#1 Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise incl. Drinks & Biscuits

If you’re planning to visit Amsterdam during the winter months, especially around the Light Festival, a canal cruise could be a highlight of your trip. We haven’t personally taken this exact tour, but based on detailed reviews and the info provided, it looks like a cozy, visually enchanting way to experience the city’s famed canals under a blanket of lights. It’s designed to be both enjoyable and informative, combining art, local stories, and a relaxed onboard atmosphere.

What really catches our eye is the expert storytelling — guides share intriguing tales behind each light installation, adding depth to the visual feast. Plus, the open bar with mulled wine, hot chocolate, and Prosecco means you can indulge in seasonal drinks without feeling rushed. That said, a possible downside is the limited heating on the open boat, which some reviewers felt could be better, especially since it’s cold outside. But overall, this cruise seems well-suited for anyone wanting a peaceful, scenic, and celebratory way to see the festival.

This experience feels particularly fitting for couples, groups of friends, or families (with older children, as it’s not wheelchair accessible and involves some steps). If you enjoy art, storytelling, and good drinks, and you’re after a unique view of Amsterdam’s historic canals, this cruise might just be perfect for you.

Key Points

• Guided experience: Knowledgeable guides provide stories behind the light installations, enriching the visual display.
• Open bar: Enjoy a selection of drinks including mulled wine, beer, wine, and soft drinks, adding a festive touch.
• Family-friendly vibe: Suitable for groups and families, though not wheelchair accessible and with some restrictions on strollers and pets.
• Eco-conscious: The boat is 100% electric, offering a silent and sustainable ride.
• Short and sweet: The 75-minute cruise is a manageable duration that fits well into a busy evening.
• Best viewed from water: You’ll see the illuminated installations reflected on the canals, offering a perspective that’s different from street-level views.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Experience in Detail

The Overall Concept

This cruise offers a gorgeous vantage point to take in Amsterdam’s Iconic canals during the Light Festival, which transforms the city into an outdoor gallery of light art. The theme, “Legacy,” explores what we leave behind, blending historical reflection with environmental and cultural storytelling. These themes give the light installations more meaning, turning a pretty sight into a thought-provoking experience.

The Itinerary

The cruise departs from Stationsplein 17, right at Central Station, making it super accessible. From there, it takes you past several key locations, including Het Scheepvaartmuseum, Hortus Botanicus, HART Museum, and through Heren Gracht—each spot providing a different backdrop for the light displays. The boat then moves along the Haarlemmersluis before returning to the starting point.

Each location offers a fresh perspective, with the reflections on the water adding that magical touch. Unlike street-level viewing, cruising allows you to see the installations from a unique, panoramic angle. The quiet, electric boat ensures a smooth ride and less noise, which helps you focus on the visuals and stories.

What to Expect Onboard

Once onboard, you’re welcomed with a drink, which sets a warm tone. The live storytelling from guides gives context about the artworks and the artists, making the experience more than just a pretty lights show. Expect a cozy atmosphere—though the boat is open, so dressing warmly is essential. The heated drinks help keep you comfortable, but some reviews mention that the boat’s open design might leave you feeling a bit chilly if you’re not prepared.

The open bar is a definite highlight, with options for all tastes. Reviewers have raved about the quality of drinks, especially the mulled wine and hot chocolate, which are perfect for a winter evening. The prosecco, beer, and wine add a touch of celebration, making it more festive.

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The Guides and Stories

Many reviews highlight the knowledgeable and friendly guides, who go beyond just describing the art—they share stories about Amsterdam and the meaning behind the installations. This personal touch makes the cruise feel more engaging and memorable. One reviewer mentioned that the crew gave “a lot of interesting information about Amsterdam,” which really enhanced the experience.

The Light Art and Installations

The festival theme “Legacy” inspires artworks that reflect on our past, present, and future. The light installations are mostly white and minimalist, which might seem subdued or “a bit dull” to some — one reviewer found the displays to be somewhat underwhelming. However, the reflections on the water and the atmosphere created by the illuminated canals often compensate for this, especially if you love photography or simply enjoy serene winter scenes.

The Value and Cost

Pricing is generally perceived as fair, considering the comprehensive experience—guided storytelling, drinks, and the unique water-level views. While some might see it as a bit pricey, the quality of the guide, the drinks, and the setting tend to justify the cost. It’s not a long tour, but the intimacy and exclusivity of the waterway experience make it worthwhile, especially for first-timers or those seeking a special winter outing.

Practicalities and Considerations

• Timing: About 75 minutes, perfect for fitting into an evening without feeling rushed.
• Weather: The tour runs rain or shine, so dress warmly. No heating on the boat apart from hot drinks, so layers are key.
• Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible and not suitable for pets or strollers.
• Facilities: No toilets onboard, so plan accordingly.
• Group Size: Typically small to medium groups, creating a cozy environment.
• Booking: Flexible options like “reserve now & pay later” make planning easier, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

What the Reviews Say

While most reviews praise the friendly crew and beautiful lights, a few point out the difficulties in finding the departure point and the limited heating. One reviewer mentioned that the “light festival was a bit disappointing” due to the light art being “very white and dull,” but still appreciated the interesting commentary from the crew.

Who This Tour Is Perfect For

This cruise works best for travelers who enjoy a relaxed, scenic experience, especially if you’re interested in art and stories behind the displays. It’s ideal for couples seeking a romantic evening, groups wanting a fun and social outing, or families with older children who can appreciate the quiet beauty and storytelling. If you’re after a lively, party-like atmosphere, this might not be your best bet, as it’s more serene and contemplative.

Those who appreciate sustainability will also like the electric boat, adding an eco-friendly touch to the experience.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this Amsterdam Light Festival cruise offers a charming way to see the city’s canals illuminated by art and light, wrapped in a cozy atmosphere with drinks and engaging stories. It’s not the most elaborate or flashy experience out there, but its intimate setting and the chance to see Amsterdam from the water make it a memorable winter activity.

If you’re looking for a peaceful, visually stunning way to experience the festival and enjoy some local drinks, this cruise could be a great choice. Just remember to bundle up, arrive prepared for the open boat, and enjoy the peaceful glow of Amsterdam’s illuminated waterways.

FAQ

Is this cruise suitable for children?
This cruise can work for older children, especially those who enjoy light art and stories. However, it’s not specifically marketed as family-friendly because there’s no wheelchair access and some restrictions on strollers. Kids should be comfortable with a cold, open environment.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 75 minutes, making it a manageable length for a relaxed evening cruise.

Are drinks included in the price?
The tour features an open bar with mulled wine, hot chocolate, prosecco, beer, and wine. These are included in the ticket price, adding a festive touch without extra cost.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, offering some flexibility for your travel plans.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly, as the boat is open and it can get quite cold at night. Layers, a hat, and gloves are recommended.

Is there any onboard facilities like toilets?
No, there are no toilets onboard, so make sure to visit the bathroom before departure.

Is the boat accessible for wheelchairs?
Unfortunately, no. The experience is not wheelchair accessible, and there are steps into the boat with assistance available.

What’s the best way to find the departure point?
The meeting point is at Stationsplein 17. Look for the Amsterdam Boat Trips team in red jackets at the dock, near the Amsterdam Light Festival departure flag. Directions and coordinates are provided for easy navigation.

Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not permitted on this tour.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, the tour takes place rain or shine. Dress accordingly; there’s no shelter on the water, so check the forecast and prepare.

Whether you’re a fan of art, looking for a romantic winter activity, or just want to see Amsterdam’s canals in a new light, this cruise offers a peaceful, scenic break from the city’s busy streets. It might not be the most dazzling art display you’ve seen, but the reflections on the water and the cozy drinks make it a truly atmospheric experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: