Forget the crowded tour boats where you listen to an audio tour shoulder to shoulder with strangers. Those who opt for a private drinking boat Amsterdam do not board a standard cruise, but enjoy an atmospheric floating living room exclusively for their own company. Nevertheless, arranging such a trip often brings practical questions. Because how do you avoid unexpected costs for drinks afterwards, what happens in a typical Dutch rainstorm and where is the easiest way to get on without hassle?
Fortunately, planning a relaxing afternoon or evening on the water doesn't have to be complicated at all. In this complete guide you will discover how to book an exclusive Amsterdam boat, including an experienced skipper, chilled drinks and the most beautiful sailing routes through the historic city center. This way you can easily find the ideal boat Amsterdam for your friends, family or colleagues. We put all practical tips and smart choices in a clear list, so that you only have to get in and enjoy.
Key Points
- Experience the historic canals with maximum privacy on a boat exclusively for your own company, without unknown tourists on board.
- Discover exactly what a complete package for a drink boat in Amsterdam means, including an experienced skipper and unlimited drinks without surprises afterwards.
- Learn how to choose the ideal boat type for any season, with comfortable open sloops for sunny days and Atmospheric covered saloon boats in changeable weather.
- Follow the practical step-by-step plan to easily coordinate the group size, sailing duration, desired catering and convenient boarding places.
- Benefit from personal care and local expertise, so you and your guests can enjoy a festive trip on the water without any worries.
Why a drink boat in Amsterdam is the ideal group activity
Drinking together on the water immediately turns an ordinary meeting into a special experience. While the historic canal houses slowly slip past you, the deck acts as a relaxing private terrace on the water. The ancient waterways of the historic Amsterdam canal system this is the perfect setting for an unforgettable afternoon or evening. With an atmospheric borrelboot amsterdam you choose a soothing dynamic in which everyone immediately feels at home, far away from the crowds on the quay.
In addition, the closed setting makes for a perfect icebreaker. No one has to worry about table arrangements or noisy neighbors in a crowded cafe. You sail in your own bubble, with plenty of room to catch up, toast and enjoy without hindrance.
Private sailing versus a regular cruise
If you opt for a regular cruise, you will quickly share the space with dozens of strangers. When booking a private boat amsterdam you rent the ship completely for your own company. That makes a huge difference to group dynamics. Everyone can walk around freely, easily change places and participate uninhibitedly in conversations.
In addition, you always sail with a professional, certified skipper. This local connoisseur navigates the canals smoothly, shares fun anecdotes about the city if desired, and makes sure everything goes safely. You coordinate the sailing pace and the route together with the skipper. This way you can enjoy personal hospitality on a borrelboot amsterdam without having to hold the helm yourself.
The best opportunities for a drink on the water
A private cruise will suit almost any festive or informal occasion. Because the arrangement can be arranged according to your own wishes, the event always feels personal:
- Company outings and team outings: kick off the week festively with a relaxed Friday afternoon drink, where colleagues get to know each other better in an informal setting.
- Birthdays and anniversaries: celebrate a milestone right in the heart of the capital, surrounded by family and close friends.
- Bachelor parties: pamper the bride or groom-to-be with a festive trip full of chilled drinks and tasty snacks.
- Family day: bring young and old together on a comfortable ship with plenty of seating space and a relaxed atmosphere.
This way you can combine the most beautiful view of the city with the warmth of your own company.
What exactly does a complete borrelboot package mean?
Those who organize a cruise especially want to relax and enjoy with the company. A complete trip takes all logistical worries off your hands. Instead of lugging around with heavy coolers or keeping track of drink vouchers yourself, you step on board a vessel where everything is already ready. Sailing on waterways that are officially recognized as a protected UNESCO World Heritage site requires peace and attention to the environment. Thanks to a clear all-inclusive setup for your Amsterdam borrelboot, you know exactly where you stand in advance, without unexpected after-calculations for glasses, ice or service.
The professional skipper at the helm ensures that the trip runs smoothly. While the helmsman remains alert to the other sailing traffic and the applicable sailing rules, you can fully focus on your guests. Take a look at the possibilities for a borrelboot arrangement to see how such an afternoon or evening is tailor-made for your group.
Unlimited enjoyment with an open bar
The core of every successful borrelboot amsterdam is a well-stocked bar. During the entire trip, everyone will enjoy unlimited chilled beer, quality wines and various soft drinks. Because the arrangement is fixed in advance, no one has to deal with an intermediate stand or who pays which round. The drinks are cold and served smoothly, which creates a casual party atmosphere in which Hospitality is central.
Snacks and catering for sailing
Tasty drinks call for tasteful appetizers. A standard trip on the borrelboot amsterdam often already offers a nice base, but can be expanded to your own taste:
- Classic snacks: think of Crunchy Nut blends, olives, flavorful cheeses and fresh warm bitter garnishes that are served crispy.
- Dietary and vegetarian: do you have guests with allergies or specific food preferences? You can easily provide this in advance, so that there are suitable alternatives on board for everyone.
- Extension to diner: do you want to sail after the drink for the evening meal? Then you can easily extend the tour with fresh pizza’s, Tapas plateaus or a complete barbecue on the water.
This way you combine the comfort of your own bar with the flavors that perfectly match your guests.
Choosing the right boat for your party on the canals
The success of your cruise depends on the type of ship you choose. After all, an intimate birthday with twelve friends requires a different format than a large company outing with dozens of colleagues. in addition to the group size, the desired atmosphere and the season also play a decisive role. Professional charter vessels meet the strict official requirements for pleasure craft and passenger transport, which guarantees safe facilities on board. Think of approved rescue equipment, reliable engines and comfortable seats.
To make the right balance between sunshine and typical Dutch showers, we look at the two most popular ship types for a successful trip.
The open sloop for sunny days
As soon as the sun shows, an open sloop is a favorite. You sit low by the water, feel the breeze and experience the historic facades up close. This setting feels informal and inviting. Everyone slides together easily on the soft cushions.
Does a rainstorm break out unexpectedly? Almost all modern sloops have a flexible canopy or convenient convertible top. The skipper sets it up within minutes, keeping the whole group dry without having to stop the party. This way you combine the open outdoor feeling with practical security.
Classic saloon boats for comfort in every season
During the autumn and winter months, a classic saloon boat offers a solution. These historic ships breathe a timeless elegance thanks to polished woodwork, copper details and large panoramic windows. Inside, everyone is comfortable thanks to built-in heating, while the illuminated bridges glide gently outside.
Salon boats also offer additional practical benefits for specific groups:
- Fixed sanitary facilities: a full-fledged toilet on board ensures maximum comfort during longer cruises.
- Stylish presentation: the chic look fits seamlessly into business meetings, formal anniversaries or networking events.
- Sound system: thanks to the covered space, background music comes into its own without causing inconvenience to the canal walls.
With the right match between group size and ship type, a drink boat in Amsterdam will be a comfortable experience for all your guests.
Practical steps for organizing your drink tour
Flawless preparation ensures maximum foreplay. With a structured step-by-step plan, you can put together the perfect event in no time:
- Step 1: Determine the group size and date. Map out how many people you go on the water and choose a desired day and time.
- Step 2: Select ship and catering. Match the type of boat and the snacks to the composition of your party and the season.
- Step 3: Choose a central boarding location. Determine a convenient Quay in the center where everyone will easily gather.
- Step 4: agree on personal wishes. Make requests about the sailing route, music or dietary requirements in advance.
- Step 5: confirm the booking. Once all the appointments are in place, all you have to do is count down to a festive cruise.
The most beautiful sailing routes on the Amsterdam canals
Amsterdam shows its most beautiful side from the water. The classic route leads through the historic canal belt, over the Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht and Herengracht. Admire the stately merchant houses and glide under charming stone arch bridges. If you are looking for more vastness, choose a crossing over the Amstel river along the picturesque Magere Brug. This route is breathtaking as soon as night falls and hundreds of lights reflect on the water. For calmer waters, the skipper can head for the Oosterdok or the IJ, where modern skyline and maritime history meet.
Boarding and scheduling
A successful drink boat in Amsterdam starts with a smooth start on the quay. Preferably choose a central boarding point within walking distance of Amsterdam Central station or well-known squares in the city center. Thus, guests travel effortlessly by public transport. Ask everyone to be present at least fifteen minutes before departure, so that the departure proceeds calmly.
Set aside at least one and a half to two hours before sailing. This gives everyone plenty of time to relax and catch up without feeling rushed. Do you want to start composing your ideal cruise right away? Request a free quote and discover how easy it is to make your event a reality.
Book your exclusive drink boat at an event on the Water
Organizing a successful group outing does not have to be stressful. Where standard booking modules often allow you to choose from rigid time slots without personal advice, we believe in customization and short lines. With years of experience in providing private group events, we know exactly what it takes to make every cruise a success. We think along with you from the first moment about the best boat, convenient boarding places and the desired content on board. This way you can step on board relaxed, knowing that everything has been arranged in detail.
Whether you're celebrating an intimate milestone with a close-knit group of friends or hosting a grand corporate event, our versatile fleet always offers a suitable vessel. With an exclusive drink boat in Amsterdam you combine the beauty of the historic waterways with personal hospitality and a relaxed atmosphere.
Simply request a free quote
Planning a trip starts simple. Use our online request form to provide your estimated group size, desired date and any preferences for departure times. You will then quickly receive a clear and transparent tailor-made proposal, without hidden costs or surprises afterwards. Do you have specific catering requests, special dietary requirements or do you want to coordinate the sailing route in advance? Our expert staff are ready to answer all your questions and work together to come up with the ideal sailing plan.
Carefree enjoyment of the best event on the water
On the day of departure, all you have to do is gather your guests. Our certified skippers welcome you to the Quay and provide a warm welcome. While the boat glides silently over the water and the glasses remain filled, there is plenty of room for socializing, good conversations and revelry.
This way you can effortlessly create valuable memories that stay afloat. Do you want to give up the organization of your ideal boat in Amsterdam with peace of mind? Take the first step today and request your free quote at Event op het Water.
Ready for an unforgettable cruise through the canals?
A private tour on a drink boat in Amsterdam offers the ultimate combination of relaxation, conviviality and exclusivity. Instead of a standard cruise, you choose a 100% private tour with your own skipper for your company. Thanks to the complete all-inclusive concept with unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks, everyone can enjoy the scenic waterways carefree, without any surprises afterwards. We think along with you flexibly from the first contact to take care of your ideal sailing route and catering wishes down to the last detail.
With a large fleet of comfortable open sloops for sunny days and Atmospheric, covered saloon boats for autumn, you can sail relaxed in every season. All you have to do is gather your guests and get on board. Request a free quote for your borrelboot and experience the most fun event on the water!
Frequently asked questions about the borrelboot
What happens to our drinks boat when it rains in Amsterdam?
Your cruise will continue comfortably in the rain. Our open sloops are equipped with flexible canopies that the skipper closes quickly in the event of a storm. In addition, we have classic saloon boats that are fully covered and heated. Bad weather does not affect the atmosphere or the sailing pleasure of your company.
Is there a standard toilet on board the barge?
Almost all our classic saloon boats and larger ships have a full toilet on board. With smaller open sloops, this is not always built in as standard. We carefully coordinate this in advance based on your wishes, or, if desired, plan a short sanitary stopover along the route.
Are drinks really unlimited included during the cruise?
Yes, our all-inclusive borrelboot package includes chilled beer, quality wines and various soft drinks throughout the trip. There is no post-calculation per consumption. You know exactly where you stand in advance, so that everyone can toast and enjoy on the water without worry.
Can we play our own music on the boat?
On covered boats and saloon boats there is a sound system to which you can easily connect your own playlist via Bluetooth. On open waterways, municipal noise regulations apply to prevent nuisance for local residents. Our skipper monitors the volume, so that the music inside the boat remains pleasant without disturbing the environment.
What is the minimum and maximum group size for a private tour?
Our private tours are available for groups from 10 people to large groups of up to 700 guests. Because we only organize private cruises with a professional skipper, you are always exclusively with your own company on board. For each group size, we select the most suitable ship from our fleet.
Where in Amsterdam can we get on and Moor again?
We offer several central boarding locations in the city, for example near Amsterdam Central station or well-known Quays along the canal belt. In consultation, we determine which embarkation and disembarkation location best suits your travel plans or subsequent dinner location. This way, the reception of your guests runs smoothly and without detours.
Can we bring our own snacks or drinks on board?
Because we provide complete, well-groomed packages including bar and catering, bringing your own food and drinks is usually not necessary. We take care of the complete range of drinks and drinks plateaus down to the last detail. Do you have specific wishes or dietary requirements? Please let us know in advance, and we will adjust the range accordingly.
Can we combine a drink boat with a barbecue or dinner?
Certainly, a drink boat in Amsterdam can be expanded to a filling meal on the water. You can choose freshly prepared barbecue dishes from a built-in grill, hot pizza’s or an extensive tapas arrangement. This way you can effortlessly turn an informal drink into a complete evening program.
