern twist, or an international menu. Drinks are included in most packages, from wine and beer to soft drinks and coffee after dinner.

Want to get an idea of what’s available? Browse our dinner cruise packages and other boat trips for a complete overview of what’s possible on board.

What’s the difference between a dinner cruise and a drinks cruise?

A fair question, as the two are often confused. The difference comes down to intensity and duration:

  • A drinks cruise typically lasts one and a half to two hours. Snacks and drinks are served, and it’s more of an informal networking event or a festive start to the evening.
  • A dinner cruise lasts three to four hours and centers around a full meal. It’s a complete evening on the water, from welcome drink to dessert.

Some groups combine both: a drinks round on the water followed by a plated dinner. That’s absolutely possible, and is actually one of the better options for a corporate evening that truly stands out.

How many people can join a dinner cruise?

The size of your group determines which vessel suits you best. On Amsterdam’s canals, a maximum of 60 people per boat applies due to the width of the waterways. For larger groups, multiple boats are deployed simultaneously, so everyone is on the water at the same time but on their own vessel. This allows groups of 400 or more to cruise together.

Traveling with a smaller group of 10 to 30 people? A compact salon boat or city tender is a perfect fit. Larger groups of 60 to 150 people can sail on one of our more spacious vessels. All boats are fully electric, meaning there’s no engine noise and you can hold a normal conversation at the table.

For a canal dinner cruise in Amsterdam with a group, we recommend booking well in advance — especially if you have a specific date in mind. More on that later in this article.

Can you fully customize a dinner cruise?

Absolutely. One of the greatest advantages of hiring a boat with dinner in Amsterdam is the flexibility. You can choose from set packages, or work with us to put together a fully tailored evening. Options include:

  • A specific theme or dress code
  • A customized menu for dietary requirements or allergies
  • Live music or entertainment on board
  • A specific route, for example along the Amstel or toward the IJ
  • Combinations with other activities before or after the cruise

With private dining on the water, the boat is entirely yours. No other guests, no shared spaces, and no compromises on the menu. That makes it ideal for business dinners, anniversaries, or any occasion where you want everything to be just right.

When should you book a dinner cruise for a group?

The sooner, the better. The busiest periods for a dinner cruise in Amsterdam are April through June, September and October, and December during the Amsterdam Light Festival. Availability fills up fastest during those months, especially for larger groups requiring multiple boats.

As a general guideline:

  • Small groups (up to 30 people): book at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance
  • Medium-sized groups (30 to 100 people): book at least 2 to 3 months in advance
  • Large groups (100+ people): ideally 3 to 6 months in advance, especially during peak season

Outside peak season — such as November or January — there’s more availability and flexibility. This can also be financially attractive, as some packages are priced more competitively during those months.

How Rederij de Nederlanden helps you plan your dinner cruise in Amsterdam

Rederij de Nederlanden specializes in organizing dinner cruises for groups in Amsterdam and the surrounding area. Whether you’re planning an intimate business dinner for 20 or a large corporate evening for 300, we handle everything from start to finish. Here’s what you can expect from us:

  • Choice of catering formats: walking dinner, buffet, or plated three-course dinner
  • Fully private: your group has the boat to themselves, with no other guests
  • Scalable: from 10 to over 400 people, with multiple boats if needed
  • All-inclusive packages with a fixed price per person, covering food, drinks, and crew
  • Fully customizable, including theme, menu, and entertainment
  • Electric boats for a quiet, relaxed cruising experience
  • Experienced skippers and hosts to ensure the evening runs smoothly

Rederij de Nederlanden has been a trusted partner for corporate groups and special occasions on the water for over 10 years. Learn more about who we are and what drives us, or get started right away and request a no-obligation quote for your dinner cruise.

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