Amsterdam: Light Festival Cruise w/ Hot Drinks & Bite option

Amsterdam: Light Festival Cruise w/ Hot Drinks & Bite option – A Practical Guide for Visitors

When visiting Amsterdam in the winter months, one of the most captivating sights is the Amsterdam Light Festival, a celebration of light art that transforms the city’s historic canals into a sparkling open-air gallery. For around $35 per person, you can hop aboard a covered boat and glide through the illuminated waterways, surrounded by dazzling displays. This cruise lasts approximately an hour and a half, making it a perfect evening activity after exploring the city’s museums or strolling its charming streets.

What makes this experience particularly appealing are two key aspects: first, the unlimited drinks package, offering hot mulled wine, wine, beer, and sodas—ideal for cozying up against the winter chill; second, the unique vantage point it offers—viewing the art installations from the comfort of a boat, which provides a different perspective compared to walking around the city.

However, there are some considerations to keep in mind. The boat may be less warm than expected, especially if weather conditions require the use of a cover or if you’re in a hatch that might let in cold air. Also, the experience isn’t suitable for travelers with large luggage, or those with mobility challenges, as it’s not wheelchair accessible and isn’t designed for bachelor or bachelorette parties. This cruise is a wonderful choice for those wanting to enjoy the holiday lights in a relaxed, convivial setting—especially if you value good views and a warm drink in hand.

Whether you’re visiting solo, as a couple, or with friends, this cruise suits travelers looking for a blend of visual spectacle and comfort, with a dash of festive cheer.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Stunning Light Art: Enjoy illuminated installations that make Amsterdam’s canals glow during the festival.
• Cozy Comfort: A covered boat keeps you relatively sheltered from the winter weather.
• Unlimited Drinks: The open bar features hot mulled wine, wine, beer, and soft drinks, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
• Limited Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users or those with large baggage.
• Ideal for Relaxed Viewing: Offers a different perspective on the city’s light displays compared to walking tours.
• Price and Value: At $35, it provides a memorable experience with drinks and views, though some reviews note variability in boat conditions.

A Detailed Look at the Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise Experience

The Itinerary and Setting

This cruise takes you through Amsterdam’s iconic canals, which are especially magical during the Light Festival. The route focuses on the areas where the illuminated art installations are most prominent, giving you a front-row seat to the displays that light up the city’s historic architecture. Because the cruise is about 90 minutes long, it offers enough time to admire numerous artworks without feeling rushed.

What we love about this setup is the combination of scenic views and artistic displays. The illuminated artworks are created specifically for the festival, often interactive and vibrant, transforming familiar sights into a luminous wonderland. This is a perfect way to experience the city’s romantic charm from a different angle—especially at night when the lights truly shine.

The Vessel and Comfort

The boat itself is covered, which means you’re shielded from wind and rain—crucial in the Dutch winter. However, some reviews mention that if the boat uses hatches or a heated salon, the warmth might not be as consistent as expected. One traveler noted, “A closed boat was promised. It was hatches, very cold. Something leaked on the boat which made my entire pants wet,” highlighting that conditions can vary.

In terms of seating and ambiance, the vessel is designed for comfort with a cozy, relaxed setting. The host and skipper are typically knowledgeable and friendly, adding to the overall enjoyment. The boat’s interior might include a heated salon, but availability can depend on the day, so it’s worth checking on booking.

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Drinks and Snacks

The highlight for many is the unlimited drinks option. You’ll have access to a variety of beverages—perfect for warming up as you cruise. The hot mulled wine (Glühwein) is especially popular, adding a festive touch. Soft drinks and beers are also available, along with snacks if you opt for the bite package.

From reviews, we see mixed experiences: some travelers found the drinks and snacks delightful, while others noted that the boat’s condition could be less warm than hoped. One reviewer mentioned, “Everything was perfect. But unfortunately another passenger brought a dog (!) on board of the boat. I am super allergic to dogs so fell ill,” which underscores the importance of being aware of pet policies.

The Atmosphere and Audience

This cruise tends to attract a diverse crowd—romantic couples, small groups of friends, and families (though not with large luggage or pets). The knowledgeable guides and friendly crew help create a warm, inviting environment. It’s a relaxed way to experience the city’s holiday spirit without the noise and crowds of land-based festivities.

Practical Considerations

The meeting point is a short walk from Amsterdam Central Station, near the Sea Palace restaurant, with crew members dressed in bright orange for easy spotting. The activity generally runs in the evening, aligning with the festival’s schedule, but check the specific times when booking.

Weather can influence the experience—if it’s particularly cold or rainy, the boat’s cover might be less effective, so dressing warmly is advised. The cruise is not wheelchair accessible and is unsuitable for travelers with large bags, so plan accordingly.

Pricing and Value

At $35 per person, this cruise offers a cost-effective way to see the Light Festival from a unique vantage point, especially considering the drinks and snacks included. For the price, you get not just the views but a cozy, festive environment that elevates a typical sightseeing tour into a memorable event.

While some reviews mention boat conditions and weather variability, many still found it to be worthwhile due to the beautiful scenery and convivial atmosphere. It’s particularly valuable for travelers who want a relaxing, scenic experience rather than a fast-paced tour or walking expedition.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This cruise is ideal for those seeking a relaxed, scenic experience of Amsterdam’s light displays. It suits travelers who appreciate a cozy atmosphere with drinks in hand and don’t mind the potential weather variability. It’s perfect for couples or small groups wanting to enjoy the festive ambiance without the hassle of walking around in cold weather.

However, it may not be suitable for mobility-challenged visitors or those bringing large luggage. Also, if you’re allergic to dogs or cats, you might want to double-check pet policies, as one review highlighted.

In summary, if you’re looking for an enjoyable, beautifully lit cruise that combines art, scenery, and warmth, this is a solid choice—especially if you value good views and friendly service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the boat covered and heated?
Yes, the boat is covered to shield you from the weather, and there might be a heated salon, but conditions can vary depending on availability and weather.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers the light festival cruise, a host and skipper, and unlimited drinks (beer, wine, soft drinks, and hot mulled wine) if you choose the drinks option. Snacks are included if you select the bite option.

Where do I meet the cruise?
The meeting point is a short walk from Amsterdam Central Station, near the Sea Palace restaurant. Look for crew dressed in bright orange.

Is this activity suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the experience generally suits travelers comfortable with boat cruises and cold weather. Keep in mind the activity’s focus on light art and relaxed ambiance.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Are pets allowed on board?
No, pets are not permitted, as one traveler experienced discomfort due to a dog onboard.

Is the experience accessible for wheelchair users?
No, this cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users, and large luggage is not allowed on the boat.

Final Thoughts

The Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise offers a charming way to enjoy the city’s illuminated beauty during the festive season. Its combination of spectacular light art, cozy covered vessel, and unlimited drinks makes for a memorable evening—especially if you’re looking for a relaxed, scenic outing with friends or a loved one. While boat conditions and weather might vary, many travelers find the experience well worth the cost and effort, given the stunning views and festive atmosphere.

If you’re a traveler who loves artistic displays and wants a warm, convivial environment to experience Amsterdam’s winter magic, this cruise is a solid choice. Just remember to dress warmly, avoid large bags, and set realistic expectations about boat conditions—then you’re in for a delightful night on the canals.

You can check availability for your dates here: