Amsterdam Light Festival: Canal Cruise Covered Saloon Boat

A cozy, illuminated journey through Amsterdam’s canals aboard a covered saloon boat

Imagine drifting along Amsterdam’s iconic canals, surrounded by shimmering lights and centuries-old buildings, all without battling the cold or crowds. For around $22.68 per person, you can enjoy a 1 hour 15 minutes cruise that offers a perfect mix of comfort, scenery, and a bit of local storytelling. Led by friendly guides and skippers, this cruise takes place on a covered saloon boat—making it ideal rain or shine—and includes a choice of soft drinks, wine, beer, or mulled wine. For those wanting to indulge, an upgrade for unlimited drinks is available, enhancing the relaxed, festive atmosphere.

What we love most about this experience is how it combines convenience with scenic beauty. First, the covered boat means you stay warm and dry while still enjoying the views. Second, the live commentary from guides like Eric or Edom adds a personal touch, transforming a simple boat ride into a memorable storytelling session about Amsterdam’s history and highlights. A third plus: the flexibility of multiple departure times, from late afternoon to evening, fits easily into most travel plans.

Of course, a potential consideration is the group size. While the tour is limited to 45 travelers, some reviews mention that the boat can get quite busy, especially during peak times, which might detract from the intimacy you’d hope for. Also, dressing warmly is advised, as it can be quite chilly on the water—so don’t forget your layers.

This cruise is especially suited for those wanting a relaxing, scenic experience without the fatigue of walking or congested crowds. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate friendly guides, good drinks, and beautiful nighttime views, making it a great option for couples, small groups, or solo travelers looking for a peaceful way to see the city lights.

Key Points

• Comfortable and weatherproof: Covered saloon boat keeps you dry and warm.
• Informative guides: Live commentary enriches the experience.
• Flexible timings: Multiple departure options to suit your schedule.
• Inclusive drinks: Soft drinks or alcoholic beverages included, with an upgrade for unlimited drinks.
• Ideal for scenic viewing: See Amsterdam’s lights without tiring your feet or battling crowds.
• Group size: Limited to 45 travelers, but some reviews note it can feel busier.

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point and Logistics

The cruise begins at Prins Hendrikkade 33A, right in the heart of Amsterdam, close to public transportation, making it easy to find after a day of sightseeing. The meeting point is straightforward, and the tour operator provides confirmation at booking, so there’s no guessing about where to go. The duration of around 75 minutes makes it a manageable trip—just enough to soak in the views without feeling rushed.

The Canal Journey

As soon as you step onto the boat, the first thing you notice is how it’s designed for comfort. The covered saloon means you can enjoy the view regardless of the weather—rain or shine. The large windows stay clear, offering unobstructed vistas of Amsterdam’s historic architecture and shimmering reflections on the water.

The boat travels along some of the most scenic canals, providing a front-row seat to the city’s famous illuminated facades. You’ll see landmarks bathed in festive lights, with the reflections dancing on the water. The live commentary from your guide enhances the visual experience, sharing interesting tidbits about the city’s history and the significance of certain buildings or light displays.

Drinks and Atmosphere

A major highlight is the included drinks. Whether you prefer soda, wine, beer, or mulled wine, you can sip comfortably while taking in the sights. Many guests appreciate the relaxed, convivial atmosphere, especially when upgraded to unlimited drinks—a feature that makes the cruise feel more like a cozy gathering than a formal tour.

Guide-led stories and friendly chatter help create a warm, intimate vibe, even when the boat is at capacity. Some reviewers noted that the guides, like Eric and Edom, were particularly knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience more personal.

The View and Lighting

The core attraction is, of course, the Amsterdam Light Festival. The lights are designed to be viewed from the canals, illuminating the city’s historic buildings and bridges. This cruise allows you to see the lights from a prime vantage point—an alternative to walking along the busy streets.

Guests consistently mention stunning views and the peaceful ambiance that comes with being on the water after dark. One reviewer said, “Everything was clean, organized, and nice about this cruise,” emphasizing how well the experience was run.

Group Size and Personal Space

While the cruise is limited to 45 travelers, some reviews suggest that it can become busier than expected, especially during peak times, making it less intimate than a small-group tour. This is worth considering if you’re after a very quiet, personal experience. Still, the friendly guides help create a welcoming environment that overcomes the crowd’s potential chaos.

Weather and Dress Code

Since the boat is covered, you’re protected from the elements, but it can get quite cold on the water, particularly in the winter months. Dress warmly, in layers, and bring a hat or gloves if you tend to get cold easily. The staff is helpful and will assist with boarding, especially since stepping onto the boat requires a fairly large step.

Price and Value

At just over $22, this cruise offers excellent value for such a scenic, informative experience. The inclusion of drinks, especially if upgraded to unlimited, adds to the overall value. Compared to other canal cruises, which can be longer or more expensive, this tour strikes a good balance—especially if you’re looking for a shorter, relaxed view of Amsterdam’s lights.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This canal cruise is ideal for travelers who want to see the city’s lights comfortably and without fuss. It’s perfect if you appreciate friendly guides, scenic views from the water, and included drinks. It suits small groups or couples looking for a cozy, festive atmosphere, especially during the light festival season.

If you’re after an authentic, relaxed way to experience Amsterdam at night, this cruise hits the mark. Just be prepared for the possibility of busier crowds during peak times and dress warmly to enjoy the experience fully.

Final Thoughts

This canal cruise offers a unique blend of comfort, scenery, and local insight—a great way to enjoy Amsterdam’s famous illuminated canals without the fatigue of walking or fighting crowds. The covered boat makes it accessible year-round, and the friendly guides bring the city’s stories to life.

If you’re looking for a relaxed, scenic, and social way to see Amsterdam at night, this tour provides excellent value and a memorable experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a peaceful evening on the water, this cruise is a solid choice.

For those who value knowledgeable guides, good drinks, and beautiful views, this experience doesn’t disappoint. Just remember to dress warmly, arrive prepared for a lively atmosphere, and enjoy one of the most picturesque aspects of Amsterdam—its glowing canals.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable in bad weather?
Yes, since the boat is covered, you stay dry and warm even if it rains, making it an all-weather option.

How long is the cruise?
The standard duration is about 1 hour 15 minutes, just enough to enjoy the sights without feeling exhausted.

Can I upgrade to unlimited drinks?
Yes, there’s an option to include unlimited drinks, which many guests appreciate for a more leisurely and convivial experience.

Where do we meet for the cruise?
The meeting point is Prins Hendrikkade 33A, centrally located near public transportation.

Is this suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but dress warmly if it’s cold, and be aware that boarding involves a fairly big step. It’s family-friendly, but check the weather and comfort needs for young children.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How crowded does it get?
While the tour is limited to 45 travelers, the experience can feel busier during peak times, but guides help maintain a welcoming atmosphere.

This cruise provides a top-notch way to see Amsterdam’s lights and architecture, especially if you prefer staying dry and cozy while still enjoying the city’s nighttime splendor. It’s a great pick for those seeking value, comfort, and a taste of local charm—a night out on the canals you won’t forget.