Amsterdam: Light Festival Heated Cruise + Hot Drinks & Snack
Hightlight
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English-Speaking
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Group-Friendly
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Local guide
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Reservations
History
Amsterdam’s canals, engineered in the 17th century, were once the arteries of global trade. Each winter, the Amsterdam Light Festival reimagines these waterways as a luminous open-air gallery, with international artists crafting installations around a central theme.
The 2025/2026 edition, Legacy, coincides with Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary, inviting reflection on rituals, memory, and what the city passes to the future—perfectly viewed from a heated saloon boat.
Highlights
- Fully enclosed, heated saloon boat with panoramic windows
- Live English commentary by passionate local skipper
- View all 20+ Amsterdam Light Festival artworks from the water
- Unlimited hot & cold drinks + snack box (optional)
- Cozy blankets and glowing city reflections
Full Description
Step aboard a toasty, glass-enclosed saloon boat and let winter melt away. As the skipper navigates the illuminated canals, light sculptures dance on the water, bridges sparkle, and houseboats glow like lanterns.
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- Flexibility: even if you need only one service, we can assist individually.
Sip unlimited mulled wine, hot chocolate, beer, wine, or soft drinks while nibbling a curated snack box. The guide weaves tales of the Legacy artworks, Golden Age merchants, and hidden canal secrets.
From the futuristic NEMO to the elegant Golden Bend, every turn reveals a new spectacle. This 75-minute cruise is pure winter magic—warm, intimate, and unforgettable.
Why Choose This Experience?
Skip the freezing sidewalks and experience the Light Festival in total comfort. The heated boat, live storytelling, and unlimited drinks create a floating living room vibe—perfect for couples, friends, or solo travelers.
Multiple departure points and flexible drink options fit any plan. Official festival routing ensures you see every glowing masterpiece without missing a sip.
What’s Included
- 75-minute heated saloon boat cruise
- Live English-speaking skipper/guide
- Fully enclosed boat with heating and panoramic windows
- Cozy blanket per guest
- Unlimited drinks: mulled wine, hot chocolate, beer, wine, soft drinks (if option selected)
- Snack box with sweet & savory bites (if option selected)
- Prime viewing of all Amsterdam Light Festival 2025/2026 artworks
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
- Reserve now, pay later option
- Small group atmosphere (max. 30 guests)
- No smoking policy strictly enforced
Itinerary
- Starting locations (choose one): Zwanenburgwal 22, Prins Hendrikkade 33A
- Cruise past NEMO Science Museum (illuminated)
- Cruise by Waterlooplein Market area
- Cruise under Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge)
- Cruise along Golden Bend (Gouden Bocht)
- Cruise through Grachtengordel-West
- Cruise by De Negen Straatjes
- Cruise along Herengracht with light reflections
- Cruise past Haarlemmersluis
- Cruise by Amsterdam Centraal Station
- Drop-off locations: Zwanenburgwal 22, Prins Hendrikkade 33A
Pricing
From $29 per person
Meeting Point
Meeting point varies by option booked:
- Central Station: Prins Hendrikkade 33A (look for crew in bright pink jackets)
- Zwanenburgwal: Zwanenburgwal 22 (near Rembrandt House, pink flag visible)
How to get there
- From Centraal Station: 3-minute walk to Prins Hendrikkade 33A—exit main entrance, turn right along the water.
- From Dam Square: Tram 4, 14, 24 to Rembrandtplein (5 min), then 7-min walk via Staalstraat to Zwanenburgwal.
- From Rembrandtplein: 5-minute walk via Zwanenburgwal bridge.
- By metro: Line 51/53/54 to Nieuwmarkt, then 8-min walk to Zwanenburgwal.
Good to Know
What to bring
- Warm layers (hat, scarf, gloves—even inside, doors open briefly)
- Camera with night mode (windows are clean for photos)
- Smartphone for optional festival app (QR codes on board)
- Reusable mug (if eco-conscious—crew provides disposables)
Know before you go
- Crew wears bright pink—easy to spot in crowds
- Boat is fully enclosed and heated (22–24°C inside)
- Snack box may contain nuts—inform crew of allergies
- No restroom on board—use facilities at departure point
- Festival runs 27 Nov 2025 – 18 Jan 2026
- Lights are best after 5 PM; evening departures recommended
Reviews
- Incredibly cozy boat, friendly guides, and the perfect way to see the Light Festival without freezing. Highly recommend the drink option!
- The skipper’s stories brought the artworks to life; warm, relaxed, and the mulled wine hit the spot. A winter highlight.
- Loved drifting past the glowing sculptures from inside a heated boat—intimate, informative, and pure magic.
Maps
Video
FAQ's
Is the boat really warm enough in winter?
Absolutely—the saloon boat is fully enclosed with double-glazed windows and powerful heating maintaining 22–24°C inside, even when outside temperatures drop below zero. Heated seats line the perimeter, and thick fleece blankets are provided for extra snugness. The skipper keeps doors closed except during brief boarding, and hot drinks flow freely. Guests often remove coats within minutes. Fog-free windows ensure clear views of the light artworks.
What’s in the snack box?
The box includes a mini stroopwafel, Dutch cheese cube, savory cracker, chocolate bite, and a small bag of nuts or pretzels. Paired with your drink choice, it’s a satisfying mid-cruise treat. Vegetarian and gluten-free versions are available if requested at booking. The box is compact, served in eco-friendly packaging, and designed to enjoy hands-free while admiring the lights.
Can I choose non-alcoholic drinks only?
Yes—unlimited soft drinks, hot chocolate (with or without whipped cream), tea, and coffee are included in the drink option. The bar is self-service with clear labels; simply skip the mulled wine or beer. Crew can prepare specialty mocktails on request (e.g., spiced apple cider). Families love the kid-friendly hot cocoa station.
Is photography allowed through the windows?
Definitely—windows are large, clean, and treated to reduce reflections. The skipper slows near major artworks for perfect shots. Tripods are not permitted for safety, but phone stabilizers are fine. Night mode on smartphones works wonders with the bright LED installations. Crew can recommend the best side of the boat for each sculpture.
What if I booked the wrong departure point?
No problem—both docks are operated by the same company. Arrive at either Zwanenburgwal 22 or Prins Hendrikkade 33A up to 15 minutes before any scheduled departure, show your ticket, and the pink-jacketed crew will reassign you to the next available boat (same day, subject to space). No extra fee, but pre-notification via the booking app is appreciated to avoid delays.
