We did two canal cruises in Amsterdam this week. The first one was recommended by our hotel, and was absolutely amazing! The captain offers two options, either a private tour for 250 euro, or for up to 8 people you could join for 55 euro per person. We opted for the small group, and as it turned out we were the only people that night so we had a private tour for 110 euro! He picks you up near the Ann Frank house, the tour is 90 minutes, and he has all sort of drinks and nibbles for you. So we had champagne and got started. We went at 7pm, so it was dark out and the lights on the bridges etc were just beautiful. He was very engaging, and funny, and it was just overall a really nice time! He even showed his houseboat, which happens to be the same exact spot that Monet stayed in one to paint his famous canal painting. I used the QR code at the hotel to book this, so when it came up it is reservable through Fareharbor.com under the Amsterdam Private Boat Tour. Jack is the captain.
One afternoon we did a more typical canal cruise, using Flagship Amsterdam. You have two options, regular or with wine and cheese. We opted to skip that as we were not in the mood, but most everyone else on board opted in and the wine and cheese flowed. These boats are limited to 30 people and the boat has a cover, but the sides are open if it is good weather, and if rainy they close the sides. It was rainy the day we went, so it was closed, but they opened the back one so that it would not be all foggy inside. They had blankets for people to stay warm as well. There was no smoking on this boat, which we appreciated. The main guide was a student and she was very good and the captain was great too. It was a lot of fun, but just very different than the private tour of course. This cruise was 19 euro per person.