75 minute Blue Boat Company City Canal Cruise and Maritime Museum

Discovering Amsterdam from Water and Sea: An Honest Look at the Blue Boat Company Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam and looking to get a feel for the city’s maritime roots, this combined 75-minute canal cruise and Maritime Museum visit might catch your eye. It’s a popular choice, especially since it’s booked over a month in advance, suggesting many travelers find it appealing. But how does it really stack up for a traveler seeking value, informative content, and a smooth experience?

We like that the tour offers a chance to see the city from the water, which is arguably the best way to appreciate Amsterdam’s historic architecture and winding canals. Plus, the Maritime Museum’s extensive collection promises a deep dive into the Netherlands’ seafaring past. On the downside, some reviews point out that the audio commentary can be sparse or malfunctioning, and the cruise’s overall organization may leave a bit to be desired.

If your idea of a day in Amsterdam involves a relaxed pace, some good views, and a desire to learn about Dutch maritime history, this tour could be a fit. However, if you’re after a more immersive or high-end experience, or if budget is a concern, you might want to explore alternatives.

Key Points

• Balanced Experience: Combines water-based sightseeing with an educational museum visit
• Cost-Effective: At around $48, it offers a fairly rundown, but some reviews suggest cheaper alternatives without sacrificing much
• Flexible Boarding: The “open ticket” system allows you to hop on any boat at designated docks, giving some flexibility
• Mixed Quality: Experiences vary, with some travelers praising the views and guides, while others criticize the commentary and organization
• Museum Excellence: The Maritime Museum holds a substantial collection, making it worthwhile for history buffs
• Potential for Disappointment: Audio issues and uncomfortable seating have been noted, so patience and realistic expectations are key

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

The Canal Cruise Experience

The 75-minute cruise is the centerpiece of this package. It promises to showcase the best of Amsterdam from its waterways, and, indeed, you’ll be drifting along the canals that define the city. The route includes cruising over the IJ river and through the historic city center, giving you a chance to admire 17th-century buildings and the lively waterfront scenes.

Travelers often comment that Amsterdam is best viewed from the water, and this cruise captures that sentiment well. You’ll see landmarks like the Westerkerk, which dates back to the early 17th century, and the well-known Amsterdam Centraal station, designed by Pierre Cuypers. The view of the city’s historic architecture from the water is undeniably charming.

However, some reviewers note that the audio commentary can be inconsistent. One reviewer mentioned that the commentary was sparse, and that the audio did not work on all channels, which can make following along difficult. Another said the guide’s spoken parts were very brief—only a few minutes during the entire 75 minutes—leaving the experience somewhat superficial.

The boat itself is described as comfortable enough but not luxurious, with some passengers mentioning uncomfortable chairs. Also, since the windows are relatively small, capturing photos without window frames can be a challenge, especially in bright sunlight.

The Maritime Museum Visit

After the cruise, your ticket grants access to the National Maritime Museum, one of the most prominent collections in the world for maritime history. This museum is a treasure trove, featuring paintings, ship models, navigation instruments, and sea charts covering over five centuries of Dutch seafaring.

The reviews are quite positive here. Several travelers highlighted the museum’s extensive and impressive collection, emphasizing that it’s a must-see for those interested in ships, exploration, or Dutch history. The museum provides a comprehensive look at how the Netherlands developed into a maritime power.

Your entrance is timed, so it’s important to arrive at your designated slot. The museum is situated on Kattenburgerplein, conveniently accessible from central locations. While exploring, you might find the interactive exhibits engaging, and the display of historic ship models and maritime paintings quite captivating.

Practical Details and Considerations

The price of around $48 per person is reasonable for combining the water tour with museum entry, especially considering the central location. But, some reviews suggest that if you’re just after the canal experience, there are cheaper options—some for approximately $14 or slightly more that include an open bar.

The “open ticket” policy for the cruise allows you to board any available boat at two docks, which is flexible but also means you might have to wait during busy periods. The last departures are around 17:15 from the Heineken Experience dock and 18:00 from Leidseplein, so plan your timing accordingly.

Snacks are available if you select that option, which includes a snackbox and a drink, adding a bit of comfort during the cruise. The tour also includes free kids audiobooks and a booklet if you’re traveling with children, making it family-friendly, though the overall experience might appeal more to adults or history buffs.

What Do Travelers Say?

The mixed reviews highlight a few key points. Many appreciated the scenic views from the water and found the guides to be knowledgeable when they were engaged. One reviewer called the experience “fantastic” and said the cruise lasted more than 75 minutes, which is a good duration for taking in sights without feeling rushed.

On the other hand, critics were less impressed by the audio commentary, with one noting that it was “very sparse” and “not very informative,” which is disappointing if you’re hoping to learn a lot along the way. A reviewer also pointed out that the organization was not very smooth, and that some passengers felt uncomfortable due to small windows and uncomfortable seating.

The Overall Value

For $47.89, the combined experience offers a decent introduction to Amsterdam’s waterways and maritime history. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy scenic boat rides and want a straightforward, no-fuss visit to the Maritime Museum. That said, if you’re budget-conscious or expecting a highly detailed commentary, you might find cheaper alternatives with similar water views.

The museum visit is genuinely worthwhile for history lovers, with a vast collection that fills in the story of Dutch maritime dominance. But be prepared for some variability in the cruise experience, and consider whether the limited audio commentary will meet your expectations.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who value a scenic boat ride as part of their Amsterdam visit but don’t mind a less-than-perfect commentary. It’s ideal if you want a one-stop introduction to the city’s waterways and maritime past, especially if you don’t want to spend a fortune on separate tours. Families with children may enjoy the museum, especially if they appreciate interactive exhibits and audiobooks.

However, if you’re a history enthusiast seeking in-depth knowledge, or a photographer who wants perfect window views, you might find this tour a little lacking. Similarly, those after a luxury cruise experience will be disappointed—the boats are practical but not plush.

FAQs

How long is the canal cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 75 minutes, offering a good snapshot of Amsterdam from the water without overdoing it.

Can I hop on any cruise at my preferred time?
Yes, since the ticket is an “open ticket,” you can board any available boat from the two docks during their operating hours, as long as it’s before the last departure.

What’s included in the ticket?
Your ticket grants access to the 75-minute canal cruise and the Maritime Museum’s regular exhibition. If you select the snack option, you’ll get a snackbox and a drink.

Are there family-friendly options?
Yes, and the tour includes a free kids cruise audio story and booklet with every children’s ticket. It’s a relaxed way to introduce young travelers to maritime history.

What is the price for this experience?
It costs about $47.89 per person, which combines the water ride and museum entry, making it a reasonable deal if you enjoy both.

What should I expect from the commentary?
Reviews indicate that the commentary can be sparse or inconsistent, with some channels not working well. Don’t expect a detailed narration throughout the cruise.

Is the experience suitable for people with mobility issues?
Most travelers can participate, and the tour is near public transportation. However, small windows and seating comfort might be considerations for some.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a balanced introduction to Amsterdam’s waterways and maritime past without breaking the bank, this tour offers a solid option. The scenic views from the water are quite memorable, and the Maritime Museum is a treasure for history lovers. Just keep your expectations in check regarding the audio commentary and organization.

This experience works best for travelers who enjoy casual sightseeing, appreciate learning about maritime history, and want the flexibility of hopping on a boat when it suits them. It’s not a luxury cruise, but it offers a straightforward way to see and learn about one of Europe’s most charming cities.

If you prefer a more immersive or detailed narration, consider exploring other options, but for a general overview, this tour covers the essentials with a dash of Dutch maritime pride.