What is an all-inclusive dinner cruise in Amsterdam?

  • Thomas van Loon
  • 🕐 6 min leestijd

An all-inclusive dinner cruise in Amsterdam is exactly what the name promises: you step on board, enjoy a complete dining experience while sailing along the canals, and don’t have to worry about a thing. No hassle with reservations, no separate bills, no transportation headaches. Just pure enjoyment. But what exactly does such a package include, what does it cost, and who is it actually suited for? We’ll walk you through it step by step.

What is included in an all-inclusive dinner cruise?

An all-inclusive dinner cruise is all about a hassle-free experience. You pay a fixed price per person and everything is taken care of: the vessel, the captain, the food, the drinks, and the service on board. But what that food actually consists of varies by provider and package.

The most common catering formats on a dinner cruise are:

  • Walking dinner: multiple courses served while standing or mingling, ideal for a sociable mix of dining and networking
  • Served three-course dinner: a classic starter, main course, and dessert at the table, with a choice menu or set menu
  • On-board buffet: guests serve themselves, creating a relaxed and informal atmosphere
  • Drinks and appetizers: more of a drinks cruise than a dinner, but also popular as a lighthearted evening option

With a truly all-inclusive package, drinks are also included — think beer, wine, soft drinks, and sometimes a welcome drink upon arrival. Some providers charge drinks separately, so always check this in advance. A host or hostess on board, audiovisual equipment, and optional entertainment may also be part of the package.

How much does an all-inclusive dinner cruise in Amsterdam cost?

The price of a dinner cruise in Amsterdam depends on the type of package, the group size, and the duration of the cruise. As a general guideline, you can expect the following prices per person (based on a group of approximately 50 people):

  • Drinks cruise (1.5 to 2 hours): from approximately €50 to €60 per person
  • Walking dinner (3 hours): from approximately €110 to €120 per person
  • Three-course dinner (3 to 4 hours): from approximately €120 to €130 per person
  • High tea cruise (2 hours): from approximately €75 to €80 per person

The larger the group, the more favorable the price per person tends to be. For corporate groups or events with a specific budget, it is always a good idea to request a custom quote. Browse our packages for a complete overview of what is available.

What is the difference between a dinner cruise and a regular canal tour?

A regular canal tour in Amsterdam is primarily focused on sightseeing. You sail past the most beautiful canals, listen to an audio guide or captain, and step back ashore after an hour. Enjoyable, but fairly passive.

A dinner cruise in Amsterdam is an entirely different experience. It’s not about the route — it’s about the experience on board. The boat is the venue, the stage, the conversation space. You share a meal, raise a glass together, and are quite literally in the same boat on the water. That creates a sense of connection that is hard to replicate in a restaurant or conference room.

Moreover, a private dinner cruise is exclusively for your group. No other guests on board, no shared tables, no strangers listening in. That makes it ideal for corporate purposes as well as personal celebrations.

What occasions is a dinner cruise suitable for?

A canal cruise with dinner in Amsterdam suits more occasions than you might think. The most popular include:

  • Corporate outings and team building: an evening together on the water strengthens team bonds in a way that a bowling night or escape room simply cannot match
  • Christmas parties and year-end gatherings: December is the busiest season for dinner cruises, partly thanks to the Amsterdam Light Festival
  • Conferences and MICE events: a dinner cruise works excellently as a networking dinner or closing event for a conference day, including for groups departing from the RAI or the Scheepvaartmuseum
  • Anniversaries, weddings, and birthdays: a special milestone deserves a special venue
  • Client relations and customer days: welcoming clients on the water leaves an unforgettable impression

For a corporate outing on the water, a dinner cruise is one of the most complete options available: transportation, venue, catering, and entertainment are all combined in a single package.

How do you book an all-inclusive dinner cruise for a large group?

Booking for a large group requires a little more preparation than reserving a table at a restaurant. Here are the steps involved:

  1. Determine your group size and budget before getting in touch. The larger the group, the more vessels may be required.
  2. Choose the type of package: do you want a walking dinner, a fully served dinner, or drinks with appetizers?
  3. Check availability early enough. Popular periods such as September, October, and December fill up quickly. For groups of 50 or more, it is wise to book two to three months in advance.
  4. Request a custom quote. Large groups always require a tailored approach: specific dietary requirements, a customized program, entertainment, or a particular route.
  5. Confirm the booking in writing and make sure all details — such as start time, boarding location, and menu options — are clearly agreed upon.

For groups too large to fit on a single vessel, multiple boats can be combined so that the entire group sails and dines together.

How Rederij de Nederlanden can help with an all-inclusive dinner cruise in Amsterdam

Rederij de Nederlanden specializes in private dinner cruises for groups, from small gatherings to large corporate events. We offer multiple catering formats on board, from a walking dinner and buffet to a fully served three-course dinner with a choice menu. The entire boat is always reserved exclusively for your group, with no other guests on board.

  • Capacity for 10 to over 1,000 guests through our fleet and partner operators
  • Multiple packages with fixed all-inclusive prices per person
  • Experienced captains, hosts, and service staff on board
  • Fully electric vessels for a quiet, relaxed cruising experience
  • Sailing area: Amsterdam’s canals, the Amstel, the IJ, and the surrounding region (Zaanse Schans, Volendam, Muiden)
  • A single point of contact throughout the entire process, from quote to departure

Rederij de Nederlanden has been working with corporate groups for over ten years and knows exactly what it takes to make an evening on the water a success. Read more about who we are and what drives us, or request a quote directly through our request page and we will put together a tailored package for you.

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