Join Our Magical Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise with Drinks!

Thinking about experiencing Amsterdam’s Light Festival from the water? This cruise promises a cozy, illuminated journey along the canals, but like any tour, it has its ups and downs. We’ve taken a close look at what this experience offers to help you decide if it fits your travel style.

What we love about this cruise is how it combines beautiful views with a relaxing atmosphere. Plus, the live commentary ensures you aren’t just gazing at lights but also understanding their stories. On the flip side, some reviews point out that the docks are a bit out of the way, and the light displays might not impress everyone equally. It’s a tour suited for those who enjoy scenic, cultural experiences and don’t mind a longer journey to the starting point. It might not be ideal if you’re seeking a quick, centrally located activity or have very young children who could get restless.

Key Points

• Stunning canal views and artistic light displays make for a memorable visual experience.
• The electric boat is eco-friendly, quiet, and offers a luxurious, cozy interior.
• The tour includes live commentary in English, providing insights into the festival and artworks.
• Drinks are available for purchase, adding to the relaxed, social vibe.
• The start point is a little away from the city center, requiring a short Uber ride.
• The reviews highlight some noise from children and mixed opinions on the light displays’ novelty.

What to Expect from the Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise

This 90-minute cruise takes you through some of Amsterdam’s most scenic waterways—the IJ river, the Amstel, and the canals—during the city’s magical winter wonderland period. Operating from late November to mid-January, the festival transforms the city into a luminous canvas, with nearly 30 light artworks adorning the waterways.

The Boat: Comfort and Style

The vessel, the Stan Huygens, is a modern, luxurious electric boat. It used to be Freddie Heineken’s favorite ship, which adds a bit of character. Its sleek design, with semi-circular leather sofas and a full bar and kitchen, creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere perfect for relaxing during the evening. Since it’s electric, it’s environmentally friendly and runs quietly, so you’re not disturbed by engine noise or fumes.

The boat’s large windows give great vantage points, ensuring you won’t miss the dazzling light displays, even if you prefer to stay seated. The adjustable lighting allows the boat to be illuminated in any color, adding to the ambiance.

The Route and Itinerary

Starting from Badhuisweg 4, you’ll board the boat for a 75-minute cruise. The route takes you from the north side of Amsterdam, sailing along the IJ towards the Amstel, then into the canals of the city. The journey provides a close-up view of historic bridges and buildings, all beautifully lit for the festival.

While on board, you’ll enjoy live commentary in English, giving background on the festival, the artworks, and some local stories. For international guests, brochures in Italian, Spanish, German, French, and Dutch are available.

What’s Included and What’s Extra

The cruise includes the official partnership with the Amsterdam Light Festival, the live commentary, and an audio guide option. However, drinks are not included in the ticket price—they are available for purchase on board, including beer and water. No hot drinks like tea or coffee are offered, which could be a minor downside if you’re expecting something warm during the winter chill.

Group Size and Accessibility

The cruise is limited to 50 travelers, helping maintain a comfortable, less crowded environment. The meeting point is accessible via public transportation, but keep in mind that it’s a bit away from central Amsterdam, so a short Uber ride might be necessary.

How Do Travelers Feel About This Experience?

Looking at reviews, opinions tend to be mixed but generally positive about the views and guide. One traveler praised the boat, the beautiful lights, and the interesting commentary. They appreciated the luxurious interior and the quiet, eco-friendly ride. However, they also noted that noise from families with young children could make it hard to hear the narration at times.

Another reviewer felt the light show was somewhat outdated and not too fascinating, mentioning that some displays, like a waving hand, seemed silly or uninspired. They also pointed out that hot drinks are missing, which might be a disappointment during winter evenings.

This feedback points to a key insight: while the visual aspect is generally appreciated, the quality of the light displays varies depending on your personal taste. It’s a relaxing ride but not necessarily a spectacle that will blow everyone away.

Analyzing the Price and Value

At $32.93 per person, the cruise strikes a fair balance between cost and experience. It’s not a bargain, but considering the luxury interior, guided commentary, and the unique festival setting, it offers decent value. If you’re particularly interested in enjoying Amsterdam’s festive lights from the water with some comfort and drinks, this is a solid choice.

If you’re a photography enthusiast, the large windows and evening lighting offer great photo ops, though the distance from the city center might mean an Uber fare that adds to your overall expense.

The Experience in Context

This cruise is best suited for travelers who appreciate scenic canal views and are looking for a relaxed, cultural activity. It works well for those who enjoy guided stories and want a comfortable, environmentally friendly boat experience. While it’s not a high-energy or highly interactive tour, it’s an elegant way to see the city illuminated at night.

It’s worth noting that families with very young children might find the experience a bit noisy, and some might be disappointed if they expect a dynamic light show. On the other hand, adults or couples looking for a cozy, scenic cruise with drinks and good commentary should find this experience quite charming.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal if you want an easy, scenic way to enjoy the Light Festival without much fuss. It’s perfect for those who value comfort and a touch of luxury—think plush seating, a quiet electric boat, and engaging commentary. If you’re traveling with a group of friends or a partner who enjoys culture and light displays, this cruise could be a highlight of your trip.

However, if you’re very particular about light show quality or want a more centrally located activity, you might want to explore other options. The docks’ location means you’ll need to factor in a short ride, and the light displays might not always feel cutting-edge or highly engaging for everyone.

FAQs

Is drinks included in the price?
No, drinks are available for purchase on board, including beer and water. Hot drinks like tea or coffee are not offered.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 90 minutes, with 75 minutes spent on the water.

Where do I meet for the tour?
You meet at Badhuisweg 4 in Amsterdam. The location is accessible by public transport but is a bit outside the city center, so a short Uber ride might be needed.

Is the boat accessible for everyone?
The information provided indicates most travelers can participate, but specific accessibility details are not included. The boat’s modern design and comfortable interior suggest it’s suitable for most.

Are children allowed on this cruise?
Yes, children can join, but the minimum age for alcohol consumption is 18. Keep in mind that some reviews mention noise from families with small kids, which might affect the experience.

What makes this cruise special?
It’s the combination of beautiful canal views, guided commentary, and the festive atmosphere of the Light Festival, viewed from a luxurious, eco-friendly boat.

Is this tour environmentally friendly?
Yes, the boat is 100% electric, making it a greener choice compared to traditional diesel-powered boats.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What language is the commentary in?
The live narration is in English, with brochures available in several languages for international guests.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a relaxed, scenic, and culturally enriching way to experience Amsterdam’s Light Festival, this cruise offers a solid option. It combines stunning views with a touch of elegance, especially on the luxurious Stan Huygens boat, and provides engaging live commentary to deepen your understanding of the festival.

While it’s not the most spectacular light display you might see, the overall atmosphere, cozy interior, and environmentally friendly approach make it a worthwhile experience—particularly if you enjoy water-based tours and are eager to see the city lit up at night.

This tour is best suited for adults or couples who value comfort, ambiance, and cultural insights. If you’re traveling with families or seeking a very lively or interactive experience, consider your options carefully, especially regarding noise levels and the docks’ location.

Overall, it’s a nice way to wind down your day in Amsterdam and enjoy its winter charm from the water. Just keep in mind the reviews’ mixed feedback about the light displays and plan accordingly.