A night out with your team or business relations, but with a twist. No standard restaurant, no meeting room with drinks on the side — instead, dining while Amsterdam glides past you. That is exactly what a dinner cruise in Amsterdam offers. Whether you are looking for an original corporate outing, a special dinner for a group, or simply want to know what it involves, this article walks you through it step by step.
What is a dinner cruise in Amsterdam?
An Amsterdam dinner cruise is a dining experience that takes place on a boat as you sail through the Amsterdam canals. You are not eating at a restaurant on the waterfront, but right in the middle of the water, surrounded by canal houses, bridges, and the unique city skyline of Amsterdam. The boat is reserved exclusively for your group, so you can enjoy the evening in complete peace and privacy. That is what sets a dinner cruise apart from a regular canal tour: it is not about sightseeing, but about connection, good company, and a great meal.
A canal cruise with dinner in Amsterdam typically lasts three to four hours — plenty of time to dine at leisure, catch up, and soak in the atmosphere on the water.
What happens during a dinner cruise in Amsterdam?
Once everyone is on board, you set off into the canals. Depending on the package you choose, dinner is served during the cruise. Options include a walking dinner where guests mingle and help themselves to appetizers, a fully served three-course dinner at the table, or a buffet where everyone builds their own plate. There is always a bar on board and a host to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Want to make it extra special? That is entirely possible. Think live music, a quiz, a DJ, or another form of entertainment. The evening is fully customizable to your preferences. Your group is literally together on the boat, creating a relaxed atmosphere and genuine interaction — something that is much harder to achieve in an ordinary restaurant or event venue.
What does a dinner cruise in Amsterdam cost?
The price of an Amsterdam dinner cruise depends on the type of package, the group size, and the duration of the cruise. To give you an idea, below is an overview of typical price ranges based on a group of fifty people:
| Package | Duration | Estimated price per person |
|---|---|---|
| Drinks cruise | 1.5 to 2 hours | €50 to €60 |
| High tea cruise | 2 hours | €75 to €80 |
| Walking dinner | 3 hours | €110 to €120 |
| Three-course dinner | 3 to 4 hours | €120 to €130 |
The price always includes the skipper, host, and use of the boat. Drinks and catering depend on the chosen package. View our dinner cruise packages for a complete overview of what is included.
What is the difference between a dinner cruise and a drinks cruise?
A drinks cruise is shorter, more informal, and centered around snacks and drinks. It is ideal if you want to organize a networking event, an after-work gathering, or an informal team get-together. An Amsterdam dinner cruise takes things a step further: you sit down at the table, multiple courses are served, and the evening is longer and more elaborate in its setup.
Both options have their own appeal. A drinks cruise works well when you want a lively, energetic evening. A dinner cruise is better suited to occasions where you really want to take the time to enjoy each other’s company — such as a corporate outing with dinner, an anniversary, or a farewell for a colleague.
How many people can join a dinner cruise in Amsterdam?
This varies by boat and sailing area. On the Amsterdam canals, boats can accommodate up to sixty people, due to the width of the canals and the bridges. For larger groups, multiple boats are combined, allowing parties of one hundred, two hundred, or more to be on the water together. For groups who want to sail outside the canals — for example on the Amstel, the IJ, or the wider Amsterdam region — larger vessels are available that can carry more passengers.
Looking to rent a boat in Amsterdam for a large group? It is wise to book early, especially during the busy months of April through June and in September and October.
How do you book a dinner cruise in Amsterdam for a group?
It is best to book as early as possible, especially for groups of twenty or more. Popular dates in spring and autumn fill up quickly. Keep the following steps in mind:
- Determine your group size and budget before getting in touch.
- Choose the type of package that suits the occasion, from a drinks cruise to a three-course dinner.
- Share your preferences, such as dietary requirements, entertainment, departure location, or a specific route.
- Confirm the booking with a reservation and receive a tailored quote.
- Leave the rest to the organizers, so you can simply enjoy the evening itself.
Many corporate event planners deliberately choose a dinner cruise because it takes the hassle out of organizing. You have a single point of contact, everything is taken care of, and you do not need to think about transportation, venue, and catering as separate concerns.
How Rederij de Nederlanden helps with a dinner cruise in Amsterdam
Rederij de Nederlanden organizes dinner cruises in Amsterdam for groups of ten to over a thousand people. We offer multiple catering formats on board, from a walking dinner and buffet to a fully served three-course dinner with a set menu. The boat is always exclusively reserved for your group, with no other guests on board. This allows you to create a private dinner on the water that you will not find anywhere else in Amsterdam.
- Boats for groups of ten to sixty people on the canals, with the option to combine multiple boats for larger parties
- Fully catered packages including skipper, host, catering, and bar
- Fully customizable: route, menu, entertainment, and departure location tailored to your wishes
- More than twenty years of experience with corporate groups and business outings in Amsterdam
- A single point of contact for the entire organization, from quote to execution
Want to find out what we can do for your group? Read more about who we are or request a quote directly and we will be happy to think along with you.
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