Amsterdam: Private BBQ Cruise with Personal Chef & Drinks

Amsterdam: Private BBQ Cruise with Personal Chef & Drinks — A Detailed Look

If you’re considering a unique way to see Amsterdam while enjoying some good food and drinks, this Private BBQ Cruise might just be worth your attention. Hosted by Flagship Amsterdam, this two-hour experience promises a relaxed, intimate setting on the city’s famous canals, with a personal chef preparing a tasty meal right on board. It’s a blend of sightseeing, dining, and unwinding—all wrapped into one smooth package.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the private aspect means you’re not sharing your cruise with strangers, which adds a level of comfort and exclusivity. Second, the live cooking onboard ensures your meal is fresh and tailored to your dietary preferences, especially with vegetarian options available. That said, a potential consideration is the price point—$369 per person—which might seem steep for some, but many reviews suggest it’s good value considering the quality of food, drinks, and the personalized service.

This cruise best suits those looking for a relaxed, upscale experience—whether celebrating a special occasion, enjoying a romantic outing, or simply wanting to see Amsterdam from a different perspective. If you enjoy good food, wine, and a bit of luxury, this tour could be a pleasant addition to your trip.

Key Points:

• Private and personalized experience with a dedicated skipper and chef
• Scenic canal routes passing major landmarks and the Red Light District
• Tasty BBQ menus, with vegetarian options available upon request
• Unlimited drinks including beer, wine, and soft drinks
• Live cooking onboard adds a special touch to the meal
• Suitable for those seeking an upscale yet relaxed outing

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Private BBQ Cruise Experience

When we think of Amsterdam, the iconic canals immediately come to mind. While strolling along the streets is lovely, cruising these waterways offers a whole new perspective—especially when combined with a delicious meal. This tour offers that perfect combination, all aboard a cozy canal boat with a friendly, knowledgeable crew.

The Itinerary and Route

The cruise takes you along some of the city’s most famous canals—Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht—which are often called the “Golden Age” canals. These waterways are lined with centuries-old houses, quaint bridges, and lively neighborhoods. The route also passes by the Red Light District, giving you a glimpse of this one-of-a-kind part of the city, all from the comfort of your boat.

While the exact departure times vary, the experience typically lasts 2 hours, giving enough time to relax, enjoy your food, and admire the sights without feeling rushed. Starting from a designated point next to the Sea Palace Chinese restaurant, you’ll find the crew easily in their distinctive orange jackets, ready to welcome you aboard.

The Private Aspect and Group Size

One of the biggest appeals of this tour is its private setting. With just your group, you won’t have to deal with strangers, making it ideal for celebrating special moments or just having a more intimate experience. The group size is limited, ensuring personalized attention from your skipper and chef.

The Food and Drink

The menu is designed to suit a variety of tastes, with BBQ options like pepper steak, shashlik, chicken satay skewers, sausages, and hamburgers. For vegetarians, the options include vegetarian satay, vegetable burgers, and vegetable skewers—all prepared fresh during the live cooking session.

Along With the main courses, you’ll find salads such as raw vegetables, potatoes, Russian, and cucumber salads, along with an assortment of sauces like garlic, cocktail, BBQ, and satay. Focaccia bread and herbed butter round out the meal, adding some extra flavor.

The drinks are unlimited—beer, wine, and soft drinks—which many guests find to be a significant perk, especially as the boat glides through the city. The reviews often highlight the quality of the drinks and the relaxed atmosphere they help create.

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The Quality of the Experience

What do travelers really think? Based on glowing reviews, most find the trip to be “great,” “fun,” and “worth the money.” For example, Amy mentions that “food was lovely and you get a lot of it,” while Paul notes that the cruise was “good food, drinks, and laughs” and would gladly do it again. Tania highlights the helpful, friendly staff and the overall value, saying, “We definitely will do it again.”

Several reviewers appreciate the knowledgeable crew, with comments like “Vincent was great!” and “plenty of information,” making the trip not only enjoyable but also insightful. The scenic views, combined with the good food and drinks, seem to hit the right note for most.

The Practicalities and Considerations

One thing to keep in mind is the cost—$369 per person. While that might seem high, many feel it reflects the quality of the experience: private setting, live cooking, unlimited drinks, and scenic views. It’s probably best suited for those celebrating something special or seeking a more luxurious outing.

You should also be aware of the no-music policy due to government restrictions, which might be a downside if you’re expecting a lively party vibe. However, the friendly atmosphere and stunning scenery help compensate for this.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it more inclusive. Reservations can be made with the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, and you can reserve now and pay later, which is handy if your plans are still evolving.

Who This Experience Is Perfect For

This private BBQ cruise is ideal for couples, small groups of friends, or celebrating a special occasion. It’s perfect if you want to enjoy Amsterdam’s canals without the crowds and with a bit of luxury. It’s also well-suited for those who appreciate good food, wine, and a relaxed pace, rather than a high-energy party atmosphere.

If you’re traveling with children or looking for a family-friendly activity, this might not be the best fit due to the focus on adult drinks and the nature of the cruise, but that’s not explicitly stated as a restriction.

Final Thoughts

In many ways, this private BBQ cruise offers a comfortable, upscale way to experience Amsterdam’s waterways. The combination of scenic views, live cooking, and unlimited drinks creates an inviting atmosphere that appeals to lovers of good food and relaxed leisure.

The personalized service and intimate setting make it stand out from more generic city tours. While the price may be a consideration, many guests feel the quality, exclusivity, and memorable experience justify the cost.

Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply want to treat yourself to a different kind of city tour, this cruise offers a memorable blend of sightseeing and indulgence in one seamless package.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
Yes. Vegetarian options are available upon request at least 48 hours in advance, including vegetarian satay, vegetable burgers, and vegetable skewers.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours, giving enough time to relax, enjoy your meal, and take in the views.

What is included in the price?
The price includes a private boat with a local skipper, live cooking onboard, a BBQ menu (meat or vegetarian), and unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks.

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

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it easier for those with mobility needs to enjoy the experience.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins next to the Sea Palace Chinese restaurant, with the crew in orange jackets, and ends back at the same meeting point.

Are there multiple departure times?
Yes, check the availability to see the starting times for your preferred date, as they vary.

All in all, if you’re after a memorable, intimate way to see Amsterdam, enjoy some excellent food and drinks, and relax in style, this private BBQ cruise offers a pretty compelling option.

You can check availability for your dates here: