Amsterdam Pizza Cruise with New York Pizza & Drinks

Amsterdam Pizza Cruise with New York Pizza & Drinks: An Honest Review

Imagine gliding through Amsterdam’s canals at dusk, with the city’s iconic architecture softly lit and reflected in the water. For just under $45 per person, this 75-minute pizza cruise offers a chance to enjoy classic New York-style pizza, a variety of drinks, and some entertaining commentary from your onboard guide, all while taking in the breathtaking views.

When we first heard about this experience, we were intrigued by the combination of a canal cruise with a pizza dinner, especially since reviews highlight the lively storytelling and good value. The tour departs from the central area at LOVERS Cafe, starting at 6:30 pm—giving you plenty of time to settle in after a day of sightseeing.

Two particular things drew us in: first, the well-reviewed guides who make the experience engaging with stories about Amsterdam’s sights; second, the included drinks and ice cream, making it a relaxed, all-in-one evening outing. However, a potential snag is that only one pizza choice per booking can be made, which might complicate group dining if everyone has different tastes. This experience suits those who enjoy a casual, social atmosphere combined with scenic views and tasty food.

It’s ideal for travelers wanting a laid-back evening with good food, friendly company, and a bit of local color. It’s less about deep historical insights and more about enjoying Amsterdam’s stunning waterways in a comfortable setting.

Key Points

• Scenic Canal Views: The cruise offers a relaxing ride through Amsterdam’s illuminated waterways, showcasing its most famous sights.
• Comfortable Experience: The boat is described as cozy and quiet, making it perfect for unwinding while enjoying your meal.
• Good Food & Drinks: Includes original New York pizza, beer, wine, soft drinks, and water, with ice cream for dessert.
• Engaging Commentary: Your guide shares stories about the landmarks, adding an educational touch to the cruise.
• Group-Friendly: Seating ensures everyone sits together, though multiple bookings are needed for different pizza choices.
• Mixed Reviews on Food & Service: While many rave about the pizza and staff friendliness, some reviews mention cold pizza or slower service.

A Close Look at the Experience

The Itinerary and What to Expect

The tour begins at LOVERS Cafe near the Prins Hendrikkade, right in the heart of Amsterdam. After a quick check-in, you’ll board a comfortable boat for your 75-minute cruise. The route winds through the city’s famous canals, passing under historic bridges and viewing beautifully lit landmarks such as the Anne Frank House and the Westerkerk. Given the cruise is mainly about the waterway views, the focus is on the scenery and the stories your guide shares about the city’s history and architecture.

While there are multiple stops along the route, they serve more as scenic points rather than sightseeing excursions—think of it as a moving backdrop for your meal. The guide, if lively and knowledgeable, can turn a simple boat ride into a memorable experience, as one reviewer pointed out: “I found it funny, how the captain talked about the different memorable and important sights of Amsterdam. I learned a lot through his stories.”

Food & Drinks

The highlight for many is the pizza—an original New York-style pie, available in five types, although only one can be ordered per booking. This might be a challenge for groups with varied tastes unless you book multiple tickets. The pizzas are served hot and are a hit with those craving comfort food after a day of sightseeing. Some reviews mention the pizza being cold or not very great, but many found it satisfying and tasty, especially considering the setting.

The drinks are all you can enjoy during the cruise, with options including Heineken beer, wine, soft drinks, and water. Several reviewers appreciated the unlimited drinks, adding to the relaxed, party-like atmosphere. For those abstaining from alcohol, non-alcoholic beverages are available. Ice cream for dessert, specifically Cookie Dough Chocolate Chip, is a sweet finish, with many mentioning how enjoyable it was as a treat after the meal.

The Scene & Atmosphere

The lighting of the city, the gentle sway of the boat, and the presence of friendly staff make this feel like a cozy night out. The boat’s interior is described as nice and clean, with enough space for groups to sit comfortably. The sound system and commentary add a lively touch, although a few reviews mention that the commentary can be minimal or lack depth.

Group Size & Atmosphere

The maximum capacity is about 50 people, which helps keep the experience intimate without feeling crowded. The reviews are a mix: some praise the friendly staff and the entertaining captain, while others mention slower service or logistical hiccups like booking errors, often related to third-party booking platforms.

The Balance of Pros and Cons

What we love:

• The scenic canal views at night are genuinely stunning and provide a unique backdrop for a relaxed meal.
• The knowledgeable guides and lively commentary make the experience more engaging than just floating around.
• The all-you-can-drink option adds a fun, social element, especially with the included ice cream for dessert.

Potential drawbacks:

• The pizza quality varies; some find it satisfying, others find it cold or unremarkable.
• The booking process can be tricky if you’re trying to order different pizzas for a group—multiple bookings are needed.
• Some travelers have experienced service delays or booking mishaps via third-party vendors, so confirmation and communication are crucial.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This cruise is best suited for groups of friends or couples looking for a casual evening with scenic views, good food, and drinks. It’s perfect if you want a relaxing, social outing rather than an in-depth historical tour. Families with children can also enjoy it, especially since children 3 and under are free. However, keep in mind the limited menu choices and the potential for cold pizza—not ideal for picky eaters.

Travelers who value good value for money and a fun atmosphere will find this cruise worthwhile, especially considering the positive reviews about the guides and the ambiance. Be prepared for some variability in food quality and service, but overall, many find it to be a delightful way to see Amsterdam from its waterways.

FAQs

Is this cruise suitable for children?
Yes, children up to and including 3 years old are free if they don’t occupy a seat. Kids will enjoy the boat ride and ice cream, making it a family-friendly option.

What is included in the ticket price?
Your ticket covers a 75-minute canal cruise, a New York pizza, unlimited drinks (beer, wine, soft drinks, water), and Cookie Dough Chocolate Chip ice cream for dessert.

Can I choose my pizza flavor?
Only one pizza type can be chosen per booking. For groups with different preferences, multiple bookings are needed under the same name to sit together.

What about the drinks?
A selection of beer, wine, soft drinks, and water is included. Non-alcoholic options are available, and you must be 18 or older to drink alcohol.

Does the tour provide historical commentary?
Yes, guides share stories about Amsterdam’s sights and landmarks, making it informative and adding local flavor to the cruise.

How is the food quality?
Reviews vary—some find the pizza tasty and satisfying, others mention it being cold or not very good. The ice cream is generally well-received.

Are there any hidden costs?
No, the price listed covers everything, but remember that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably for the weather, as the cruise is outdoors, but the boat has a cozy interior.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

What’s the best time for this tour?
The 6:30 pm start means you’ll see Amsterdam’s canals illuminated at dusk, which many reviews describe as magical. It’s a perfect choice for an early evening outing.

Final Thoughts

The Amsterdam Pizza Cruise offers a relaxed, scenic way to experience the city’s waterways in the evening. With good food, drinks, and lively commentary, it stands out as a fun, social outing rather than a deep historical exploration. The experience works best for travelers seeking a casual, enjoyable night with a bit of sightseeing, great company, and tasty comfort food.

While the pizza quality may not satisfy every palate, many appreciate the warm ambiance, friendly staff, and stunning views. It’s a solid choice for those wanting a value-packed activity that combines scenery and sustenance in equal measure. Just be aware of the booking nuances and potential for variability in food and service.

If you’re after a laid-back evening that lets you relax, eat well, and soak in Amsterdam’s beautiful canals—this cruise might just be your perfect end-of-day treat.

Additional Questions

Can I participate if I am not at least 18 years old?
Yes, children of all ages can join, but alcohol consumption is only for those 18 and over with valid ID.

Is the tour accessible?
The description mentions being near public transportation, but there’s no specific info about wheelchair access or other accommodations.

How long is the cruise exactly?
The cruise lasts approximately 75 minutes, providing enough time to relax and enjoy the sights without feeling rushed.

Can I join if I’m running late?
Some reviews mention guests being late but still allowed to board, so it’s worth arriving promptly to enjoy the full experience.

Is the boat indoors or outdoors?
Mainly outdoors, but the interior is cozy and clean, with enough space to sit comfortably.

What if I want multiple pizza flavors for my group?
You’ll need to book separate tickets for each pizza choice, but you can do so under the same name to sit together.

Are there vegetarian options?
The provided data does not specify vegetarian options, so it’s best to check in advance or prepare for the standard menu.

Can I take photos during the cruise?
Absolutely, the views are photogenic, and staff often offer to help take your pictures—a nice touch.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

Will I learn about Amsterdam’s history?
While some stories are shared, the focus is more on the sights and the lively commentary rather than in-depth history.

In sum, the Amsterdam Pizza Cruise with New York Pizza & Drinks is a charming, lighthearted way to see the city from its famous canals. It’s ideal for those wanting a relaxed, fun night with good food, drinks, and great company—perfect after a day of exploring.