Haarlem Cheese and Wine Cruise

Haarlem Cheese and Wine Cruise: A Delightful Waterway Experience with Gourmet Pairings

The Haarlem Cheese and Wine Cruise offers a relaxed 90-minute journey through Haarlem’s scenic waterways, priced at $40.59 per person. Departing from Spaarne 11A, this cruise combines beautiful views of the city with the pleasure of tasting three high-quality cheeses from France and Italy, paired with carefully selected wines. The tour features a friendly captain and hostess, ensuring a warm and engaging experience that’s suitable for couples, friends, or anyone seeking a leisurely evening in Haarlem.

While the cruise’s duration and intimate group size—max 30 travelers—make for a cozy outing, some reviews indicate that the cheese portion may be modest, and the sailing style involves a back-and-forth route. This makes it a perfect choice for those wanting a short, charming, and gastronomic exploration of Haarlem’s waterways.

Key Points

• Price: $40.59 per person for a 90-minute cruise
• Duration: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
• Location: Begins at Spaarne 11A, Haarlem
• Inclusions: Cheeses from Café de Paris, three wines, on-board toilet, heated boarding location
• Highlights: Passing Molen ‘De Adriaan’, the Frans Hals Museum, the Jopen church, and Teylers Museum
• Limitations: No guests under 18, cheese portion may be small, sailing is a back-and-forth route

Starting Point and Timing: Easy Access in Haarlem

The cruise departs from Spaarne 11A in Haarlem at 5:30 pm, making it an ideal early evening activity. The meeting point is conveniently close to public transportation, simplifying access for visitors. The heated boarding area ensures a comfortable start, even during cooler evenings. The mobile ticket system allows for smooth entry, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour offers flexibility for changing plans.

What Makes the Haarlem Waterway Cruise Unique

This waterway cruise stands out for its blend of scenic views and gourmet experiences. As the boat glides along Haarlem’s canals, passengers enjoy views of iconic landmarks like Molen ‘De Adriaan’, a windmill that has been in operation since 1779. The cruise also provides a glimpse of the city centre, showcasing beautiful buildings and a historically rich architecture.

The route includes sightings of the Frans Hals Museum, known as Haarlem’s primary art museum, and the Teylers Museum, which specializes in science and art. The Jopen church, a brewery producing local Haarlem beers, adds a touch of local flavor. Passengers get to see these landmarks from the water, offering a different perspective than walking tours.

The Cheese and Wine Pairings: Carefully Selected from Local Supplier

The tour’s culinary highlight involves three cheeses selected by Café de Paris, a local restaurant known for quality. The cheeses originate from France and Italy, and are paired with three different wines designed to complement each cheese’s flavor profile. The pairing aims to enhance the tasting experience, making each sip and bite feel well thought out.

While reviews mention that the cheese portion is a “skinny” cheese board, the wine quality receives praise, with many enjoying the refills provided by the friendly hostess. The wines are described as very good, adding to the overall enjoyment of the cruise.

The Route and Major Stops Along Haarlem’s Canals

The 90-minute cruise follows a back-and-forth route along the Spaarne river, passing several notable sites. The boat sails past Molen ‘De Adriaan’, a historic windmill and famous Haarlem landmark. The city centre is visible, showcasing beautiful buildings and a rich history that adds context to the sightseeing.

Guests also cruise past the Frans Hals Museum, renowned as Haarlem’s leading art museum, and the Teylers Museum, which hosts science and art exhibits. The Jopen church, a brewery that produces typical Haarlem beers, is another highlight, especially if combined with the optional Jopen Beer Cruise.

Cruise Amenities and Onboard Comfort

The onboard amenities include a toilet, ensuring comfort during the cruise. The heated boarding location is a thoughtful feature, making the experience enjoyable regardless of weather conditions. The small group size—capped at 30 travelers—ensures a personal and relaxed atmosphere, allowing for easy interaction and questions during the cruise.

Practical Details and Booking Experience

Booking the Haarlem Cheese and Wine Cruise is straightforward, with most bookings made 20 days in advance. The requirement for confirmation assures that the experience is well-organized. The activity is suitable for most travelers, with service animals permitted and pets generally not allowed unless they are service animals.

The cancellation policy is flexible, offering full refunds if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. This flexibility is helpful if plans change unexpectedly.

Comparing Similar Experiences in Haarlem

While this cruise emphasizes cheese and wine, similar options include shorter canal tours or Luxe canal experiences that may focus more on sightseeing. For those interested in a broader exploration, the linked tours provide options for guided walks, self-guided explorations, and themed historical tours. However, none combine the culinary pairing with the scenic waterway as uniquely as this cruise.

Final Verdict: A Charming, Gastronomic Evening on Haarlem’s Canals

The Haarlem Cheese and Wine Cruise offers a gentle introduction to Haarlem’s waterways, paired with quality wines and carefully selected cheeses. Its relaxed pace and intimate group size make for a cozy outing, especially suitable for couples or small groups seeking a romantic or friendly experience.

While some may find the cheese portion small and the sailing route repetitive, the scenic views and delicious wines tend to compensate. It’s a good value for those wanting a short, enjoyable cruise with a gastronomic twist, especially if timing aligns with an early evening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the cruise suitable for children?
No, guests under 18 are not allowed, including infants.

What is included in the ticket price?
The ticket covers a 90-minute canal cruise, cheese samples, wines, a toilet on board, and a welcoming host and skipper.

Are pets allowed on the cruise?
Pets are generally not permitted, except for service animals.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing is recommended, and since the boarding area is heated, casual attire is suitable.

Can I cancel the booking if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

How do I get to the meeting point?
The meeting point at Spaarne 11A is near public transportation, making access easy.

What landmarks will I see during the cruise?
You’ll pass Molen ‘De Adriaan’, Frans Hals Museum, Teylers Museum, and Jopen brewery.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?
The provided information does not specify accessibility options.

What is the quality of the wines?
The wines are described as very good, with refills provided by the friendly hostess.

Would you recommend this tour?
Yes, especially for those who enjoy scenic waterways combined with gourmet tasting in a relaxed setting.