From the first idea to stepping on board: everything you need to arrange for a successful private canal cruise.
Why a private boat trip works for almost any occasion
A private boat is a venue that moves. Your guests get the best views of Amsterdam, there is no fixed seating plan in a restaurant and everyone is together in one place for the whole trip. That makes a canal cruise a natural fit for birthdays, company outings, client events, weddings and end-of-year drinks.
Because the boat is yours, the atmosphere is too: you decide the music, the pace, the food and how long you stay on the water. The skipper and host take care of the sailing and the service, so you can focus on your guests.
Step 1: decide on the number of guests
Everything starts with your group size. It determines which boats are suitable, which catering formats work and what the price per person will be. Count on a realistic number and leave a little room for last-minute additions.
Keep in mind that a boat has different capacities for different formats. A boat that takes 60 guests for standing drinks may seat only 18 to 20 people for a full dinner.
- Up to 12 guests: intimate boats such as the Marie Zurlohe or Roerdomp
- 12 to 40 guests: versatile salon boats such as the HRH, Ondine, Dyos or Watertoerist
- 40 to 90 guests: large boats such as the Anna Maria, Hoop op Behoud, Titaan or Bota Fogo
Step 2: choose the format: drinks, dinner or something in between
The format of your event defines the layout of the boat. Standing drinks need open space to mingle; a seated dinner needs long tables; a buffet or grazing table needs both. Think about what your guests will enjoy most and how formal the occasion is.
- Drinks and bites: relaxed, social and suitable for large groups
- Grazing table or buffet: generous and flexible, guests serve themselves
- Seated dinner: festive and personal, ideal for smaller groups
- High tea or high wine: perfect for an afternoon on the water
Step 3: pick a date, time and duration
Weekends, the Amsterdam Light Festival period and December are popular, so book well in advance for those dates. A weekday afternoon or early evening often gives you more choice in boats.
Most private trips last two to three hours. Two hours is perfect for drinks; for a dinner, three hours gives everyone time to enjoy each course without rushing. Evening cruises show the canals at their most atmospheric, with lit bridges and canal houses reflected in the water.
Step 4: arrange catering and drinks
Catering and drinks are what turn a canal cruise into an event. Combine a drinks package or open bar with a food option that suits your format: bites, a grazing table, sushi, pizza or a multi-course dinner. Dietary requirements can usually be taken into account if you let us know in advance.
An all-in experience is the easiest option: boat, skipper, host, food and drinks in one price per person, so you know where you stand.
Step 5: boarding, route and practical details
Choose a boarding point that is easy for your guests to reach, ideally close to public transport or a parking garage, and share the exact location and time with everyone in advance. Ask guests to arrive ten minutes early so you can depart on time.
The skipper knows the most beautiful routes through the canals and adapts the route to the duration of your trip. Have special wishes, such as passing a specific spot or sailing onto the IJ? Mention them when booking.
- Share the boarding point and departure time with all guests
- Pass on dietary requirements in advance
- Think about a speech, music or a toast moment
- In autumn and winter: choose a covered, heated boat
Step 6: book and confirm
Use the guest filter on our experiences page to see what fits your group, then book directly or request a tailor-made proposal through Custom event. You receive a confirmation with all details, and our team is available if you want to change anything along the way.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I book a boat?
For weekends, December and the Light Festival period we recommend booking several weeks in advance. On weekdays there is often more availability at shorter notice.
Is a skipper included?
Yes. All our boats sail with a professional skipper, and depending on the experience a host who takes care of food and drinks.
Can we sail in bad weather?
Yes. Our salon boats have a covered cabin and heating, so you can sail comfortably all year round.
