Amsterdam: Canal Booze Cruise with Open Bar & Local Crew

Summary

Float past bridges & city lights with laughter and local stories

You’ll cruise Amsterdam’s canals with unlimited drinks, passing under famous bridges like Magere Brug and soaking up stories from your local crew. Expect laughter, unexpected moments of calm, and glimpses into daily life along the Amstel—plus easy pickup right in the city center.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the boat glided so quietly from the city center — you almost forget there’s an engine under you. Our guide, a guy named Bram, handed me a cold beer before I’d even found a seat (I picked one near the edge, legs stretched out). There was this faint smell of rain on old brick, but it wasn’t raining yet. Everyone loosened up fast — maybe it’s the open bar, or just Amsterdam working its magic. We drifted under those crooked canal houses and Bram started sharing stories about the Amstel River that I’d never read anywhere. He pointed at a houseboat with a garden on top and joked about Dutch practicality.

I tried to count all seven bridges as we passed under them — failed after four because someone started singing “Tulips from Amsterdam” (off-key, but nobody cared). The Skinny Bridge looked even thinner in person than in photos. It’s funny how something so simple can feel so… iconic? I leaned over to touch the water once — colder than I expected. The city felt different from here: less busy, more like you’re in on some secret. At one point, our hostess poured another round of wine and told us about growing up nearby; she laughed when I tried to say “Grachtengordel.” Probably butchered it.

We looped through the Red Light District — lights flickering on as dusk settled in. There was this moment when everything went quiet except for the gentle slap of water against the hull and some distant bike bell. I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed (or maybe that was drink number three talking). Anyway, we docked back where we started and nobody rushed off right away. Still think about that view down the canal at sunset sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Amsterdam canal cruise with drinks

• Depart from city center
• Cruise main canals of Amsterdam
• Pass through Red Light District
• Cruise on Amstel River
• Pass under Skinny Bridge
• Pass by 7 Bridges canal
• Return to city center

Top questions

Is there really unlimited beer and wine on this Amsterdam canal booze cruise?

Yes, if you select that option when booking, unlimited beer, wine, and soda are included during your cruise.

Where does the Amsterdam booze cruise start and end?

The cruise departs from centrally located points in Amsterdam’s city center and returns to the same spot.

Do they cover you if it rains during the canal cruise?

Yes, all boats are covered in case of rainy weather so you’ll stay dry.

Can small children join this Amsterdam canal booze cruise?

Yes, infants and small children are allowed—they can ride in a pram or stroller but must sit on an adult's lap.

Will there be a guide or host on board?

Yes, each boat includes a captain and host or hostess who share stories along the route.

Does this canal booze cruise go through Amsterdam's Red Light District?

If you book certain departures (like Dam Square), you'll pass through or start/end near the Red Light District.

How long does this Amsterdam canal booze cruise last?

The exact duration isn’t listed here but most similar cruises last around 1–1.5 hours.

Is public transportation nearby for getting to the departure point?

Yes, public transport options are available close to all departure points in central Amsterdam.

What’s included

Your day includes unlimited beer, wine or soda (if selected), all fees and taxes covered up front, plus a friendly local captain and hostess guiding you from centrally located departure spots—and yes, boats are covered if it rains while you're out there floating by those bridges.