Amsterdam: Canal Cruise on a Wooden Refugee Boat

Amsterdam’s canals have long been a iconic part of the city’s landscape, but there’s a unique tour that offers visitors a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Aboard a historic wooden boat that once ferried refugees across the Mediterranean, captivating guides with personal refugee stories share their journeys and contributions to the vibrant Dutch capital. As you drift along the waterways, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Amsterdam’s rich history of resilience and diversity. With comfortable amenities and the option to bring refreshments, this 90-minute cruise promises a memorable and meaningful exploration of the city. What secrets might these wooden boats unveil?

Good To Know

• This unique canal cruise offers a one-of-a-kind experience, featuring wooden boats with a refugee history and personal stories shared by guides with refugee backgrounds.
• The 90-minute journey through Amsterdam’s iconic waterways provides insights into the city’s diverse and resilient refugee community and their contributions.
• Guides share their personal journeys of fleeing conflict and adapting to a new life, fostering meaningful connections between passengers and the refugee experience.
• The open-air boat design prepares guests for all weather conditions, enhancing the immersive experience of navigating the canals and the Amstel River.
• The tour highlights Amsterdam’s commitment to inclusion and cultural enrichment, celebrating the city’s embrace of its refugee population.

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Unique Wooden Boat Experience

Visitors stepping onto the wooden boats for this canal cruise embark on a singular experience, journeying through Amsterdam’s iconic waterways aboard vessels with a poignant history.

These boats were once used to ferry refugees across the Mediterranean, and now serve as a platform to share the personal stories of guides with refugee backgrounds.

Captains trained to lead these tours weave together meaningful conversations, providing insights into the contributions of newcomers to Amsterdam’s success.

The open-air design ensures guests are prepared for any weather, making this a truly immersive and thought-provoking way to explore the city’s canals.

Guided Storytelling by Refugee Captains

During the 90-minute canal cruise, guides with refugee backgrounds captivate passengers with their personal stories. Trained to become boat captains, these guides share their journeys of fleeing conflict and finding a new home in Amsterdam. Their stories shed light on the challenges faced by refugees and the contributions they make to the city’s success.

Guides	Background	Stories Shared
Yusuf	Fled Syria	Escaping war, finding safe haven
Fatima	Escaped Somalia	Adapting to life in a new country
Ahmed	Left Eritrea	Overcoming language and cultural barriers
Mariam	Came from Afghanistan	Rebuilding a life after displacement
Kareem	Departed Iraq	Navigating the asylum process

Discovering Amsterdam’s Refugee Contributions

The canal cruise journey serves as a powerful reminder of Amsterdam’s diverse and resilient refugee community.

As passengers board the wooden boat, they learn how it once ferried refugees across the Mediterranean. Guided by storytellers with refugee backgrounds, the tour highlights the contributions of newcomers to Amsterdam’s success.

Participants engage in meaningful conversations, gaining insight into the personal journeys of the guides. The experience showcases the city’s embrace of its refugee population, celebrating the ways in which they’ve enriched the cultural fabric.

Through this unique experience, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for Amsterdam’s commitment to inclusion and the resilience of its refugee community.

Navigating the Canals and Amstel River

Typically, the 90-minute journey winds through Amsterdam’s iconic canals or the serene Amstel River, offering passengers a captivating view of the city’s historic architecture and vibrant waterways.

Trained guides, often with refugee backgrounds, captain the wooden boats, sharing their personal stories and insights about the vessel’s history. Passengers learn about a fishing boat from Egypt that was once used by smugglers to transport refugees across the Mediterranean.

The open-air boats are prepared for all weather conditions, allowing travelers to enjoy the tour rain or shine. Onboard, passengers can relax on provided pillows and have the option to bring their own snacks and beverages.

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Preparing for All Weather Conditions

The open-air boats used for the canal cruise are well-prepared to accommodate passengers in all weather conditions.

Guests are encouraged to bring rain gear or sun hats, as the boats are open to the elements. The tour operates rain or shine, ensuring a comfortable experience regardless of the weather.

Cushions are provided for seating, and passengers are welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks aboard.

Should the weather become unpleasant, the guides are trained to navigate the canals and provide a memorable tour, even in less-than-ideal conditions.

With these thoughtful amenities, guests can focus on the captivating stories and stunning views throughout the 90-minute journey.

Onboard Comforts and Refreshments

Although the boats used for the canal cruise are open-air, they come equipped with a range of comforts and amenities to ensure a pleasant journey.

Passengers are provided with soft pillows for seating, allowing them to relax and take in the sights. Plus, visitors are welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks aboard the boat, further enhancing the experience.

After the cruise, guests can enjoy the on-site café and vegan restaurant at Mediamatic, where they can indulge in refreshments and delectable cuisine.

These thoughtful touches make the Amsterdam canal cruise a truly comfortable and enjoyable experience for all who partake.

Positive Customer Feedback and Recommendations

Travelers have consistently praised the Amsterdam canal cruise as a meaningful and engaging experience.

With an overall rating of 5 out of 5 based on 1 review, the tour has been lauded for its captivating storytelling, beautiful canal views, and important historical context.

The guide, Yusuf, has been particularly highlighted for his charm and confidence in sharing the personal journeys of refugees.

Reviewers recommend the tour as a thoughtful way to explore Amsterdam and gain insight into the contributions of newcomers to the city’s success.

The combination of the unique wooden boats, guided commentary, and reflective atmosphere creates a memorable and impactful experience for all who embark on this canal cruise.

Booking Details and Cancellation Policy

Visitors can reserve their spot on the Amsterdam Canal Cruise and pay nothing today.

The 1.5-hour tour costs from $38.28 per person and allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The meeting point is at Mediamatic, a 10-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station. Guests are welcome to enjoy drinks and food at the Mediamatic café and vegan restaurant before or after the cruise.

This unique experience aboard a wooden boat that once ferried refugees provides an opportunity to learn about the contributions of newcomers to Amsterdam’s success while listening to personal stories shared by guides with refugee backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This Activity Suitable for Children?

This activity may not be suitable for young children, as it involves discussions about the personal experiences of refugees. Parents should consider the maturity and comfort level of their children before booking this tour.

What Languages Are the Guided Tours Offered In?

The guided tours are offered primarily in English, with the option for other languages upon request. Customers should inquire about language availability when booking to ensure their preferred language is available for their canal cruise.

Can the Boat Accommodate Wheelchair Users?

The tour doesn’t explicitly mention wheelchair accessibility. It’s best to contact the tour operator to inquire about any accommodations for wheelchair users, as the open-air wooden boats may pose accessibility challenges.

Are Pets Allowed on the Boat?

Pets are not allowed on the boat. The tour operators prioritize providing a comfortable and focused experience for all passengers. Guests are advised to make alternative arrangements for their pets during the 1.5-hour canal cruise.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement?

There is no minimum group size requirement for this activity. Individuals can book tickets and join the tour, which accommodates both solo travelers and smaller groups. Larger groups can also be booked together.

The Sum Up

This immersive canal cruise offers a unique window into Amsterdam’s refugee history. Guided by captains with personal experiences, it provides an insightful and meaningful exploration of the city’s diversity and resilience. With comfortable amenities and the flexibility to bring refreshments, it’s a memorable way to discover Amsterdam’s iconic waterways. Whether seeking a deeper cultural understanding or a relaxing sightseeing experience, this canal cruise is a must-try for visitors.

You can check if your dates are available here: