The Blue Boat Company is one of Amsterdam's most popular tour companies. They run their boat tours around the clock and are a great way to escape the hustle-bustle of Amsterdam as you relax on the calm canal waters. They offer a wide variety of specialised tours of the city and even cater to events on their boats. The day may belong to the tour groups but at night they turn some of their boats into a wonderful floating dining experience.

The Dinner Cruise

The Blue Boat Dinner Cruise is a 2 and a half hour affair aboard one of the 8 boats that belong to Blue Boat. It's a long boat that can host a nice sit-down dinner for 20-40 people. The boat opens at 8pm and upon arrival you will be seated and brought your choice of entrée and drinks. The cruise sets off from Stadhouderskade (opposite the Hard Rock Café) at 8:30pm and then sails through the heart of Amsterdam as you dine.

The Ship

The evening unfolds on a glass roofed longboat gliding along Amsterdam's canals. The glass roof lets you enjoy, undeterred by the noise or the weather, the idyllic setting of the bustling city as it passes by you while you're enjoying your 3 course dinner. That passage and the gentle swaying of the boat are the only indications that you are in fact not on dry land. This is the same boat they used in the morning for the city tours but it has now been transformed into a private cruiser for you to enjoy with the other guests.

Menu and Service

The menu is seasonal and changes every now and then but the food is delicious. The waiters are attentive and friendly and the service is in no way different from what you would find at a restaurant built on solid ground. Also there is a free pass into the Holland Casino after the cruise for all guests above 18 (ID required)

All in all the experience is great and combines a good meal over a night-time tour of the city so if you're a tourist and you want to keep on enjoying the sights while you dine then it's exactly what you need.

Click here to see the menu.

Opening Times

Friday - Sunday: 8:00pm (April - September)

Saturday: 8:00pm (October-March)