Amsterdam Light Festival: All-In Canal Cruise Covered Saloon Boat

If you’re exploring Amsterdam during the Light Festival, a canal cruise is almost a must-do. This particular tour, offered by Flying Dutch Boats, promises a comfortable, scenic journey through the city’s iconic waterways, all while enjoying the dazzling light displays. We haven’t personally taken this tour, but based on numerous reviews and features, it’s a popular choice for those wanting a relaxed, informative, and visually stunning experience.

What we like most about this cruise is how it combines easy access with entertaining commentary and the chance to see the city from a different perspective. Plus, the covered saloon boat ensures you stay warm and dry—important in winter. On the flip side, some travelers mention that the view isn’t perfect for everyone, especially if you have children or are prone to motion sickness. This tour appeals most to adults, couples, or groups seeking a leisurely evening with drinks and good company.

If you’re after a quiet, scenic cruise with friendly guides and a cozy atmosphere, this could be a great fit. It’s also well-suited for those who want to enjoy the festival lights without the fuss of walking around in cold weather. But if you’re seeking a highly detailed historical narration or a more lively, bustling experience, you might find this cruise a bit subdued.

Key Points

• Comfortable covered boat provides shelter from the weather, making it ideal for cold nights.
• Live commentary in English adds context and helps you understand the sights.
• Affordable pricing offers good value, especially when you opt for the unlimited drinks package.
• Scenic views of UNESCO World Heritage Canal Ring showcase Amsterdam’s most famous sights.
• Approximately 75-minute duration strikes a good balance between sightseeing and relaxation.
• Limited seating/viewpoint issues noted by some travelers, especially with larger groups or children.

What to Expect from This Canal Cruise

An Introduction to the Tour

This Amsterdam Light Festival cruise promises an easy, relaxed way to experience the city’s famous canals, especially during the festival when the city lights up with artistic installations. The tour is around 75 minutes long, making it a manageable evening activity that fits well into most itineraries. The boat is a covered saloon, meaning you can enjoy the sights without being exposed to wind or rain—crucial in the colder months.

The price point of about $22.50 per person makes it quite accessible, especially if you choose the option with unlimited drinks, which adds a touch of indulgence to your experience. Reviewers mention the knowledgeable guides and the peaceful ambiance as highlights, making it more than just a sightseeing trip.

The Top Highlights

• Cruising the UNESCO-listed Canal Ring offers a unique vantage point of Amsterdam’s historic architecture and vibrant lights.
• Enjoying views of the city’s most iconic monuments from the water gives you a fresh perspective and memorable photos.
• Live commentary in English makes the experience educational, adding layers of context to what you’re seeing.
• Flexible options for drinks—wine, mulled wine, beer, soda—allow you to customize your experience, especially if you select the unlimited drinks package.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point: The National Maritime Museum

The tour departs from a location close to the Maritime Museum, a key Amsterdam landmark. While specific stops along the way aren’t detailed, the cruise focuses on exploring the core of the canal network, passing by the Grand Canal, Herengracht, and other significant waterways.

On the Water

As you cruise, you’ll see Amsterdam’s famous canal houses and historic bridges illuminated beautifully, especially during the festival. Reviewers appreciated the stunning cityscape, with one noting how well the buildings are preserved, showing that Amsterdam values its architecture.

The Light Festival

The highlight is undoubtedly the festival lights and art installations displayed on the buildings and along the canals. While some found the displays “cool” and “beautiful,” others felt the light festival was disappointing or underwhelming—which seems to be a matter of personal taste. One user mentioned that their house had more lights, indicating that expectations can influence how impressive the displays seem.

End of Tour

The cruise concludes approximately 75 minutes after departure, giving you ample time to soak in the sights and reflect on Amsterdam’s picturesque waterways.

The Experience—What Travelers Say

Many reviews praise the friendly, knowledgeable staff and the relaxed atmosphere. One reviewer shared that the guides were “witty and informative,” making the trip educational without feeling cloying, which adds to the enjoyment.

Another common theme is the spectacular views. Despite some complaints about visibility issues—like condensation on plastic windows blocking the view—these seem to be minor compared to the overall experience. Especially in cold weather, most appreciated having a covered area to stay warm and dry.

Drinks and Social Atmosphere

The availability of alcoholic drinks and unlimited consumption is a hit with many travelers. It creates a laid-back vibe where you can sip wine or beer as you take in the city lights. Several reviews mention how nice it is to interact with guides and fellow travelers, making the trip feel more like a social event than just sightseeing.

Potential Drawbacks

While many enjoyed the cruise, some reviews point out issues like crowding, especially during peak times, or poor sightlines for children. One review explicitly stated, “The children did not have a good sight on the show,” which suggests that if you’re traveling with little ones, you might want to think about how your group will view the lights.

A few travelers were disappointed about the quality of the commentary—some felt it was not enough or lacked depth. If you’re looking for a detailed historical narrative, this may not be your best bet. Instead, it’s more about enjoying the sights and atmosphere.

The Value Perspective

Considering the price point and the experience offered, many reviewers feel this cruise offers great value. The combination of beautiful scenery, friendly guides, and drinks makes it a good choice for a relaxed evening out. Some mention booking in advance—about 9 days ahead—to secure their spot and get the best rates.

The Fine Details to Keep in Mind

• Duration: 75 minutes, ideal for a short evening activity.
• Price: Around $22.50, with options for unlimited drinks—worth it if you want a casual, social vibe.
• Group size: Max 45 travelers, which keeps the atmosphere intimate but lively.
• Weather considerations: It’s important to dress very warm; it can get chilly on the water, even with the covered deck.
• Accessibility: The boat involves a fairly big step to board, so if mobility is a concern, you should be prepared for some assistance.
• Cancelation policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, allowing flexibility if plans change.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is perfect for those seeking a relaxed, scenic experience with some drinks and lively commentary. It’s well-suited for couples, friends, or solo travelers who want a cozy way to explore the city lights without a lot of walking. The live guide and casual atmosphere make it appealing for travelers who enjoy social outings.

If you’re traveling with kids or prefer a more detailed historical narration, you might find this cruise a bit lacking. Also, if you’re sensitive to motion or condensation on windows, be aware that these might impact your viewing experience.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While the tour isn’t explicitly marketed as family-friendly, it’s mainly a relaxing cruise—so older children who can sit still and enjoy the sights should be fine. However, some reviews point out that children may not get the best view, especially if seated far from the windows.

Can I purchase drinks during the cruise?
Yes, drinks such as wine, mulled wine, beer, and soda are available for purchase. There is also an unlimited drinks option if you want to enjoy multiple beverages during the cruise.

How long is the cruise?
It lasts about 75 minutes, making it a manageable activity that won’t feel too long or too short.

What is included in the tour?
Your ticket includes a live guide and skipper, 75-minute cruise, and the option for unlimited drinks if chosen. Alcoholic drinks are purchased separately.

Where does the tour depart from?
The cruise departs near the National Maritime Museum area, making it easily accessible by public transportation.

What should I wear?
Given the cold weather typical during the festival season, dress very warmly. The covered boat helps, but it can still be chilly, especially if it’s windy or raining.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a comfortable, scenic way to enjoy Amsterdam’s beautiful canal lights, this cruise offers a solid, well-reviewed option. The friendly guides, relaxed atmosphere, and good value make it appealing to many travelers, especially those who want to avoid the hassle of walking around in cold weather while still taking in the sights.

It’s a tour that prioritizes ease and enjoyment over intense narration or lively crowd scenes, making it perfect for couples, friends, or anyone who just wants a mellow evening with a glass of wine and stunning views. The covered boat ensures you stay cozy, and the live commentary adds just enough context to make the experience meaningful without overwhelming.

If you’re looking for a low-key, beautiful cruise during the Light Festival and don’t mind the occasional view limitation or crowd, you’ll likely enjoy this trip. Just remember to bundle up, set your expectations for a relaxed and scenic ride, and you’re in for a memorable evening on the water.