Amsterdam Light Festival: Canal Cruise Covered Saloon Boat

If you’re exploring Amsterdam during the Light Festival, you’ll find that many of the popular ways to see the illuminations involve lots of walking and battling crowds. That’s where this canal cruise aboard a covered saloon boat could be a real game-changer. It offers a relaxing, intimate way to enjoy the city’s famed light displays, especially if the weather isn’t perfect.

What we really like about this experience is how it combines comfort with a good dose of local charm. The covered boat means you won’t get soaked if it rains—because, let’s face it, Dutch weather can be unpredictable—and the included drinks add a bit of indulgence to the hour and fifteen-minute ride. Plus, the live commentary from your skipper and guide helps bring the city’s sights and stories to life.

That said, a potential downside is that this cruise tends to attract quite a crowd—some reviews mention over 60 people on the boat, which can make the experience feel a bit less intimate than expected. Also, while the drinks are included, the snacks are quite limited, so don’t go expecting a full bar or buffet.

This tour is a great pick for anyone wanting a low-key, scenic view of Amsterdam’s lights without sacrificing comfort or rushing around on foot. It’s especially suited for those who prefer a relaxed, social atmosphere, or travelers who want to combine sightseeing with a bit of downtime.

Key Points

• Comfortable covered boat ensures you stay dry and cozy regardless of weather
• Live commentary enriches your understanding of Amsterdam’s sights and history
• Multiple departure times make it flexible for different evening plans
• Included drinks (beer, wine, mulled wine, sodas) add value and a touch of local flavor
• Crowd size can be quite large, so don’t expect an intimate setting every time
• Duration of about 1 hour 15 minutes is ideal for a relaxed experience without fatigue

Why This Cruise Might Be a Good Fit for You

If you’re looking for an easy way to see the highlighted illuminations of Amsterdam in a comfortable setting, this cruise checks a lot of boxes. It’s perfect if you’re traveling during inclement weather or simply want to avoid the chaos of walking through crowded streets. The live commentary makes it more engaging, offering insights into the city’s landmarks and history.

Travelers who appreciate a social, lively atmosphere will enjoy the included drinks and the chance to chat with fellow guests. And with various departure times, it’s easy to slot into your evening plans. But if you’re craving complete privacy or a very intimate experience, you might find this tour a little too big and bustling.

The Experience in Detail

Meeting Point and Starting the Tour

The cruise begins at Prins Hendrikkade 33A, a central location close to public transportation, which makes it simple to reach. From there, your skipper and guide will help you onto the boat—keep in mind, there’s a reasonably high step into the vessel, but the crew is helpful with assistance.

The Boat and Its Comforts

The covered saloon boat is designed to shield you from rain, wind, or any unexpected weather shifts. This makes all the difference, especially during Amsterdam’s unpredictable winter evenings. The boat’s interior is cozy and clean, offering a relaxed vibe that encourages socializing or simply gazing out at the lights in comfort.

The Route and Highlights

The cruise takes you along the Amsterdam canals, showcasing the city’s famous architecture and the dazzling festival illuminations. While the itinerary isn’t detailed down to specific stops, the main attraction is the nighttime scenery—the illuminated buildings, bridges, and floating art installations that make the Light Festival so special.

Commentary and Atmosphere

Your live guide and skipper make the ride informative and engaging, sharing stories about Amsterdam’s history, architecture, and the festival itself. Reviews praise the guides for being knowledgeable and friendly, which helps create a warm, welcoming environment. Quotes mention Eric E and Edom as great crew members, further enhancing the experience.

Drinks and Snack Options

Included in the ticket are unlimited drinks—beer, mulled wine, and sodas—which adds a celebratory touch. You can upgrade for unlimited drinks, which some travelers find worth the extra cost. Reviewers mention that the drinks are well-chilled and plentiful, making the cruise feel more festive. However, snacks are limited, so don’t expect a full bar or finger foods. They’re more of a token gesture than a substantial refreshment.

Duration and Flexibility

The 1 hour 15 minutes duration feels just right—long enough to enjoy the views and relax without feeling rushed. Multiple departure times allow you to choose a late afternoon or evening slot, fitting nicely into most itineraries.

What Do Real Travelers Say?

The reviews are largely glowing, with an impressive 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 128 reviews. Many are quick to praise the friendly, knowledgeable guides and the stunning views. One reviewer called it the “best” canal cruise, wishing it had been a little longer, which is a common sentiment—most feel the hour flies by.

Not all reviews are perfect. One person rated it poorly, citing chaos and overcrowding, confusion over the group size, and limited snacks. Their experience suggests that during busy times, the boat might feel cramped, and the advertised intimacy might not hold up. It’s worth being prepared for a large group, especially during peak season.

Highlights from the positive reviews include:

• “Everything was clean, organized and nice about this cruise.”
• “Great crew and informative guides made the experience memorable.”
• “The boat was cozy, and the views of the lights were beautiful.”

The more critical review pointed out over 60 people on the boat—so if you’re after a quieter, more exclusive ride, this might not be the best choice. But for most, the lively atmosphere seems to add to the fun.

Pricing and Value

At around $22.68 per person, this cruise offers a good value, especially considering the included drinks and the convenience of a covered boat. Compared to other sightseeing options, it’s a straightforward, budget-friendly way to enjoy the festival. The additional upgrade for unlimited drinks is another way to enhance the experience if you’re celebrating or simply want more variety.

Practical Tips for Your Cruise

• Dress warmly—it can get chilly at night, even if the boat is covered.
• Book in advance—most travelers reserve about 5 days ahead, and slots fill up quickly.
• Arrive early to get settled and avoid last-minute rushes.
• If you’re sensitive to crowds, consider choosing a less busy time, though the evening slots tend to be popular.
• Remember, there’s a fairly high step into the boat, so wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and ask for assistance if needed.

Final Thoughts

This canal cruise during Amsterdam’s Light Festival offers an excellent way to see the city’s illuminated beauty in comfort. It’s well-suited for those who want to avoid the hassle of walking through crowds and prefer a relaxed, social atmosphere. The included drinks, friendly guides, and cozy covered boat make it a memorable, enjoyable experience.

While it’s not the most intimate or exclusive cruise out there—and during busy times it can get crowded—it balances affordability with a fun, scenic ride. If you value good commentary, stunning views, and a bit of Dutch holiday cheer, it’s a solid choice.

If you’re after a relaxed, visual feast of Amsterdam’s lights, and don’t mind a lively group, this tour hits the right notes. Just keep expectations in check regarding group size and snacks, and you’ll have a delightful evening.

FAQ

Is the cruise suitable if it rains?
Yes, the covered saloon boat keeps you dry, so rain won’t spoil your evening.

How long does the cruise last?
It’s approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, which is enough time to enjoy the sights without it feeling too long.

Are drinks included in the price?
Yes, basic drinks like beer, wine, mulled wine, and sodas are included. You can upgrade to unlimited drinks for an extra fee.

Can I bring children on this cruise?
While not explicitly mentioned, most travelers participate regardless of age. Just consider the weather and the length of the cruise for little ones.

What is the meeting point?
The cruise departs from Prins Hendrikkade 33A in central Amsterdam, near public transport.

How big is the group?
Most reviews mention up to 45 travelers, but some reports indicate larger groups during busy times.

Is this experience truly romantic or family-friendly?
It’s more of a social, lively atmosphere suited for adults, but families with older children who enjoy sightseeing could find it suitable.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly, especially in colder months, as it can get chilly on the water.

All in all, this canal cruise offers a cozy, scenic way to take in Amsterdam’s lights, with friendly guides and a relaxed vibe that many travelers have loved. Just be prepared for some crowds and limited snacks, and you’re in for a pretty memorable evening.