Happy Holidays Evening Cruise

Experience the enchanting holiday atmosphere in Amsterdam with Blue Boat Company’s Happy Holidays Evening Cruise. This 90-minute evening canal cruise offers the perfect opportunity to discover Amsterdam’s famous canals as they shine brightly with festive lights. Let yourself be carried away by the magic of the city while enjoying the unique combination of the warm holiday spirit and Amsterdam’s rich history. This cruise is a must for anyone who wants to experience the best of the city during the holiday season.

What can you expect from the Happy Holidays Evening Cruise?

When you arrive at the departure point at Stadhouderskade 550, directly opposite the Heineken Experience, you will be welcomed aboard a beautifull boat. While comfortably seated on the heated boat, you will be surrounded by the twinkling lights of the city, enjoying a relaxing cruise through Amsterdam’s iconic canals. During the cruise, you’ll receive a complimentary glass of Glühwein, a warming spiced wine traditionally enjoyed during the holidays. For those who prefer not to drink alcohol, there is a delicious creamy hot chocolate topped with whipped cream. Both options are served with a piece of traditional Dutch “boterkoek,” a rich, buttery treat that perfectly complements the wintery atmosphere.

An Audio Tour in Six Languages

During the Happy Holidays Evening Cruise, you can choose a special audio tour, available in six languages: Dutch, English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish. Instead of a traditional Christmas story, this audio tour provides interesting historical and cultural facts about the city and its landmarks, specially tailored for the holiday season. Learn more about the charming bridges, stately canal houses, and the history of the UNESCO World Heritage site as you sail through the beautifully lit canals. This makes the cruise not only a festive experience but also an educational way to get to know the city better.

Festive Ambiance and Photogenic Moments

Amsterdam’s canals are at their most beautiful during the holidays, and the Happy Holidays Evening Cruise offers the best views of this magical illumination. As the boat glides through the canals, you’ll see the festive lights reflected in the water, creating a fairytale-like spectacle. This creates numerous photogenic moments, perfect for capturing your holiday memories. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local, this cruise offers a unique way to experience the city at its most enchanting time of the year.

Make Your Cruise Even More Festive

To complete your experience, you can enhance your canal tour with a few extras. For example, you can add a snack box with chips, popcorn, stroopwafels, salted peanuts, and a drink of your choice. For a touch of luxury, you can choose the wine and cheese package, consisting of two glasses of wine, cheese crackers, and delicious Dutch cheese. These extras make your cruise even more special and add an extra festive touch.

Wheelchair Accessibility

The Happy Holidays Evening Cruise is also accessible for people who use a wheelchair, and Blue Boat Company is proud to be the only shipping company in Amsterdam that offers fully wheelchair-accessible boat tours. The wheelchair-accessible boats depart at fixed times, at 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM, and can accommodate a maximum of three wheelchairs per boat. Guests are required to check in at least 15 minutes before departure at the ticket office, located at Stadhouderskade 550, opposite the Heineken Experience. We recommend making a reservation in advance. After booking, you can contact our reservation department to confirm your wheelchair accessible seat.

Booking Tickets for the Happy Holidays Evening Cruise

Booking your tickets for the Happy Holidays Evening Cruise is quick and easy through our website. You can select your preferred date and time slot and receive a confirmation via email immediately. There is no need to print your tickets; simply show them on your phone when boarding. We recommend booking online in advance to guarantee your spot and avoid waiting times. Do you have a promotion code? Don’t forget to book separately for each person to apply your discount.

Departure Location and Transportation Options

The Happy Holidays Evening Cruise departs from Stadhouderskade 550, directly opposite the Heineken Experience, a central location easily accessible by public transport. You can take tram 2 or 12 and get off at the Rijksmuseum stop, from where it’s just a five-minute walk to the dock. Alternatively, take metro No. 52 and get off at the Vijzelgracht stop, which is only a two-minute walk to the departure point. Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure, so you can board and begin your cruise relaxed and on time.

What’s Included in the Happy Holidays Evening Cruise?

During this 90-minute cruise, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable experience sailing through Amsterdam’s festively lit canals. You’ll receive a complimentary glass of Glühwein or hot chocolate, served with a piece of boterkoek. Additionally, you can listen to Christmas music or opt for the audio tour, available in six languages. To help protect the environment, we encourage you to bring your own earbuds or headphones if possible.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel your tickets up to 24 hours before departure at no additional cost. Unfortunately, cancellations within 24 hours are not possible. If you want to change your time slot, please contact our reservations department at +31 20 679 1370. Experience the magic of the holiday season in a unique way with Blue Boat’s Happy Holidays Evening Cruise and enjoy an unforgettable time in the heart of Amsterdam.