Amsterdam Light Festival: Canal Cruise Covered Saloon Boat

Amsterdam Light Festival: Canal Cruise Covered Saloon Boat

Imagine drifting along Amsterdam’s iconic canals, illuminated by vibrant light art installations, all from the comfort of a warm, covered boat. This 1-hour 15-minute cruise costs around $22.59 per person and departs from Prins Hendrikkade, offering a relaxing way to enjoy the city’s winter spectacle without battling the cold outside. With more than 20 light artworks designed specifically for the festival, this tour combines visual delight with cultural charm and a dash of fun.

What we really love about this experience is twofold: First, the tailor-made route ensures you get a balanced view of both the city’s historic waterways and the creative light installations. Second, the live guide brings the artworks to life with insightful commentary, making the experience more engaging and educational. The option to upgrade for unlimited drinks—including beer, wine, mulled wine, and soft drinks—adds a layer of comfort, especially on chilly winter nights.

A noteworthy consideration is that overcrowding and heat can be an issue if you opt for the standard ticket and don’t upgrade. Some reviewers found the boats cramped and overheated, which might diminish the enjoyment for those sensitive to heat or seeking clear views through windows. Plus, directions to the meeting point can be a bit confusing, so arriving early or double-checking your route is advisable.

This tour is best suited for families, groups of friends, couples, or anyone eager to enjoy the festival’s artistic light displays from a unique perspective. If you appreciate guided commentary, cozy atmospheres, and flexible departure times, you’ll find this cruise a worthwhile addition to your Amsterdam itinerary.

Key Points

• Unique water-based view of the Amsterdam Light Festival artworks
• Guided tour enhances understanding and appreciation of the installations
• Flexible departure times allow you to pick a window that fits your evening plans
• Upgraded unlimited drinks option offers a relaxed way to stay warm and social
• Limited standing room and potential heat issues should be considered when booking
• Family-friendly, with children needing adult supervision and most travelers able to participate

An In-Depth Look at the Amsterdam Light Festival Canal Cruise

As seasoned travelers know, seeing Amsterdam’s canals at night is magical; add the light art installations and it becomes truly memorable. This cruise by Booot Amsterdam offers a cozy, covered vessel that lets you soak in the festival atmosphere without braving the cold. It’s an especially attractive option if you’re visiting during winter, when the canals transform into a luminous wonderland with over 20 artworks designed to inspire the imagination under the theme “Imagine Beyond.”

The Itinerary—What to Expect

The cruise begins at Prins Hendrikkade 33A, a convenient spot near public transportation. Once onboard, the boat gently glides through the waterways, offering a tailor-made route that showcases both the historic architecture of Amsterdam and the artworks created for this year’s festival. The live guide offers commentary, sharing insights about the light installations and their creators, helping you appreciate the creativity behind each piece.

While the actual cruise lasts about 75 minutes, the experience is designed to be both relaxed and visually stimulating. You’ll see well-known sights along the canals, but what makes this tour special are the surprising light displays cleverly concealed in unexpected places—think illuminated sculptures, floating lanterns, and artistic projections that dance along the water.

The Light Artworks and Ambience

The theme “Imagine Beyond” encourages playful and inventive interpretations, and the artworks reflect this with a variety of styles and concepts. Whether you’re with children, a romantic partner, or friends, this visual feast appeals to all ages. Several reviews highlight the friendly and humorous guides who make the tour engaging: “The guide was outstanding!!! Funny and also with some history,” one traveler shared.

Drinks and Comfort Level

The tour offers two options: a standard ticket that includes the cruise and commentary, or an upgrade for unlimited drinks, which is highly recommended if you want to keep warm and relaxed. The unlimited package features glühwein, beer, wine, sodas, and snacks—perfect for cold winter nights. As one reviewer noted, “The non-stop glühwein was very welcome,” especially when combined with the cozy atmosphere.

However, some travelers reported that overcrowding and heat can be problems if you’re not in the upgrade. One person described the boat as being “massively overheated,” with windows covered in condensation, making it hard to see. If you’re sensitive to heat or prefer unobstructed views, consider arriving early to secure a good spot or bringing layers you can peel off.

Accessibility and Practical Tips

The meeting point is easy to reach via public transport, but a handful of reviews mention confusing directions. Arriving a little early helps avoid last-minute stress. The tour is suitable for most travelers, including children, but they must be accompanied by an adult. The boat limits group size to 45, keeping the atmosphere intimate and manageable.

Since it’s an outdoor winter activity, dress extremely warm—think layers, hats, gloves, and scarves. The covered saloon keeps you protected from rain, but the cold air outside can still seep in when boarding or disembarking.

Authentic Experiences from Fellow Travelers

Many reviews echo the joy of the visual scenery—“We had a great time!! The guide was outstanding,” said Lisa. Others appreciated the friendly, enthusiastic guides who added humor and context to the art.

Some travelers found the short duration a bit disappointing, wishing it lasted longer or included more artworks. Yet, considering the price and the experience of seeing the city’s illuminated canals, most agree it’s a good value.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re after a romantic evening or family outing, this cruise offers a cozy, scenic way to enjoy Amsterdam’s winter festivities. It’s well-suited for those who appreciate guided insights and well-curated visual displays. The flexibility of departure times is ideal for fitting into a busy sightseeing schedule. However, if you’re very particular about overcrowding or window cleanliness, you might want to consider the upgraded options or look for smaller, less crowded alternatives.

Final Thoughts

This cruise strikes a nice balance between cost, comfort, and visual spectacle. For around $22.59, you gain access to a guided water tour that highlights the best of Amsterdam’s Light Festival, with the option to indulge in unlimited drinks to keep warm. It’s a relaxed, family-friendly experience that reveals the city’s artistic side from a unique vantage point.

The friendly guides, stunning artwork, and warm atmosphere make it a standout activity, especially if you’re visiting during the festival season. Just be mindful of potential crowding and the need for warm clothing, and you’ll have a delightful evening exploring Amsterdam’s illuminated waterways.

FAQ

How long is the canal cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 75 minutes, offering a comfortable window to enjoy the lights without feeling rushed.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Prins Hendrikkade 33A, near public transport options, making it easy to access across the city.

Can I choose a departure time?
Yes, the cruise offers wide after-dark departure options, scheduled within 15-minute windows, so you can find one that fits your plans.

Is food or additional drinks included?
Drinks are not included in the standard ticket but can be purchased during the cruise. Upgrading to unlimited drinks includes beer, wine, mulled wine, soft drinks, and snacks.

Is the boat accessible for children?
Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is suitable for most ages, with most travelers participating comfortably.

How to deal with the cold?
Dress extremely warm—layer up, bring hats and gloves—and prepare for potentially chilly weather outside the covered boat.

What are the main drawbacks?
Overcrowding and heat can be issues if you don’t upgrade or arrive early. Directions to the meeting point may also cause some initial confusion.

This canal cruise during the Amsterdam Light Festival offers a charming, affordable way to see the city’s festive lights from a cozy boat. If you value guided commentary, artistic visuals, and a chance to relax while exploring Amsterdam’s waterways, this experience is well worth considering.