Amsterdam: Light Festival Cruise + Drinks & Snack option

A Cozy Night Under the Lights on a Luxurious Open Boat

The Amsterdam: Light Festival Cruise + Drinks & Snack option offers a 75-minute journey through the city’s illuminated canals during the 14th edition of the Amsterdam Light Festival. Priced with an upgrade option for unlimited mulled wine, beer, sodas, and bites, this tour caters to those seeking a relaxed yet immersive way to enjoy the festival’s stunning light art.

The cruise departs from centrally located points in North Holland, with two main starting locations at Prins Hendrikkade 33A and NEMO Science Museum, making it easily accessible. The luxury open boat is covered, ensuring comfort and panoramic views regardless of the weather, which is especially useful since it can be chilly on the water.

While the standard cruise focuses on enjoying the visual spectacle and learning about the artworks with live commentary, the upgrade allows guests to indulge in unlimited drinks and snacks, elevating the experience into a relaxing and social evening. This tour attracts those who appreciate art, light displays, and a cozy waterborne perspective of Amsterdam, with the flexibility of added refreshments.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• 75-minute cruise through the canals during the Amsterdam Light Festival.
• Luxury, covered open boat with panoramic views of illuminated cityscapes.
• Includes live commentary providing insights into the artworks and Amsterdam’s landmarks.
• Upgrade option offers unlimited drinks (mulled wine, beer, sodas) and snacks such as stroopwafels or salted snacks.
• Multiple departure points at Prins Hendrikkade 33A and NEMO Science Museum.
• The theme of this year’s festival, Legacy, invites reflection on what we preserve and pass on.
• Tour is conducted in English and cancellable up to 24 hours in advance.
• Not suitable for wheelchair users or large groups like bachelor/bachelorette parties.

Starting Points and Meeting Logistics in Amsterdam

This cruise begins at either Prins Hendrikkade 33A or NEMO Science Museum, depending on the chosen option. The meeting point varies accordingly but is clearly communicated upon booking. The coordinates provided are 52.3783, 4.8978, offering easy access for visitors in the city center.

Guests are advised not to arrive earlier than 10 minutes before their scheduled departure to avoid delays. The bright orange stewards on-site assist with information and boarding, ensuring a smooth start to the experience.

The 14th Edition of the Amsterdam Light Festival and Its Theme

This year’s festival theme, “Legacy”, inspires artists worldwide to reflect on what is worth preserving for future generations. Over more than 20 light artworks, the city transforms into an open-air gallery. The artworks are displayed along key canals such as Herengracht, Golden Bend, and Nieuwe Herengracht, which are all part of the cruise route.

Guests will see light installations at notable spots like Het Scheepvaartmuseum and the Skinny Bridge, which are highlighted in the cruise’s itinerary. Each artwork offers a visual narrative connected to the theme, making the cruise not just a light show but a thought-provoking experience.

What Makes the Cruise Comfortable and Engaging

The covered open boat provides panoramic views of the stunning light displays, ensuring that views stay clear regardless of weather. The live commentary enriches the experience by sharing fun facts, history, and stories about the canals, city, and artworks.

The crew, dressed in bright orange, are there to help and inform, making sure that all guests feel comfortable. The 75-minute length balances a thorough viewing with a manageable pacing, avoiding fatigue while allowing enough time to appreciate the artworks and cityscape.

More Great Tours Nearby

Drinks and Snacks: Standard vs. Upgrade Options

In the standard package, guests enjoy drinks like wine, mulled wine, beer, and soft drinks available during the cruise. The upgraded option unlocks unlimited consumption of these beverages, making it ideal for those wanting a more relaxed, social experience.

Plus, the upgrade includes a choice of a fresh stroopwafel or salted snacks, which complement the drinks and add a local flavor to the cruise. Guests seeking a more indulgent experience find this upgrade particularly appealing, especially in the chilly winter evenings.

The Route and Key Stops Along the Canals

While the specific itinerary details are flexible, the cruise generally covers prime canal spots like Herengracht, Nieuwe Herengracht, and the Golden Bend. These locations are famous for their light displays and historic architecture, offering stunning backdrops for the light artworks.

Stops at places like Prins Hendrikkade and NEMO Museum serve as convenient boarding and disembarking points. The route is designed to maximize visibility of the artworks while maintaining a relaxed pace.

The Experience of Viewing Amsterdam’s Light Art from the Water

Seeing light sculptures and art installations from the water offers a unique perspective unavailable on land. The canal cruise allows for panoramic views, highlighting the city’s architecture and the artworks in a way that feels intimate and expansive.

The brightness and creativity of the installations, combined with the gentle motion of the boat, create a magical atmosphere. Guests often find themselves appreciating the harmony of art, architecture, and light in a setting that is both peaceful and visually impressive.

Pacing, Comfort, and Practical Tips for Passengers

The 75-minute duration makes it easy to fit this cruise into a winter evening without feeling rushed. Since the boat is covered, it provides shelter against wind and cold, but guests are still advised to dress warmly.

Weather-appropriate clothing is recommended, especially if choosing the standard ticket. Arriving at least 10 minutes early helps avoid unnecessary queues, and early booking is recommended as this experience remains popular during the festival.

Who Will Enjoy This Light Festival Cruise?

This tour suits art lovers, photographers, and anyone interested in experiencing Amsterdam’s illuminated beauty from a comfortable boat. It’s ideal for adults and older children who can appreciate the artistic displays and city views.

Since large bags, alcohol, and drugs are not permitted, the cruise may not be suitable for bachelor/bachelorette groups or those seeking a lively party atmosphere. However, with unlimited drinks and snacks, it is perfect for relaxing social evenings or romantic outings.

Final Thoughts on the Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise

This 75-minute cruise offers a peaceful, scenic view of Amsterdam’s famous canals adorned with spectacular light art. The luxury, covered vessel ensures comfort, and the live commentary adds informative value. The upgrade option with unlimited drinks and snacks makes it a flexible choice for those wanting a more indulgent experience.

While it may not be suited for wheelchair users or large party groups, it remains an appealing way to enjoy the festival’s visual magic from the water. For art lovers, nighttime explorers, and those seeking a relaxing yet visually stunning activity, this cruise provides a memorable look at Amsterdam’s illuminated beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the cruise suitable for children?
The tour is generally suitable for older children who can appreciate the artworks, but large bags and alcohol are not allowed, and the experience is better suited for adults.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, the cruise can be canceled up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.

What should I wear?
Guests are recommended to dress warmly, as it can be chilly on the water, especially in winter.

Where do I meet the cruise?
The meeting points are at Prins Hendrikkade 33A or NEMO Science Museum, depending on the booked option.

Is there an option to upgrade?
Yes, the upgrade includes unlimited drinks and snacks such as stroopwafel or salted treats.

How long is the cruise?
The duration is 75 minutes, offering a relaxed pace to enjoy the festival.

Is this tour accessible for wheelchair users?
No, this experience is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What makes this cruise stand out?
The combination of luxury comfort, live commentary, and panoramic views from a covered open boat makes this tour particularly appealing.

Are drinks included in the standard package?
No, drinks are not included in the standard option but are available for purchase. The upgrade offers unlimited drinks.

Can I join the cruise early?
Guests are advised not to arrive earlier than 10 minutes before boarding to avoid queues and congestion.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby