Amsterdam canal cruise by an Amsterdam boat company (2025)
An Amsterdam canal cruise can be magical… but let’s be honest: on a crowded tourist boat, it can quickly feel rushed and impersonal. Especially if you’re with a group and you have something to celebrate (or you simply want to impress).
That’s why this guide focuses on the smartest choice for groups: an exclusive private cruise with Rederij Staets (perfect if you want to “take an Amsterdam canal cruise” your way). Here you’ll discover the 3 best options — from taking an Amsterdam canal cruise with food & drinks to routes through the city center — and where you can book directly with the Amsterdam boat company for groups.
The very best Amsterdam canal cruise is…
Private canal cruise (boat rental) with Rederij Staets — ideal for groups of 20 to 130 people who want luxury, comfort, and freedom.
You choose the route, boarding location, and duration. On board, you’re all set: a stylish bar, comfortable seating, a flexible interior, and whisper-quiet cruising thanks to the fully electric boat. Summer? Panoramic roof open. Winter? Nice and warm on board. Lovely, right!
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The 3 best tested services/products from an Amsterdam boat company
- Fully customized: route, boarding location, and duration
- Stylish & comfortable (bar, seating, flexible interior)
- Electric cruising: calm, luxurious, and sustainable
- From cruising drinks to dinner: everything perfectly arranged
- Great for birthdays, anniversaries, and corporate events
- Extra atmosphere: music, lighting, and onboard service
- Choose your vibe: historic, modern, or away from the crowds
- Perfect for a ‘wow’ moment with your group
- Easy to combine with food, drinks, or entertainment
Best Amsterdam canal cruise of 2025
Want an Amsterdam canal cruise that doesn’t feel “standard”? Then private cruising with Staets is exactly what you’re looking for. You board wherever it suits you, cruise the route you want, and you have the entire boat for your own group.
The boat is modern, electric, and super comfortable. In summer, you open the panoramic roof for that real “Amsterdam convertible” feeling. In winter, you stay warm, dry, and relaxed — without the hassle of crowds and lines.
Reasons to choose
- Exclusive for your group: 20 to 130 people
- Whisper-quiet electric: relaxed talking, laughing, and toasting
- Flexible interior: seated dinner, drinks, party, or meeting
- You’re in control: route, boarding location, and duration
- All-season comfort: open roof in summer, heated in winter
Good to know
- Popular dates (weekends, holidays, and events) fill up fast: requesting early pays off.
- The final setup is fully customized; share your wishes clearly for the best proposal.
Indicative price: tailored quote (depending on duration, group size, and setup).
Want to take an Amsterdam canal cruise with that little bit extra? Then choose a package. Think a stylish drinks cruise with an unlimited bar, a warm dinner on board, or a party with music and a big dose of energy.
The best part: you don’t have to stress. The setting is already premium, the service is perfectly arranged, and your group only has to enjoy (and yes, take photos — lots of photos).
Reasons to choose
- All-in-one experience: cruising + food/drinks + atmosphere
- Perfect for events: birthday, anniversary, corporate drinks, dinner
- Comfort & luxury: bar, seating, toilet, and heating
- Flexible: from relaxed drinks to a full-on party
Good to know
- Packages differ by duration and group size; choose what fits your vibe.
- Special dietary requirements? Share them in advance so they can be included properly.
Indicative price: package prices vary; request a tailored proposal for your group.
A great Amsterdam canal cruise is all about timing and route. Do you want the classic canal belt, the lively IJ with modern architecture, or would you rather head towards the Amstel for that relaxed “getting away for a moment” feeling?
With Staets routes, you can make it exactly as iconic (or surprising) as you want. Ideal if you want an experience that sticks with colleagues, friends, or family.
Reasons to choose
- Routes with character: city center, IJ, harbors, Amstel, or De Zaan
- Tailored experience: easy to combine with drinks or dinner
- Relaxed enjoyment: electric cruising without noise
- Perfect for groups: experience it together, create memories together
Good to know
- Routes may depend on crowds, events, and passage availability; discuss your must-sees in advance.
Indicative price: depends on the chosen route, duration, and package (tailored quote).
Amsterdam canal cruise deals
For group cruises, comparing is mainly about what’s included (comfort, route, service) and not just “cheap”. Tip: check what’s included (bar, toilet, heating, roof open/closed) and request a smart proposal based on your group size.
Amsterdam Light Festival: private canal cruise
Drinks package (most chosen)
Luxury combo: canal cruise & full-on party
Key features of an Amsterdam canal cruise
Not every canal cruise is the same. Especially when you’re going with a group, details make the difference: comfort, flexibility, route choice, and how “private” it truly is. Here’s what to look for if you want to choose an Amsterdam canal cruise smartly.
Type of Amsterdam canal cruise
First choose your goal: do you mainly want sightseeing (city center/canals), a cruising drinks event, a dinner cruise, or a party on the water? If you want to “take an Amsterdam canal cruise” your way, a private boat is ideal: you control the pace, stops, and atmosphere.
Comfort and capacity (20–130 people)
For groups, you want space, good seating, and a flexible layout (standing drinks or seated dining). Also check the basics like a toilet on board, heating in winter, and a roof that can open in summer. That’s the difference between “fine” and “wow”.
Boarding location, route and planning
A strong Amsterdam boat company lets you choose where to board, how long you cruise, and which highlights you want to see. Handy if you have dinner, office drinks, or a party planned before or after the cruise. Tip: set 2–3 must-sees, and leave room for spontaneous magic along the way.
Sustainability and noise level
Electric cruising isn’t just “green” — it’s wonderfully quiet. You can actually talk without engine noise ruining your conversations. For corporate events and speeches, that’s a real luxury advantage.
Service, bites & drinks
Want to be fully taken care of? Go for packages with catering, a bar, and onboard service. From a simple drinks cruise to an extensive dinner: when this is well organized, your canal cruise instantly feels premium.
Frequently asked questions about an Amsterdam canal cruise
Do I really need an Amsterdam canal cruise for a group outing?
Not “need”, but it’s a golden move if you want atmosphere, experience, and convenience in one go. You’re together, you see the city at its most beautiful, and you don’t have to organize anything on location. Especially for birthdays, anniversaries, and corporate drinks, it’s a proven success formula.
How many people can join a private canal cruise?
With Rederij Staets, private cruising is designed for groups of 20 to 130 people. This makes it suitable for both smaller teams and larger groups.
Can I choose the route myself when I take an Amsterdam canal cruise?
Yes — that’s the biggest advantage of a private cruise: you decide the route, boarding location, and duration. Handy if you want to see specific hotspots or you have a tight schedule with your group.
Is an Amsterdam canal cruise also fun in winter?
Absolutely. With heating on board, you stay warm and comfortable, while still enjoying the views and atmosphere of the canals. Bonus: fewer crowds and extra coziness on board.
What is the advantage of electric cruising?
It’s whisper-quiet and relaxing. Conversations stay pleasant, music sounds better, and it simply feels more luxurious. Plus: it’s a sustainable choice for your canal cruise.
Can we eat and drink on board?
Yes. You can choose packages such as drinks, lunch, or dinner. Ideal if you want a complete evening (or afternoon) without extra hassle. Check the options on the packages page.
How far in advance should I book?
For popular moments (weekends, holidays, and major events), requesting early is smart. If you’re flexible with date/time, there’s often more possible. The fastest way: request a quote right away with your group size and wishes.
About rederijstaets.nl
rederijstaets.nl specializes in exclusive private canal cruises in Amsterdam and the surrounding area for groups of 20 to 130 people. Think: luxury boats, a flexible interior, strong service, and an experience you can fully customize.
Want to explore options right away or create your ideal Amsterdam canal cruise? View all Amsterdam canal cruises on rederijstaets.nl.
