Two Hours, Small Group, Snacks

Two Hours, Small Group, Snacks is one of thirteen canal cruises compared on this site, it runs 2 hours, and the live listing opens at $71.09 a person. It carries 4.9 from 2,841 reviews, reproduced here exactly as the operator publishes it.

Overview

A black electric sloop ties up at a small wooden jetty on Keizersgracht, directly in front of Huis Marseille, the photography museum. Fourteen travellers at most climb aboard, and for the next two hours the boat works its way through the Amsterdam Canal Ring while the captain talks. The person at the wheel tells the stories and answers questions as the city slides past.

Food and drink are part of the deal rather than an upsell. Bitterballen, Dutch cheese and stroopwafels circulate during the trip, and the open bar covers beer, wine, soft drinks, alcohol-free beer, jenever, gluhwein and hot chocolate. Bottled water is on board too. Travellers who flag a vegetarian diet or an allergy such as gluten when booking get snacks arranged to suit.

Several travellers said the small boat felt more personal than the large cruise vessels, and the reviews repeatedly describe the captains as funny and well informed. One reviewer noted a captain's family had lived in Amsterdam for generations. The 10 AM departure runs a different menu: freshly baked croissants, juice, coffee and a spread of Dutch treats. One reviewer who took a sunset cruise described watching the sun set over the canals and the city as absolutely beautiful.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Keizersgracht 401Find the small wooden bench and jetty in front of Keizersgracht 401, in front of Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography. A black boat picks up passengers there.
2. Board the sloopThe captain welcomes the group, which is capped at 14 travellers, and the electric boat sets off into the canals.
3. Cruise the Canal RingThe full two hours are spent on the Amsterdam Canal Ring. Snacks and open-bar drinks are served while the captain shares stories and history about the city.
4. Return to the jettyThe cruise ends back at the meeting point on Keizersgracht.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this trip goes.

• Group feel. The boat takes at most 14 people, and reviewers often mention the intimate atmosphere compared with the bigger canal boats. One traveller said the small boat was much better than one of the bigger boats would have been. Several reviewers also highlighted the chance to have direct conversations with the captain.
• Food and drink. Snacks and drinks are included, not sold on board. Bitterballen, cheese and stroopwafels come round, and the bar covers beer, wine, jenever, glühwein, hot chocolate and soft drinks.
• Weather. The experience requires good weather, and if it is cancelled due to poor conditions a different date or a full refund is offered. Dress for the day's forecast.
• Pace. The two hours are spent sightseeing rather than covering ground fast. Reviews describe the experience as relaxing and comfortable. There is no walking segment involved.
• Kids and infants. Infants must sit on laps, per the listing. Most travellers can participate. The listing does not state a separate child rate or menu, so check the booking page before reserving with young children.
• Getting there. The meeting point is a jetty in front of Keizersgracht 401, by Huis Marseille. The listing describes it as near public transportation. Allow time to find the small wooden bench and jetty before the departure time on your confirmation.

Common issues. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, so travellers with limited mobility should check with the operator before booking. It also requires a minimum number of participants; if that minimum is not met, the operator offers a different date or experience, or a full refund. Weather can cancel a departure, with the same rebooking or refund options. Cancellations by travellers must be made at least 24 hours before the start time to get money back. One reviewer mentioned usually faring badly on boats that rock.

Questions People Ask