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Amsterdam Canal Cruise reviews

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.

Posted by
489 posts

Thanks for the reviews! I'm bookmarking this post for my trip to Amsterdam in a couple of months.

Posted by
2529 posts

I am happy that it might help you:) I was so torn on which one to book with, so of course wanted to share to help others. The private one still just blows me away. The cost of course, but also it was such a nice boat and he had chamagne and other drinks, and snacks etc. He just made it so nice, and he was so engaging.

Posted by
3494 posts

I also appreciate your review. We did Those Damm boat guys and they use small, open boats. Of course, it rained and we all got soaked. The captain was so-so. I will try yours on our next visit. We loved Amsterdam!

Posted by
2529 posts

Tammy--I heard mixed reviews on Those Dam Boat Guys. Amsterdam was ok, but it was just a rough trip overall. Lack of planning due to mom stuff, and then getting sick, so it wasn't my favorite place, and I am not a city person, but we had fun and I would love to go back and explore more of the countryside.

Posted by
32 posts

Thank you for sharing your experience. This is on my to-do list for my Amsterdam tour.

Posted by
2529 posts

KK--Welcome to this forum! I will say, the cruise with Jack was actually much more authentic than the Flagship one. Jack was born and raised in Amsterdam, and he gave us much more information on the city and the country. Flagship was more of a party atmosphere, and our guide was from Germany. We saw very little by comparison to the cruise with Jack. Yes, there is a difference in cost, but the cruise with Jack was longer too. I just share my experience and then people can decide what works best for them.

Posted by
1 posts

We just took a tour with Jack yesterday. Great time. Thank you for the pointer @mikliz97. Jack was funny and friendly and knowledgeable. The 90 minutes flew by. Drinks and snacks were provided. Even got to try some local Genever. Great value for the experience. @driftawaywithjack on instagram.

Posted by
2529 posts

letswego--I am so glad you had a great time with him! Although I can't imagine anything but that;)

Posted by
155 posts

Love the reviews here, wondering about thoughts of day vs night canal cruises? I noticed Jacks cruises go all day into the evening.

Posted by
2529 posts

Sorry Monica, I just saw this! We did the Flagship cruise in the late afternoon and Jack's in the evening. I preferred Jack's even with the time. It was beautiful to see everything lit up! With his smaller boat, he was able to take us on canals that the other ones cannot go on, and he would turn the boat around for better views, etc. There was no comparison between the two, except they were both boats in the water;)

Posted by
155 posts

Thank you, we are going in Sept, so this info is great