An evening cruise is one of the best ways to see Amsterdam, because the canal houses, bridges and reflections look their best once the lights come on, and this version adds dinner of a sort. The cruise leaves from Damrak pier 4, a yellow pier run by Canal Tours Amsterdam, close to Centraal Station, and lasts one and a half hours. A live guide, in English or Dutch, introduces the canal ring, its bridges and its history while the boat glides past the grand merchants' houses of the Golden Age. Included in the ticket are drinks, listed as beer, wine, soft drinks and water, and New York-style pizza, which you choose from the options available at check-in. The boat is described as a comfortable vessel with large windows, so you can enjoy the view even when the weather is cool, and the maximum group size is forty, which keeps the atmosphere friendly rather than anonymous. The operator is Stromma Nederland, which runs many canal cruises in the city, and the ticket page shows free cancellation or rescheduling up to twenty-four hours before the visit. The pizza and drinks make this a more informal, social cruise than a formal dinner cruise, and it works especially well for groups of friends, families with teenagers and visitors who want an easy first evening.
Is it the right cruise for you: if you want a quiet, romantic, candlelit cruise with a more refined menu, there are other options. This one is lively, relaxed and good value for what it includes, and the combination of a guided tour and an evening meal means you do not need to book a restaurant afterwards. The ticket page shows a rating of 4.2 from a small number of reviews, so treat it as a newer product; the operator itself is well established, with a 4.1 provider rating from several hundred reviews.
Practical advice
Arrive at pier 4 in good time, because boarding is organised by the crew and you choose your pizza at check-in. The pier is yellow and operated by Canal Tours Amsterdam. Dress warmly for the evening, as even on mild days the water can feel cool, and take a layer if you want to step out onto any open area.
Booking ahead is wise in summer and at weekends. If you have dietary requirements, check the pizza options with the operator before you go, as the page does not list them. The cruise is in the evening, so allow a little time before dinner plans and avoid scheduling anything tight afterwards.
Making an evening of it
The Damrak is the busiest part of the city, but a short walk takes you to quieter streets. After the cruise you could stroll to Dam Square, walk through the Nine Streets to see the shops lit up, or have a drink in a brown café in the Jordaan. If you have more time, compare this with the other cruises on this site, including the classic canal cruise, and think about whether you would prefer a daytime tour with more light for photographs.
What to expect
The experience
A guided evening canal cruise in English or Dutch with beer, wine, soft drinks, water and New York-style pizza included.
Best time
Evening departures, when the canal houses and bridges are lit; book ahead in summer and at weekends.
How long
One and a half hours.
Tips
Board at the yellow Damrak pier 4, choose your pizza at check-in and dress warmly.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Groups, couples and families who want a sociable first-night cruise with food and drink included.
- Families
- Pizza and soft drinks make it child-friendly; the boat is comfortable and groups are limited to forty.
- Couples
- Relaxed rather than formal; a good start to an evening in the canal ring.
- Pair with
- A walk through the Nine Streets or a drink in the Jordaan afterwards.
- Time needed
- Ninety minutes, plus time to check in.
Good questions
Where does the evening cruise with pizza start?+
At Damrak pier 4, a yellow pier near Centraal Station, run by Canal Tours Amsterdam.
What is included?+
A guided cruise of one and a half hours, drinks (beer, wine, soft drinks and water) and New York-style pizza. You choose your pizza at check-in.
What language is the guide?+
The live guide speaks English or Dutch, according to the ticket page.
How big are the groups?+
The maximum group size is forty.
Can I cancel?+
The ticket page shows free cancellation or rescheduling up to twenty-four hours before the visit.
