This will be our second visit to Amsterdam. We’ll have 2 nights to explore before flying home to the states after an extensive journey throughout Europe. I am thinking an evening boat cruise might be relaxing, romantic and contemplative. As I searched the websites I found a few intriguing but a bit confusing options: an Old Boat (details disappeared), BlueBoat but no November dates for reservations, departures from 17:00-21:30, drinks or cheese plate and drinks or dinner, duration 1 hour or 75 minutes.
Could we wait until we arrive in Amsterdam and check with the tourist information kiosk, or do you recommend making arrangements ahead of our arrival?
Regarding the City Pass, I read that it is only good for day boat trips. We will visit the Van Gogh and the Rijks, devoting our daytime to those experiences. So, we will opt out of the pass (91.44 each is more that we will spend on entries).
November could be a chilly night time experience.
What have you tried and would you recommend it, or should we just stroll along the canal and see what we find. Might discover good food and live music.
Posted by
Orange Park, Fl
985 posts
We took a night boat tour with Those Dam Boat Guys. They meet at a restaurant on the Prinsengracht so you could arrive there early and have dinner or snacks before the boat ride. It will likely be cold so have scarf, cap, gloves with you. They provide blankets on board I believe. We didn't use them as we were in a heated larger boat doing the Christmas light tour.
Posted by
WI
370 posts
The cruise sounds like a very nice way see the canals, particularly after dark when the lights of the beautiful merchant homes lining the canals would pour out on to the water. We did the standard boat ride around the canals and found it to be lacking (no guide/commentary), but this sounds like a cut above. As for your last comment - yes, you should absolutely find time to walk the canals. In particular, the Jordaan area (around the Prinsengracht or Keizersgracht, near Anne Frank House) is wonderful for just strolling with no plan. You'll find plenty of wonderful cafes and beer bars worth stopping in, as well as restaurants. It is busy, but we found this area seemed a world away from the more hectic parts of town. Enjoy!