Saloon Boat With Cheese Option

Saloon Boat With Cheese Option is one of thirteen canal cruises compared on this site, it runs 1 hour, and the live listing opens at $16 a person. It carries 4.6 from 31,369 reviews, reproduced here exactly as the operator publishes it.

Overview

This cruise runs on a restored saloon boat, a covered canal vessel of a type that has sailed Amsterdam's waterways since 1902, now fitted with a quiet electric engine. The trip lasts one hour and departs from one of three central piers: Prinsengracht 267, Prins Hendrikkade 33A, or Oosterdokskade 8, with the exact meeting point depending on the option booked. A skipper and host steer and narrate, pointing out the Westerkerk, the Anne Frank House, the Skinny Bridge and the Golden Bend as the boat moves through the canal ring.

The base ticket covers the cruise and live guiding. The upgrade adds Dutch cheeses with Groninger mustard and unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks for the full hour. Reviewers who took this option called the wine excellent and the cheese tasty and plentiful, and one recommended it without reservation. The salon is covered, so rain is not a problem, and the roof can open on clear days.

Because the boat is smaller than the large tour vessels, the listing describes a more intimate and comfortable atmosphere than those bigger boats offer. One reviewer described a trip where the guide had everyone introduce themselves, which led to conversations among the passengers, and several reviewers praise guides who are knowledgeable and happy to take questions. Children are welcome with an adult, though the drinking age for the upgrade is 18.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at the pierCheck in at one of three central departure points: Prinsengracht 267, Prins Hendrikkade 33A, or Oosterdokskade 8. The pier depends on the option booked.
2. Jordaan and WesterkerkThe boat heads along the Prinsengracht past the Westerkerk and the Anne Frank House, then threads through De Negen Straatjes.
3. Amstel landmarksThe route continues past the Royal Theater Carre, the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge), the H'ART Museum and the Stopera, then along the Groenburgwal past the Dancing Houses.
4. Herengracht and Golden BendThe cruise runs the Herengracht past Hotel Seven Bridges and Het Grachtenhuis, then the Leliegracht, before returning.
5. Drop-offThe tour ends at one of the same three locations: Oosterdokskade 8, Prins Hendrikkade 33A, or Prinsengracht 267.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points worth knowing before booking, drawn from the listing and from what travellers report afterwards.

• Boarding the boat. Getting in involves a fairly big step down from the pier, and the stewards help passengers with it. Arrive with a hand free if you can.
• Bring warm layers. The listing recommends warm clothing. The salon is covered, and on fine days the roof can be opened.
• Group feel. One reviewer mentioned a smaller number of occupants, which let the guide have everyone introduce themselves and sparked conversation among passengers. The listing also notes the boats offer a more intimate atmosphere than larger tour vessels.
• Cheese and drinks. The upgrade includes Dutch cheeses with Groninger mustard plus unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks. One reviewer mentioned the wine being topped up and the cheese being plentiful. The minimum drinking age is 18.
• Weather. The covered salon means the cruise runs in rain as well as sun. On good days the roof opens, and one reviewer reported getting great photos from the boat.
• Ask the guide. The listing says the host takes questions throughout and gives local recommendations for the rest of your stay. Reviewers often mention guides who were knowledgeable and entertaining.

Common issues. The boat you get may not match the photos, since the operator uses several historic vessels depending on availability, and some travellers were disappointed on this point. Large bachelor and birthday groups are not permitted. Unaccompanied minors cannot board, and children need an adult with them. There is no hotel pickup; everyone makes their own way to one of the three piers.

Questions People Ask