Amsterdam Pizza Cruise with New York Pizza & Drinks

If you’re considering a canal cruise with dinner in Amsterdam, this pizza cruise might catch your eye. We’ve looked into what it offers and what you can realistically expect from this experience. It’s a popular choice for those who want a relaxed evening on the water with a hearty meal, but as with any tour, it has its strengths and some areas where it might fall short.

What we particularly like about this cruise is the scenic canal views—the illuminated Amsterdam cityscape at night makes for a picture-perfect backdrop—and the included drinks and dessert, which add a convivial touch. On the flip side, some reviews point out issues like cold pizza or inconsistent service, so it’s not perfect for everyone. This tour is best suited for travelers wanting a casual, enjoyable evening with good food and lovely scenery rather than an in-depth historical tour.

If you’re after a fun, laid-back way to see the canals, indulge in a classic American-style pizza, and unwind with drinks, this cruise could fit the bill. But if you’re expecting a gourmet meal or detailed commentary, you might want to keep your options open. Now, let’s explore what makes this experience tick—warts and all.

Key Points

• Scenic canal views at night make for a beautiful, memorable backdrop.
• Includes a variety of drinks—beer, wine, soft drinks, and water.
• Enjoy a choice of five different pizzas, with a warning that only one type can be ordered per booking.
• The experience lasts approximately 75 minutes, offering a relaxed pace.
• Some reviews mention cold pizza or slow service, so don’t expect top-tier cuisine.
• The guide offers interesting commentary about Amsterdam’s landmarks.
• Booking in advance (average 41 days) helps secure your spot and avoid last-minute disappointment.
• It’s a family-friendly activity, with children under 3 free (not occupying a seat), but the minimum drinking age is 18.
• Group size is capped at 50, ensuring a cozy atmosphere without feeling crowded.

The Experience: What to Expect

Overview and Setting

The Amsterdam Pizza Cruise is a short but sweet experience, lasting about 75 minutes. It kicks off at Lovers Cafe on Prins Hendrikkade, a convenient spot close to public transportation, making it easy to find. The boat is designed for comfort, offering a cozy environment to enjoy your meal while floating through some of the city’s most picturesque canals.

Once onboard, you’re treated to a guided commentary—some reviews highlight the captain’s storytelling about landmarks, making it more than just a ride. The boat winds through well-lit waterways, giving travelers excellent views of iconic sights illuminated at night. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing.

The Food and Drinks

Here’s where things can get a little mixed. The main course is an original New York pizza, with five types to choose from—pepperoni, Hawaii, and so forth. However, due to booking limitations, only one pizza type per reservation is possible, which can be tricky for groups wanting variety. Some reviews note that the pizza is served cold and isn’t gourmet quality, but many find it satisfying enough for a casual cruise.

The drinks included are quite generous: Heineken beer, wine, soft drinks, and water. The drinks offer a laid-back, social vibe, especially if you’re with friends or a partner. Non-alcoholic options are available, and the minimum age for alcohol is 18, so keep that in mind if you’re traveling with younger guests.

To finish off, you get a Cookie Dough Chocolate Chip ice cream, which many found to be a sweet treat after the meal. The combination of pizza, drinks, and ice cream creates a fun, informal dining experience with no pretensions.

The View and Commentary

The highlight of this cruise is undoubtedly the view of Amsterdam’s illuminated landmarks. Some reviews praise the captain’s storytelling, which adds personality and a bit of local flavor to the ride. You’ll see famous sights as your boat glides gently along, with many saying the views are particularly stunning at night.

However, a few reviewers mention that visibility can be limited through the glass, and the interior lighting might obscure the views sometimes. Also, if you’re expecting a detailed historical commentary, you might find it lacking—some say it’s more about sightseeing than education, which might be a plus or minus depending on your preferences.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise is ideal for those looking for a relaxed, informal way to enjoy Amsterdam’s canals and hang out with good food and drinks. It’s perfect for couples, groups of friends, or anyone wanting a laid-back evening with a bit of sightseeing. It’s also a decent choice if you’re traveling with children under 3—they go free if they don’t occupy a seat.

Keep in mind, if you’re after a luxury dining experience or a detailed tour, this might not be your best bet. The focus is on the scenery and casual dining rather than gourmet food or in-depth commentary. Also, be prepared for some inconsistency—some reviews rave about the staff and food, while others mention cold pizza and slow service.

The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Do

Starting Point: Lovers Cafe

The cruise begins at Prins Hendrikkade 20A, a prime location near the city center and public transit. Here, you’ll check in and get your tickets before boarding the boat at 6:30 pm. It’s recommended to arrive a little early to avoid missing the start.

Canal Passage: A Scenic Journey

Once aboard, the boat sets off on a 75-minute cruise through Amsterdam’s historic canals. The interior is designed for comfort, with ample seating and a cozy ambiance. As the boat moves, the guide provides commentary about the sights, highlighting notable buildings and landmarks. Many reviews mention the captain’s engaging tone and stories, which enhance the experience.

Landmark Views: Illuminated Amsterdam

The main attraction is the beautiful, illuminated cityscape. You’ll pass by iconic sights that look especially atmospheric at night—perfect for photos if you’re into capturing memories. While some reviews note that visibility through the glass isn’t perfect and the lighting inside might obscure the views, most agree the scenery is still impressive.

The Meal: Pizza and Dessert

During the cruise, your pizza is served, and drinks are available throughout. Expect a straightforward, American-style pizza that’s satisfying but not gourmet. The ice cream is a pleasant finish, with many reviewers enjoying the Cookie Dough Chocolate Chip flavor.

Ending the Experience

The cruise concludes back at the starting point, making it easy to plan your next activity or grab a late dinner. It’s a short experience, but many travelers appreciate the relaxed pace and the chance to see the canals from a different perspective.

The Real Deal: What Do Reviewers Say?

Positive comments often highlight the friendly staff and entertaining commentary. One reviewer said, “I found it funny, how the captain talked about the different memorable and important sights of Amsterdam. I learned a lot through his stories and I enjoyed myself so much.” Others praised the value for money, noting that the combination of good views, drinks, and pizza made for a fun evening.

On the other hand, some reviews point out cold pizza and slow service. One unhappy guest shared, “The pizza was very cold and we wanted a drink top-up whilst eating but there were not enough staff to serve drinks and pizza.” Another noted that booking issues through Viator caused some guests to arrive and find no reservation, which is frustrating and impacts the overall impression.

Despite these hiccups, many guests still enjoyed the overall experience, especially for its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful scenery. Some regulars even mention doing this cruise multiple times, suggesting it’s a repeatable, dependable way to unwind in the evening.

Practical Details and Tips

• Price: Around $43.38 per person, which includes a 75-minute cruise, pizza, drinks, and ice cream. Considering the scenic views and included food, many find it reasonably priced for a night out in Amsterdam.
• Booking: Usually booked about 41 days in advance, so plan ahead to secure your spot.
• Timing: Starts at 6:30 pm; arriving early is recommended.
• Group Size: The maximum is 50 travelers, creating an intimate but lively atmosphere.
• Children: Under 3 years old go free; kids must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum drinking age is 18.
• Accessibility: The meeting point is near public transportation, making it easy to reach.
• Cancellations: Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before, providing some flexibility if your plans change.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Cruise For?

For those wanting an easygoing, scenic cruise with good food and drinks, this experience offers a laid-back way to enjoy Amsterdam’s canals. It’s especially suited for couples or groups of friends looking for a social evening with a relaxed vibe. The views are beautiful, and many reviews highlight the friendly staff and entertaining commentary.

However, if you’re expecting gourmet food or a highly detailed city tour, you may find the pizza and service somewhat underwhelming. Keep your expectations realistic: this is more about the fun, scenery, and casual dining rather than a fine dining event. If you’re traveling with children or groups with varied food preferences, be aware of the booking limitations.

This cruise can be a charming, inexpensive way to see Amsterdam’s canals at night—just remember that some elements are hit or miss, and cold pizza might be part of the experience.

FAQs

Is the cruise suitable for children?
Yes, children under 3 can join for free if they don’t occupy a seat. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The cruise is casual, but note the minimum drinking age is 18.

What is included in the price?
The ticket covers a 75-minute canal cruise, a choice of one pizza type, drinks (beer, wine, soft drinks, water), and Cookie Dough Chocolate Chip ice cream.

Can I choose multiple pizza types for my group?
No, currently only one pizza type per booking is available. If you want different pizzas, you should make separate reservations under the same name to sit together.

What time does the cruise start?
It begins at 6:30 pm, so plan to arrive a little earlier at Lovers Cafe.

Where does the tour start and end?
Both start and end at LOVERS Cafe, Prins Hendrikkade 20A.

Is there any commentary during the cruise?
Yes, the captain provides commentary about the landmarks. Some reviews say the stories are engaging, though the level of detail varies.

What if I have dietary restrictions or prefer non-alcoholic drinks?
Non-alcoholic beverages are available, and you can specify this when booking or during the cruise.

Are the views good through the glass?
Most guests find the views enjoyable, especially at night, but some mention that glass might obscure the scenery slightly.

What if I have booking issues?
Some reviews mention problems with booking through Viator, so double-check your reservation and consider contacting customer support if needed.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations less than that are not refunded.

The Amsterdam Pizza Cruise with New York Pizza & Drinks offers a charming, straightforward way to enjoy the city’s canals with good company, drinks, and pizza. While it’s not perfect— some pizza might be cold, and service can be slow—it remains a popular choice for a casual, scenic evening in this vibrant city.