Amsterdam: Evening City Centre Canal Cruise with Unlimited Drinks

Discover Amsterdam’s waterways from a new perspective with the Evening City Centre Canal Cruise offered by Starboard Boats. Priced at $40.12 per person, this 1-hour cruise takes place in the evening, allowing you to watch the sunset while floating through the city’s most iconic canals. The tour includes an open bar with unlimited alcoholic and soft drinks, making it an ideal choice for celebrations or a relaxed way to soak in Amsterdam’s lively night atmosphere.

This cruise is especially popular among visitors with limited time, offering a compact yet comprehensive glimpse of the city’s highlights. While reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and stunning views, some note issues with booking and boat configuration. This tour combines convenience, scenic beauty, and free drinks for a memorable experience.

Key Points

• Price of $40.12 per person for a 1-hour evening cruise in Amsterdam.
• Unlimited drinks including alcoholic and soft beverages are available on board.
• Multiple stops highlight key Amsterdam sights such as the Red Light District, Waterlooplein, and the Seven Bridges.
• Guided commentary enriches the experience with local insights.
• Ideal for celebrations or visitors wanting a quick, scenic overview of the city.
• Some reviews mention booking and boat visibility limitations, so plan accordingly.

Starting Point and Logistics: Meeting at Oudezijds Voorburgwal 230

The tour departs from Oudezijds Voorburgwal 230 in Amsterdam, a location convenient for public transportation and central city access. The activity ends back at the starting point, making it easy to continue exploring afterwards. The tour operates with a mobile ticket, and most travelers can participate, with a maximum group size of 25. Confirmation is received at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the cruise.

The Unique Evening Canal Experience in Amsterdam

Setting sail in the early evening, the cruise offers spectacular views of the city as it transitions from day to night. Passengers get a front-row seat to watch the sunset over Amsterdam’s rooftops and waterways, a perfect backdrop for photos and relaxation. The open bar provides unlimited drinks throughout the ride, ensuring a cheerful atmosphere regardless of weather or time.

Navigating through Amsterdam’s Historic Red Light District

One of the highlights of this cruise is a passage through the Red Light District. This iconic area features narrow streets lined with red-lit windows, offering a glimpse into Amsterdam’s famous nightlife. The guide shares stories about the area’s cultural significance and history, enriching the visual experience with context.

Viewing the Oldest Building in Amsterdam

As the boat glides along, passengers see the oldest surviving building in the city. Its Gothic architecture makes it a standout feature, illustrating Amsterdam’s architectural history. The proximity of this landmark from the water gives a different perspective than walking tours, emphasizing its timeless charm.

The Sea Palace Restaurant and Its Floating Charm

The tour passes the Sea Palace Restaurant, a floating Chinese restaurant with a pagoda-style design. Its unique setting on the canals makes it a recognizable sight, and it offers an authentic Chinese cuisine experience. Although not a dining stop, its stunning backdrop adds to the visual appeal of the cruise.

Architectural Highlights: NEMO Science Museum and Stopera

Passengers admire the NEMO Science Museum, designed by Renzo Piano. Its green copper façade mimics a ship’s hull, paying homage to Amsterdam’s maritime roots. Nearby, the Stopera complex combines the city hall with the Dutch National Opera & Ballet, showcasing the city’s blend of government and culture.

Exploring Waterlooplein and the Jewish Market

The Waterlooplein square, once a Jewish marketplace in the 19th century, is highlighted on the route. Its history as a trading hub for second-hand goods adds depth to the tour, connecting the physical scenery with Amsterdam’s diverse past.

The Crooked Houses at Damrak and the Herengracht

Next, the cruise moves past the Dancing Houses on Damrak, famous for their tilted architecture. These historic houses are a favorite among photographers. The Herengracht, another stop, embodies the blend of history and modern life, with its beautiful canals and elegant homes.

Discovering the Seven Bridges in Jordaan

The Seven Bridges, located in the Jordaan neighborhood, are a notable canal feature. This section’s distinct seven bridges demonstrate Amsterdam’s ingenious canal system, making it a picturesque sight that captures the city’s enchanting waterway design.

Passing the Prinsengracht and the Magere Brug

The Prinsengracht is renowned as a symbol of Amsterdam’s culture and creativity. The Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge), originally built in 1670, offers insight into traditional Dutch bridge engineering and aesthetics, adding historical context to the scenic ride.

The Amstel River and Its Significance

The cruise also follows the Amstel River, a central waterway shaping Amsterdam’s development and identity. Known for its historical importance, the river provides a serene backdrop to the bustling cityscape, especially as evening lights reflect on the water.

Experiences with the Open Bar and Crew

Reviews praise the friendly and knowledgeable guides, who offer informative commentary during the cruise. The open bar with unlimited drinks receives high marks for creating a relaxed and lively atmosphere. Some reviews highlight the quality of the drinks and the warmth of the crew, such as Jesse, who is described as very sweet and attentive.

Boat Configuration and Visibility

While most reviews are positive, some note that the boat is not as pictured — it features a roof, which can limit visibility. This is an important consideration for those wanting an open boat experience. Travelers seeking unrestricted views should verify the boat type when booking.

Booking and Cancellation Flexibility

The tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for changing plans. Most bookings are made about 22 days in advance, indicating strong interest and trust in the tour’s offering. The digital ticket system streamlines the experience, ensuring minimal hassle.

Who Will Enjoy This Amsterdam Canal Cruise

This evening cruise appeals most to those wanting a short, scenic overview of Amsterdam’s top sights with unlimited drinks to enhance the mood. It suits celebratory occasions and first-time visitors eager to see landmarks like the Red Light District, Waterlooplein, and the Seven Bridges from a comfortable boat. However, those seeking an open boat with enhanced visibility should confirm the configuration beforehand.

Final Thoughts on the Amsterdam Evening Canal Cruise

The Amsterdam: Evening City Centre Canal Cruise with Unlimited Drinks offers a value-packed experience showcasing the city’s most photogenic sights from its waterways. The knowledgeable guides and refreshing drinks contribute to a lively, relaxed atmosphere. While some minor issues exist regarding boat layout and booking accuracy, most guests find it well worth the price for a fun, scenic hour in Amsterdam’s iconic canals.

This tour is best suited for visitors looking for a casual yet scenic way to enjoy the city at sunset, especially if they want unlimited drinks and a guided commentary. It’s a convenient and affordable option to tick off key landmarks while enjoying the twilight glow over Amsterdam’s historic waters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of this cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 1 hour.

Does the tour include food?
No, the tour features unlimited drinks but does not include food.

What is included in the drinks?
Both alcoholic and soft drinks are available unlimited on board.

Where does the tour start and end?
It departs from Oudezijds Voorburgwal 230 and ends back at the same location.

Is there a maximum group size?
Yes, the maximum group size is 25 travelers.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start.

Are children allowed on this cruise?
Most travelers can participate, but specific age restrictions are not detailed.

How is the guide’s commentary?
The guides are described as friendly and knowledgeable, providing informative insights throughout.

Is the boat open or covered?
Some reviews mention a boat with a roof, which can limit visibility compared to an open boat.

What are the main sights seen during the cruise?
Highlights include the Red Light District, Waterlooplein, NEMO Museum, Seven Bridges, Herengracht, and Damrak.

Is this tour suitable for celebrating special occasions?
Yes, the relaxed atmosphere and unlimited drinks make it a popular choice for celebrations.