Amsterdam Light Festival: Canal Cruise Covered Saloon Boat

Discover the Magic of the Amsterdam Light Festival Canal Cruise

The Amsterdam Light Festival: Canal Cruise in a covered saloon boat offers an engaging way to explore the city’s waterways illuminated by over 20 luminous artworks. Priced at $22.59 per person, this 75-minute cruise takes place in the heart of Amsterdam, showcasing the 11th edition of the Light Festival under the theme “Imagine Beyond”.

The tour departs from Prins Hendrikkade 33A and is designed to comfortably accommodate up to 45 travelers. It includes a live guide and skipper, ensuring a lively narration combined with smooth navigation through the canals. For an added touch of warmth during cold evenings, the tour offers an upgrade to unlimited drinks and snacks, including glühwein, beer, wines, and soft drinks, making it a popular choice for both groups and couples seeking a cozy yet festive experience.

While the experience is generally highly rated, with a 4.5/5 rating from 191 reviews, it’s worth noting some practical considerations. The tour features a short duration of just over an hour and takes place after dark, so arriving early for the preferred departure time is recommended. Also, since the boat is covered and can get quite warm when crowded, dressing extremely warm is advised for comfort.

Key Points

• Affordable price at $22.59 per person for a 75-minute cruise
• Includes a live guide and skipper for engaging narration
• Over 20 illuminated artworks showcased on the water
• Flexible departure times with after-dark options within 15 minutes
• Upgrade available for unlimited drinks, including glühwein, beer, wine, and soft drinks
• Meeting point at Prins Hendrikkade 33A, close to public transportation

The Charm of the Amsterdam Light Festival’s Illuminated Canals

During winter, Amsterdam’s canals transform into a glowing showcase of artistic light installations. This cruise provides a spectacular view of over 20 artworks, each designed specifically for the festival by both local and international artists. The boat’s route is tailored to highlight both the city and the artworks, creating an immersive experience that balances urban scenery with illuminated art pieces.

The cruise’s make-it-your-own route ensures varied views and a more intimate feel compared to larger, more generic boat tours. Since the departure times are precise to within 15 minutes, travelers should plan to arrive a little early at the meeting point on Prins Hendrikkade. The lighting displays are best appreciated after sunset, making the after-dark departures especially popular.

Inside the Covered Saloon Boat Experience

The boat itself is a cozy, basic vessel with a covered saloon that keeps guests protected from the cold. Its warm environment allows for a comfortable viewing experience even in winter. Because the boat is covered, visibility might be affected by condensation or crowding, which can obscure views unless windows are kept clean.

The live guide keeps the atmosphere lively, explaining the story behind each artwork and providing context to enhance the visual feast. Visitors value the friendly and humorous narration, which makes the cruise engaging for all ages. The skipper ensures a smooth ride, navigating through the canals with care.

Drinks and Snacks: From Optional to Upgraded

The cruise offers an option to pay as you go for drinks and snacks, but many prefer to upgrade to the free-flow package for unlimited glühwein, beer, wine, and soft drinks. Reviews highlight that the non-stop warm drinks, particularly glühwein, are a favorite feature, making the chilly evening more inviting.

However, some reviews note that the drinks served are limited to mulled wine, beer, wine, and soda, which may not suit everyone’s preferences. The staff is attentive in keeping drinks topped up when the upgrade is chosen, and the snacks can be enjoyed alongside the drinks, adding to the festive vibe.

Practical Details: Meeting Point and Accessibility

The meeting point at Prins Hendrikkade 33A is near public transportation, making it easy to reach from different parts of the city. The tour ends back at the same location, simplifying logistics for participants. The boat is accessible for service animals and most travelers, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

It’s important to dress extremely warm, as it can get very cold on the water. The boat’s covered environment offers some protection, but layering is essential for comfort during the winter months.

Group Size and Atmosphere

The tour accommodates up to 45 guests, creating an intimate yet lively atmosphere. The friendly staff and guide contribute to a cheerful environment, with many reviews mentioning the guide’s humor and knowledge. The small group size ensures guests can enjoy the artworks without feeling overwhelmed or crowded.

Customer Feedback and Common Praise

The overall review score of 4.7/5 reflects high satisfaction, especially in categories like the guide’s storytelling, the beautiful light artworks, and the cozy boat environment. Reviews frequently praise the friendly, humorous guide and the excellent display of light art installations.

One guest highlights the “spectacular world of imagination” created by the artworks and the friendly atmosphere, while others appreciate the warm drinks and blankets provided during the chilly evenings. However, some note issues such as overcrowding and difficulty finding the meeting point, emphasizing the importance of arriving early and paying attention to directions.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This cruise is ideal for families, couples, and groups of friends looking for a festive, warm, and visually stunning experience during the winter months. It’s particularly suitable for those interested in art, light displays, and urban scenery from the water. Light festival enthusiasts will find this tour a perfect way to enjoy the illuminated city without the hassle of walking or crowded streets.

The Sum Up: A Delightful Night on Amsterdam’s Canals

The Amsterdam Light Festival: Canal Cruise in a covered saloon boat offers an affordable and enjoyable way to see the city’s festive light artworks. The 75-minute journey combines visual beauty, engaging narration, and warm drinks, making for a memorable evening. The tailor-made route and flexible departure times are plus points for travelers seeking a personalized experience.

While crowding and visibility issues can occasionally detract, the overall atmosphere remains cheerful and cozy, especially when upgraded to the all-inclusive drink package. This cruise suits those who appreciate art, festive ambiance, and a practical, warm environment for exploring Amsterdam’s winter highlights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is family-friendly, provided children are supervised.

How cold should I dress for the cruise?
Since it can be very cold on the water, it’s recommended to dress extremely warm with layers, especially if you opt for the standard ticket without the unlimited drinks upgrade.

What is included in the basic ticket?
The basic ticket includes a 75-minute canal cruise with a live guide and skipper. Drinks are not included unless the upgrade option is selected.

Can I choose my departure time?
Yes, there are wide options for after-dark departures, scheduled with precise timing within 15 minutes. It’s best to arrive early to secure your preferred slot.

Where exactly do I meet for the tour?
The tour departs from Prins Hendrikkade 33A. The location is near public transportation, making it convenient to reach.

What if I want unlimited drinks?
You can upgrade to the free-flow package, which includes glühwein, beer, wine, and soft drinks throughout the cruise, greatly enhancing the cozy winter experience.