Amsterdam: Guided Open Boat Cruise Unlimited Drinks Option

Discover Amsterdam from the Water: A Guided Open Boat Cruise with Unlimited Drinks

When it comes to exploring Amsterdam, few experiences capture the city’s charm quite like drifting along its historic canals. This guided open boat cruise, priced at just $21 per person, offers a wonderful way to see the sights with ease and comfort. The tour lasts about an hour, and you’ll cruise along the Amstel River, passing iconic landmarks like the Royal Theater Carré and the famous seven bridges.

What makes this cruise stand out? For starters, it features electric-powered boats that are both quiet and eco-friendly, making for a peaceful ride. Plus, if you opt for the unlimited drinks package, you can enjoy Heineken, soft drinks, and even wine or prosecco—perfect for unwinding and soaking up the atmosphere.

Two particular aspects we love are the insightful commentary from knowledgeable guides—which can really deepen your understanding of the city—and the breeze in your hair on the open-air vessel, making your experience feel refreshing and authentic. On the downside, some travelers note that the narration can be minimal, and the route tends to stick close to the well-trodden canals, so if you’re craving off-the-beaten-path sights, this might not satisfy.

This tour suits those looking for a relaxed, scenic overview of Amsterdam with a touch of luxury—especially if you enjoy good drinks and engaging commentary. Families, first-time visitors, or couples seeking a memorable water-based experience will find plenty to love here.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Scenic Waterway Views: Cruise past iconic landmarks like the Skinny Bridge and enjoy panoramic canal views.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable local skippers and guides provide engaging commentary on Amsterdam’s history, culture, and hidden gems.
• Open-Air Experience: The electric boats are quiet and open, offering a breeze and unobstructed views.
• Optional Unlimited Drinks: Upgrade to enjoy Heineken, wine, prosecco, soft drinks, and more—great for relaxing.
• Convenient Location: The meeting point is just outside Amsterdam’s Central Station, making it easy to access.
• Flexible Cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, adding peace of mind.

A Thorough Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Ease of Access

Your journey begins just in front of Amsterdam Central Station, on the “Middenkom,” opposite the Victoria Hotel. Look for the red banner—a straightforward meeting spot. The location is ideal, especially if you’re already arriving by train or public transport, reducing the hassle of getting to the departure point.

What to Expect During the Tour

Once onboard, you’ll step onto electric, environmentally friendly boats that are open at the top, allowing you to feel the wind and get unobstructed views of the city’s waterways. The boats are equipped with blankets, ponchos, and umbrellas, so weather won’t be a big concern—though you’ll want to dress for the season.

The cruise lasts about an hour, allowing enough time to enjoy the sights without feeling rushed. Your local skipper maneuvers through the canals with ease, guiding you past notable sights like the Amstel River, where you’ll admire the elegance of canal houses and impressive architecture.

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Commentary and Landmarks

The commentary, delivered by your guide, adds context to the scenery. Past travelers mention guides like Tom and Louvisa who share fun facts and interesting stories. One reviewer noted that their guide shared a lot of fun and interesting information, which made the experience even more engaging.

Common landmarks you’ll see include the Skinny Bridge, the seven bridges, and the Royal Theater Carré. The route focuses on the central waterways, which some travelers describe as “the beaten path,” but the views are undeniably picturesque.

The Open Bar Option

The unlimited drinks upgrade is a popular choice, especially for groups or couples celebrating something special. The self-serve setup means you can help yourself from a selection of Heineken, wine (white, rosé, prosecco), and soft drinks. Some reviews suggest that unless you plan to drink 3+ drinks in an hour, it might not be the best value—so pace yourself accordingly.

The Experience in Practice

Many reviewers describe the cruise as relaxing and enjoyable, with beautiful weather making it even better. For example, one said, “We had the most beautiful weather, which was really the icing on the cake”. Others appreciated the informative commentary—some felt they learned a lot about Amsterdam’s history, while others enjoyed just soaking in the views.

However, a few travelers found the narration somewhat minimal or thought the route was not very adventurous, sticking mostly to standard canals. If you’re after a more in-depth or offbeat tour, this might feel a bit limited. Still, the value for money and the relaxed pace make it a great choice for most visitors.

Additional Considerations

The tour is family-friendly, and the cancellation policy offers flexibility—cancel up to 24 hours prior for a full refund. The price point—around $21—compared to other tours with drinks or longer durations, makes this a good deal for a quick, scenic overview.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a convenient overview of Amsterdam’s most famous waterways. Couples looking for a romantic, relaxed activity will appreciate the open-air boat and gentle commentary. Families will enjoy the ease and fun of a water tour, especially with blankets and umbrellas provided in case of weather changes.

If you enjoy good drinks and want to combine sightseeing with a bit of leisure, the unlimited drinks upgrade is a strong selling point—just remember to pace yourself! For history buffs, the commentary offers some interesting tidbits, though it’s not an in-depth historical lecture.

This tour suits those seeking a laid-back, scenic cruise with friendly guides and the option to unwind with drinks in hand. It’s an experience that balances touristy sights with a comfortable, authentic Amsterdam vibe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately one hour, giving you enough time to see key sights without feeling rushed.

Where do I meet the boat?
You meet your guide and skipper in front of Amsterdam Central Station, on the “Middenkom,” opposite the Victoria Hotel, marked by a red banner.

Is the boat covered or open?
The boats are open at the top, providing a breeze and unobstructed views. They come with blankets, ponchos, and umbrellas if needed.

What is included in the basic ticket?
Your basic ticket includes the boat ride, a local skipper and guide, and taxes.

What about the unlimited drinks option?
If you choose this upgrade, you’ll have self-serve access to Heineken, wine, prosecco, and soft drinks. It’s recommended if you plan to enjoy multiple drinks.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, it’s family-friendly, with provisions like blankets and umbrellas, and the relaxed pace makes it suitable for children and adults alike.

What should I wear?
Dress according to the weather; layers are always smart, especially since the boat is open. The tour supplies protective gear if it rains.

Is this tour environmentally friendly?
Yes, the boats are electric and quiet, making the experience eco-friendly compared to traditional motorboats.

Final Thoughts

This guided open boat cruise offers a relaxing, scenic, and informative way to enjoy Amsterdam’s famous canals. The combination of breathtaking views, friendly guides, and the option of unlimited drinks makes it a versatile choice for a wide range of travelers.

While some may find the route somewhat predictable, the overall feeling of floating along historic waterways, soaking in the sights with a drink in hand, is hard to beat. The value for money is clear, especially considering the quality of views and knowledge shared by guides.

If your goal is to maximize your canal experience without overcomplicating things, this cruise hits the sweet spot. It’s especially perfect for first-timers, couples, or groups looking for a relaxing way to see the city, with the added bonus of a light social element thanks to the optional drinks.

In sum, this tour provides a pleasant, well-priced introduction to Amsterdam’s waterways, blending scenic beauty and local insights with the leisure of a luxury cruise. Whether you’re celebrating or just want a peaceful escape on the water, this experience is worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: