Amsterdam: Private Luxury Cruise with Pizza and Drinks

Exploring Amsterdam from the water with a private cruise that includes pizza and drinks sounds like a delightful way to enjoy the city’s famous canals. While it’s not a full-day tour, this 1.5-hour experience offers a cozy setting to see some of the most iconic sights while enjoying good food and drinks. If you’re after a relaxed, private outing that combines scenic views with casual dining, this might just tick the box.

Two things we really like about this experience are the private nature of the cruise—meaning you’re not stuck with strangers—and the fact that it’s fully electric, making for a quieter and more eco-friendly ride. The ability to sip unlimited drinks while cruising past Amsterdam’s notable landmarks adds a definite festive vibe. A possible downside? The boat itself might not feel as luxurious as the name suggests, and some reviews mention the quality of the boat and explanations from the guide can be a bit hit or miss.

This tour is ideal for small groups looking to combine sightseeing with a relaxed meal and drinks in a private setting. Whether celebrating a special occasion or just wanting to enjoy a different perspective of the city comfortably, it’s well-suited for those who value a personalized experience and don’t mind some minor imperfections.

Key Points

• Private and intimate setting perfect for small groups or special occasions.
• Includes pizza of your choice and unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks—no need to worry about extra costs.
• Eco-friendly electric boat providing a quieter, more sustainable cruise.
• Passes by key sights such as the Anne Frank House, Wester Church, and the Dancing Houses.
• Common feedback points to variable boat quality and limited commentary on sights.
• Great for relaxed sightseeing with good company in a scenic setting.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

Starting right behind the Apple Store next to a bridge, your adventure begins with a meet-up that’s straightforward enough—just look for the boat named Roos. From there, you hop aboard this electrically powered vessel, which promises a smooth, silent glide through Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canals. The boat is designed to hold up to 10 guests, making it perfect for families, friends, or small groups wanting a private outing.

The Itinerary and Sights

Once underway, you’ll cruise along the Prinsengracht, one of Amsterdam’s most famous canals. As you drift past the Wester Church, you’ll get a visual taste of the city’s charming architecture. The tour takes you past the Dancing Houses—famous for their crooked, playful facades—giving an unusual perspective on Amsterdam’s architecture. The landmark Anne Frank House also comes into view, offering a poignant reminder of the city’s history.

The tour’s route includes passing the iconic Blauwbrug (the Blue Bridge) and the Margarete Brug, the most famous bridge in Amsterdam. You’ll also see the Amstelsluizen locks, dating back to 1674 and still in use today, providing a glimpse into the city’s historic water management. Throughout the cruise, your guide shares stories and insights about these landmarks, giving context to what you see.

The Food and Drinks

One of the main highlights is the pizza—your choice of topping, served fresh during the cruise. While some reviews note the pizza is from a well-known chain and tasty enough, others mention it arriving a bit cold or late, so don’t expect a gourmet experience. Still, it’s a fun, casual addition to the cruise.

The drinks are unlimited, with a selection of wine, beer, and soft drinks. This makes the experience feel more like a relaxed party than a traditional sightseeing tour. The availability of unlimited drinks is a feature that many find appealing, especially paired with the laid-back ambiance of cruising through the canals.

The Guide and Boat Quality

The guide’s role varies depending on who you ask. Some find the guides friendly and knowledgeable, providing interesting stories about the sights. Others, however, mention that the guide’s explanations are minimal, and the boat itself, while functional, isn’t necessarily luxurious.

One review pointed out that the boat may not be fully electric—contradicting the ad claim—which can be a bit disappointing if you’re seeking an eco-friendly experience. The boat is described as a bit worn in places, but clean enough. The emphasis here should be on comfort rather than luxury.

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The Price and Value

At $563 for up to 10 people, the cost works out to around $56 per person, which is on the higher side for a short canal cruise, especially considering some reviews mention the boat’s condition and the limited commentary. However, the private setting and inclusive drinks add value if you’re looking for a personalized experience rather than a crowded group tour.

Practical Considerations

• Duration: 1.5 hours is a decent length for a relaxed cruise, but don’t expect to see everything in one go. It’s more about enjoying the views and company.
• Availability: Check the schedule ahead of time; starting times vary.
• Meeting Point: Very central and easy to find behind the Apple Store, but some reviewers noted initial confusion about the exact location.
• Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users, so plan accordingly.
• Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance gives some peace of mind if your plans change.

Real-World Feedback and Expectations

Looking at actual reviews, it’s clear that this experience has mixed reviews. Some love the relaxed vibe and the chance to enjoy drinks while seeing the city from a different angle. As one reviewer put it, “In itself a nice boat tour,” but they also mentioned the boat wasn’t particularly luxurious and the explanations limited.

Another pointed out that while their guide was friendly, there was little info provided about the sights, and the boat wasn’t necessarily electric. The pizza, though, received approval from many, even if it arrived cold. This suggests that if you’re after a lively, social outing with decent food, it can be quite enjoyable, but if you’re looking for a deeply informative or high-end luxury experience, this might fall short.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is best suited for small groups wanting a casual, private boat ride with the bonus of pizza and unlimited drinks. It’s a nice option for celebrations, relaxed sightseeing, or meeting friends in a fun setting. If you’re expecting a high-end, fully narrated tour, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you value privacy, good company, and a chilled-out vibe, this could be a good fit.

Final Thoughts

This private canal cruise offers a comfortable, laid-back way to see some of Amsterdam’s most famous sights. It’s not the most luxurious experience, but it’s genuine in its approach—focusing on the simple joys of a private boat ride, tasty pizza, and drinks in hand. The route covers key landmarks and provides a nice balance of scenery and storytelling, though the quality of the boat and guide’s commentary can vary.

If you’re traveling with friends or family and want a cozy, private outing with a bit of food and drink included, this experience can be quite enjoyable. Just keep expectations in check regarding the boat’s luxury and the depth of historical insight. For those who simply want to relax and enjoy Amsterdam from the water, it’s a decent choice—especially if you’re okay with minor imperfections and are looking for a fun, intimate way to celebrate or unwind.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is private and relaxed, but since it involves alcohol and a boat that isn’t specifically family-focused, it’s best suited for older children or teenagers. Always check if they’re comfortable on boats and with the length of the cruise.

How long is the cruise?
The experience lasts about 1.5 hours, offering enough time to see several sights without it feeling rushed.

Where do I meet the boat?
You meet right behind the Apple Store next to the bridge, at the boat named Roos. It’s a centrally located spot, easy to find.

What’s included in the price?
Your fare covers the private boat cruise, a guide, live vests, unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks, and pizza of your choice.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if needed.

Is the boat fully electric?
According to some reviews, there’s doubt about whether the boat is entirely electric, even though it is advertised as such.

Is the experience accessible for wheelchair users?
No, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users, so plan accordingly if needed.

In all, this private cruise is a good pick for those wanting a relaxed, intimate look at Amsterdam’s canals with a casual dining twist. As long as you’re aware of its limitations, it can be a memorable and enjoyable part of your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: