Amsterdam Luxury Open Boat Canal Cruise with Unlimited Drinks

Imagine floating along Amsterdam’s famous waterways, sipping wine or beer, while learning about the city’s sights from a knowledgeable guide. That’s exactly what this Amsterdam Luxury Open Boat Canal Cruise offers—an easy, laid-back way to take in the sights, with the bonus of unlimited drinks and insightful commentary. It’s a tour designed for those who want to combine comfort, a bit of indulgence, and authentic views of one of Europe’s most picturesque cities.

We’re impressed by the relaxed atmosphere this tour creates and the quality of the commentary. The stunning views of historic buildings and modern marvels from the water stand out, making it a great way to see the city without the hustle of crowded streets. However, it’s worth noting that this tour is more about the scenic experience and socializing—not a deep dive into history or architecture—so it suits travelers looking for a casual, enjoyable outing.

This cruise is especially well-suited for adults who enjoy a leisurely pace and a bit of social fun with drinks in hand. If you’re after a cost-effective, informal way to see the canals and hear some interesting tidbits, it could be just right. But if you’re seeking a more educational or intimate experience, you might want to explore other options as well.

Key Points

• Relaxing 1-hour cruise ideal for a quick overview of Amsterdam’s canals.
• Unlimited drinks including beer, wine, and soft drinks, making it a fun social outing.
• Informative live commentary provides interesting insights on the city’s landmarks.
• Beautiful views of 17th-century buildings, modern architecture, and iconic bridges.
• Small group experience (max 30 travelers), ensuring a comfortable, intimate vibe.
• Accessible and convenient meeting point near public transportation.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Tour Overview: A Scenic, Social Journey

This Amsterdam canal cruise lasts roughly one hour and is perfect for those wanting a quick yet memorable glimpse of the city’s waterside charm. The open boat design offers unobstructed views, allowing you to fully enjoy the sights without the feeling of being enclosed or cramped. The electric-powered boat is a thoughtful touch, reducing noise and emissions—good for the environment and your ears.

The tour departs from a central location at the Government of Amsterdam, a spot that’s easy to reach via public transportation, making it a hassle-free start. As you glide along the canals, you’ll see a mixture of the historic and the modern: from the 17th-century gabled houses to sleek contemporary buildings.

The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Learn

The route includes several notable sights that are worth noting. The tilted houses are a must-see—these lean because of the marshy soil the city was built on. The guide explains this charming quirk, adding a fun fact to your sightseeing.

You’ll pass by the Southern Church, a beautiful example of early 17th-century architecture designed by Hendrick de Keyser. The Stopera, a modern complex housing both city hall and the opera, offers a contrast to the historic facades.

Then there’s the Thorbecke Bridge and the famous Seven Bridges, which are sometimes lined up in a perfect row—if you’re lucky, with no other boats blocking the view. The Golden Bend of Herengracht showcases some of the most impressive mansions, once the residences of wealthy merchants, now symbols of Amsterdam’s grandeur.

Cruising along the Amstel River, you’ll see signs of the city’s lengthy history as a trading hub, with views into neighborhoods filled with gabled houses and lively streets.

The Drinks and Atmosphere

One of the biggest selling points is the unlimited drinks—an assortment of beer, wine, and soft drinks—which adds a festive, social ambiance. The reviews highlight the attentive staff filling up glasses and making sure everyone stays refreshed.

It’s important to note, the drinks package doesn’t include liquors or cocktails, so if you’re looking for those, you might need to explore other options.

The Guide and Commentary

The live commentary adds a layer of storytelling that many visitors appreciate. As one reviewer notes, the guide was “nice and funny and very informative,” and offered good recommendations for places to eat. This makes the experience more engaging than just floating along silently.

The Practicalities: Who, When, and How Much

Booking typically occurs about a week in advance, with an average booking window of 9 days. The cost is around $39.27 per person, which we find to be a solid value considering the inclusion of unlimited drinks, live guide, and the scenic cruise.

The maximum group size of 30 travelers ensures that it doesn’t feel overcrowded, and the meeting point is easy to find. The duration is just right—enough time to see key sights without fatigue.

Reviews and Real-Life Insights

The reviews reflect a generally positive experience, with most travelers praising the friendly staff, stunning views, and the quality of the drinks. One reviewer called it a “great boat trip, lovely staff, and great price,” emphasizing the value. Others appreciated the informative guide who gave good tips on the city.

There was a more mixed review describing the experience as “dry” and not very engaging, but even that reviewer acknowledged the drinks being limited to beer, wine, and Prosecco. This highlights that the experience is more about relaxing and socializing rather than a comprehensive sightseeing tour.

The Value for Money

For about $40, this cruise delivers a comfortable, scenic, and social experience. The unlimited drinks significantly enhance the value, especially for those who enjoy a drink or two while sightseeing. It’s a cost-effective way to enjoy a slice of Amsterdam life without breaking the bank.

Who Should Consider This Cruise?

This tour is ideal for adults seeking a laid-back way to see the city’s canals with easy social elements. It suits those who enjoy light sightseeing combined with casual drinks. If you’re traveling with a group of friends or celebrating a special occasion, this could be a perfect choice.

It’s less suitable for travelers wanting a deep historical or architectural exploration—more than likely, you’ll want to supplement this with other tours or activities. Also, bachelor and birthday groups are not allowed, which hints at the tour’s focus on a more subdued, relaxed atmosphere.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re after a relaxing, scenic, and social way to experience Amsterdam’s canals, this cruise offers good value for money. The stunning views, friendly guides, and unlimited drinks make it a worthwhile addition to your itinerary, especially if you’re short on time or prefer a more informal experience.

The small group size and central meeting point mean a comfortable and hassle-free outing, while the live commentary adds a touch of local flavor. It’s best suited for grown-up travelers who enjoy a casual vibe and want to combine sightseeing with a bit of leisure.

For travelers seeking a fun, informal, and relatively inexpensive way to see the city’s waterways, this cruise ticks many boxes. Just remember, if your priority is deep history or architecture, you might want to look elsewhere—but for a lighthearted, scenic escape on the water, this one’s a good pick.

FAQs

Is this cruise suitable for all ages?
This tour is for travelers aged 18 and above, primarily because of the alcoholic drinks included in the package. It’s not designed for children or families.

How long does the cruise last?
The cruise lasts approximately one hour, making it an easy addition to a day of sightseeing without taking up too much time.

What drinks are included?
You’ll have unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks during the cruise. Liquors and cocktails are not part of the package.

Where do we meet for the tour?
The meeting point is at the Government of Amsterdam, a location near public transportation, ensuring easy access.

Can I cancel this booking?
Yes, this experience offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, perfect for flexibility if your plans change.

Is the boat accessible for those with mobility issues?
The data doesn’t specify accessibility features, so it’s best to assume standard access—check with the provider if you have special needs.

What is the group size?
The tour hosts a maximum of 30 travelers, offering a more intimate experience compared to larger, busier tours.

In all, this Amsterdam Luxury Open Boat Canal Cruise offers a delightful blend of scenic beauty, social relaxation, and good value. Whether you’re celebrating, catching up with friends, or simply want an easy way to enjoy the canals, it’s a tour that can add a memorable touch to your Amsterdam trip.