Amsterdam Private Dinner Cruise incl Drinks & 2-course Dinner 2hr

A Cozy Night on Amsterdam’s Canals: A Review of the Private Dinner Cruise

If you’re imagining a romantic, relaxed evening drifting through Amsterdam’s iconic waterways, this private dinner cruise might just be what you’re looking for. We’ve looked into this experience, and while we haven’t taken it ourselves, the reviews and details paint a pretty clear picture of what to expect.

What caught our eye is the combination of personalized dining from a favorite local restaurant and the serenity of a private canal cruise. Plus, it’s a chance to see some of Amsterdam’s most famous sights — like the Magere Brug — away from the busy sidewalks. That said, it’s not the cheapest way to see the city, so it’s worth considering whether this fits your travel style and budget.

This experience seems best suited for those who value good food and a quiet, intimate setting over bustling crowds. Whether celebrating a special occasion or just wanting a memorable night out, it’s a relaxed way to soak in the city’s charm.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Choose your favorite restaurant beforehand and enjoy a two-course meal onboard.
• Beautiful Views, Less Crowds: Pass by Amsterdam landmarks without the hassle of busy streets.
• All-Inclusive Drinks: Wine, beer, soda, and coffee/tea are included; champagne is available at extra cost.
• Flexible and Private: Only your group participates, making it an exclusive, intimate outing.
• Duration & Timing: The cruise lasts around 2 hours, perfect for a laid-back evening.
• Booking in Advance: Most travelers book about 43 days ahead, so plan early if you’re keen.

What the Experience Looks Like in Detail

Starting Point and Setting the Scene
The cruise begins at Oosterdokskade 8, conveniently near public transportation, which makes it easy to access. Once aboard, you’ll be greeted and settled into a classic boat designed for comfort and style. The vessel appears to be well-maintained, and several reviews mention how clean and in excellent condition it is—important when you’re about to spend a couple of hours in close quarters.

The Route and Sightseeing
This isn’t a typical sightseeing tour where you’re bombarded with information or crowds. Instead, the highlight is the tranquility as you glide past key landmarks like the Anne Frank House and the Houseboat Museum — the latter being a 1914 sail ship turned residential in 1967.

One reviewer loved the “crowd-free sights” and appreciated passing by attractions like the Magere Brug in peace, capturing great photos along the way. You’ll also get a glimpse of the city’s famous houseboats, which are just as fascinating from the water as they are from the streets.

The Food and Drinks
The real star of this experience is the food from a selected Amsterdam restaurant. You pick your preferred eatery before the cruise, then enjoy a 2-course meal that you order from an a la carte menu onboard. Many reviewers emphasize that the food from the partner restaurants is quite good — even calling it “fantastic” in some cases.

The drinks are part of the package, with wine, beer, soda, and coffee or tea included. A couple of reviews note that champagne is available at an extra charge, which might appeal if you’re celebrating something special.

The Duration and Atmosphere
Two hours feels just right for a relaxed evening, giving enough time to enjoy the scenery and your meal without feeling rushed. The reviews suggest that the boat’s cozy size makes for an intimate environment, ideal for couples or small groups. One reviewer mentioned that the boat was “perfect for a couple,” highlighting its romantic potential.

Authentic Perspectives from Travelers

One guest raved, “We had a lovely time sailing through the canals with Captain Carl! We enjoyed the meal, learned a bit about the area’s culture, and even saw where the King’s Daughter lives.” This indicates the guide’s knowledge and the added value of some commentary during the cruise.

However, not all reviews are glowing. Another attendee found it “overpriced and average,” mainly critiquing the value when compared to the experience’s cost, despite praising the guide’s engaging nature. Nonetheless, even critics agree that the guide’s knowledge helped elevate the experience.

Many people highlight the quality of the food and wine as a major plus. Several reviews mention that the meal was “fantastic” and the boat was “clean and in excellent condition.” The ability to order while onboard, with food brought directly to your table, seems to add a level of convenience and luxury that guests appreciate.

The guide’s role is also appreciated; guests note that guides like Sven and Captain Nickel bring personality and insights, making the cruise more engaging than just a scenic ride.

An Honest Look at the Costs and Value

At around $437.91 per person, this isn’t a casual, budget-friendly outing — but it’s important to weigh what you’re getting. You’re paying for exclusivity, the convenience of combining dinner with sightseeing, and the intimate setting. Many reviews suggest that the experience is worth it if you’re seeking a relaxed, romantic evening with good food and beautiful views without the crowds.

Now, if you’re not a big fan of paying a premium for a short cruise or don’t mind more budget-friendly options, you might find similar scenic views on larger, less expensive boat tours. But those usually don’t include the private, personalized dining experience.

Booking ahead is recommended, as most people reserve about 43 days in advance, indicating this experience’s popularity. Since it’s a private tour, only your group participates, making it a more exclusive, tailored activity.

Practical Tips for Booking and Enjoying Your Cruise

• Plan early: Book well in advance to secure your preferred restaurant choice and date.
• Check the weather: The experience requires good weather, so keep an eye on the forecast and be prepared for possible rescheduling or refunds if canceled due to poor weather.
• Arrive on time: The meeting point is easy to access, but arriving a bit early helps you settle in without rushing.
• Consider your group size: It’s a private tour, so it’s best suited for small groups or couples. Larger groups might find it less flexible but could still enjoy the personalized touch.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This cruise is perfect for couples celebrating an anniversary or special occasion, looking for a romantic, intimate outing. Food lovers who want a taste of high-quality cuisine in a relaxed setting will find it appealing. The experience is also great for travelers wanting to see Amsterdam from the water without the busier, more commercial boat tours.

However, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer a more energetic, lively atmosphere, you might consider exploring other, less pricey options. It’s also not the best choice if you’re traveling with a large group or seeking a lively party vibe — this is more about comfort, quality, and quiet beauty.

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

What does the cruise include?
The cruise lasts about 2 hours and includes a private boat ride, a 2-course dinner from your chosen restaurant, and drinks like wine, beer, soda, and coffee or tea. Champagne can be purchased separately.

Can I pick my restaurant?
Yes! Before the cruise, you select from a curated list of popular Amsterdam restaurants. Your choice allows for a personalized dining experience onboard.

Is this experience suitable for children?
While not explicitly mentioned, most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. Given the relaxed and intimate nature, it’s probably best suited for older children or teenagers rather than very young kids.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the start, making it flexible to change plans if needed. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

How do I get to the meeting point?
The activity starts at Oosterdokskade 8, which is near public transportation options, making it easy to reach from most central locations in Amsterdam.

Is the cruise private?
Yes, only your group will participate, creating an exclusive, tailored experience for your party.

What if the weather is bad?
Since the experience depends on good weather, cancellations due to poor conditions will be offered a different date or a full refund.

To sum it up, this private dinner cruise offers a calm, sophisticated way to enjoy Amsterdam’s waterways, pairing scenic views with quality food and drinks. It’s best suited for those who appreciate a quieter, more personalized experience and are willing to invest a bit more for a memorable evening. If you’re after a romantic night with high-end touches, elegant settings, and excellent service, this cruise could be just the ticket. Conversely, if you’re seeking budget options or lively atmospheres, you might want to explore other tours.

Ultimately, it’s about balancing your preferences for scenery, cuisine, and ambiance — and this cruise seems to deliver a charming combination of all three.