Amsterdam: Light Festival Cruise with Mulled Wine & Bites

Exploring Amsterdam during its Light Festival offers a chance to see the city in a new, luminous way. This cruise, hosted by Flagship Amsterdam, promises a cozy, relaxing journey through the illuminated canals — and at just $33 per person, it’s surprisingly accessible. We haven’t taken this tour ourselves, but based on reviews and detailed descriptions, it seems like a wonderful way to enjoy the city’s festive atmosphere in comfort and style.

What we love about this experience is the stunning view of the light art installations, the quiet, eco-friendly electric boat, and the option to sip on unlimited drinks while taking in the sights. The elegant, covered boat ensures you won’t be bothered by the winter chill or rain, making this a warm, inviting way to explore. The only potential downside? The tour is around 75 minutes, which might leave some wanting more of the magical lights.

This experience is perfect for those looking for a relaxed, scenic outing with a festive twist. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or in a small group, it’s ideal for anyone wanting to see the city from a different angle without walking long distances or battling cold weather. Just note that it’s not suitable for wheelchair users or those carrying large luggage.

Good To Know

• Comfortable, covered boat helps keep you warm and dry while enjoying the views.
• Stunning light art installations beautifully illuminate the canals, creating a magical atmosphere.
• Eco-friendly electric boat offers a quieter, more sustainable way to explore.
• Unlimited drinks option adds a fun, social element to your cruise.
• Short and sweet at 75 minutes, perfect for a quick, memorable experience.
• Ideal for the festive season and those seeking a relaxed, scenic activity with friends or loved ones.

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Close Look at the Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise

The Experience: What to Expect

This cruise offers a unique chance to see the Amsterdam Light Festival from the comfort of a luxury, semi-covered boat. During the festival, illuminated art installations brighten the historic canals, turning the waterways into a glowing tapestry. The cruise is designed to let you admire these artworks without the hassle of city crowds or cold weather.

The boat might be covered with a boat cover if conditions are chilly or rainy, but the overall experience remains cozy. In fact, if availability permits, you might find yourself on a heated salon boat, adding extra comfort during colder months.

The Itinerary

The cruise begins from two convenient starting points: Oosterdokskade 8 or Stationsplein 26, both central locations close to Amsterdam’s main attractions. After boarding, you’ll glide along the canals, with the guidance of a live English-speaking host providing insights into the festival’s history and highlighting notable art installations.

The journey takes approximately 75 minutes, giving you ample time to enjoy the views without feeling rushed. You’ll pass by some of the city’s iconic landmarks, seen in a different light (literally), as the illuminated artworks reflect on the water’s surface.

The tour concludes back at your starting point, making it easy to continue exploring or head to dinner.

The Light Art Installations

One of the most praised aspects from reviewers is the beauty of the lights. The installations are described as “very pretty” and “enchanting,” transforming the canals into a luminous wonderland. The fact that the festival has been running for over 12 years means the displays are thoughtfully curated and consistently impressive.

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The Added Touch of Food and Drink

For those opting for the unlimited drinks and snacks upgrade, the on-board bar becomes your cozy oasis. You can enjoy a variety of drinks, including mulled wine, beer, sodas, and wine, all while taking in the views. Reviewers have found this particularly charming, as it adds a relaxed, social vibe to the cruise.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

• “The lights were very pretty. Quay staff was friendly and helpful.” (Tadeo, Netherlands)
• “Very nice experience with friendly staff.” (Djin, Netherlands)
• “Erg leuk!” (Very fun! in Dutch)

While the reviews are brief, they highlight the overall positive impression of the cruise, especially the stunning views and friendly crew.

Pricing and Value

At $33 per person, the base price offers excellent value for a 75-minute scenic tour during one of Amsterdam’s most beautiful festivals. The optional unlimited drinks elevate the experience into something more social and indulgent, especially in the chilly months when a hot mulled wine keeps you warm.

Compared to other light festival activities, this cruise strikes a balance between affordability and quality. The fact that it’s eco-friendly and semi-covered adds to its appeal, making it suitable for a wide range of travelers.

Practicalities

• Duration is 75 minutes, ideal for a mid-evening activity.
• Meeting points are centrally located, simplifying logistics.
• The tour is led by a live English-speaking guide, enriching the experience with insights.
• Luggage or large bags aren’t permitted, so plan your packing accordingly.
• Not suitable for wheelchair users, so contact the provider if accessibility is a concern.

Why This Tour Could Be Your Perfect Choice

If you’re after a relaxing evening activity that combines scenic beauty with cultural festivity, this cruise is a great pick. It’s especially ideal if you want to avoid the crowds or prefer a more comfortable way to take in the festival lights. The unlimited drinks add a convivial touch, making it suitable for couples, friends, or small groups.

However, if you’re seeking a more in-depth exploration of Amsterdam’s history or prefer a longer, more immersive experience, this cruise may serve best as a fun, light-hearted highlight rather than a comprehensive tour.

Final Thoughts

This Light Festival Cruise offers a charming, hassle-free way to see one of Amsterdam’s most beloved traditions. The stunning light displays combined with a comfortable, eco-friendly boat make it a memorable outing, especially during the festive season. The availability of unlimited drinks and snacks is a bonus that adds a lively, social element to the experience.

The tour’s short duration makes it perfect for those with a tight schedule or looking for a quick, enchanting escape into the illuminated cityscape. It’s a practical choice for travelers wanting a blend of scenic beauty, cultural festivity, and relaxed comfort.

In essence, this cruise is best suited for anyone wanting a light, enjoyable way to explore Amsterdam’s iconic canals by night, with plenty of photo opportunities and a cozy environment to soak in the holiday spirit.

FAQ

Is the boat covered?
Yes, the boat is semi-covered, and weather conditions might require a boat cover for warmth and dryness.

Can I upgrade to unlimited drinks?
Yes, there’s an option for unlimited mulled wine, beer, sodas, and snacks, making the cruise more festive and sociable.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 75 minutes, offering enough time to enjoy the light displays without feeling rushed.

Where do I meet the tour?
The starting point varies depending on your booking, but options include Oosterdokskade 8 and Stationsplein 26.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the experience might be best suited for adults and older children due to alcohol service and walking restrictions.

Are there group discounts?
A private group option is available, which can be tailored for special occasions or larger parties.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour accessible for wheelchair users?
No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Are large bags allowed onboard?
Luggage or large bags are not permitted onboard for safety and space reasons.

What makes this experience stand out?
The combination of stunning light art installations, eco-friendly electric boat, and optional drinks creates a cozy, festive environment perfect for celebrating the season.

To sum it up, the Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise with Mulled Wine & Bites offers a warm, scenic, and culturally rich way to enjoy the city’s winter festivities. Whether you’re a couple looking for romantic views, a group of friends seeking fun, or a solo traveler wanting a peaceful evening, this cruise is a smart, enjoyable choice that captures the magic of Amsterdam’s illuminated canals.

You can check if your dates are available here: