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  • Choose the perfect boat in Amsterdam: complete guide

    Written by Tom Adolfsen in Drinks boat Amsterdam

    • • 13 min. reading time

    Choose the perfect boat in Amsterdam: complete guide
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    A drinks boat turns a drink together into an outing on the water: you sail with your own group and enjoy drinks along the way. Choose the perfect drink boat by first thinking about what occasion you are going for and what atmosphere suits you. The place of departure and Arrival and the route can be chosen in consultation, so there is room to adjust the cruise to your plans.

    A company outing may require a different interpretation than a family day or bachelorette party. So it makes sense that you want to know in advance what to expect and which boat suits the group. In this guide you can read what a cocktail boat this includes what occasions it is suitable for and what you pay attention to with the price, sailing time and facilities on board.

    This way you can calmly compare the possibilities and find out which parts are important for your day. From the layout on board to the practical details: with a clear picture in advance via Event on the Water, it becomes easier to plan a pleasant cruise together.

    Key points

    • Choose a boat and package that suits the occasion, the group size and the atmosphere you have in mind.
    • Include toilet facilities and the layout on board in your choice, so that everyone feels comfortable during the cruise.
    • Compare sailing time and package contents to determine what suits your planning and wishes.
    • With a skipper you do not have to drive the boat yourself and the group can enjoy the Amsterdam canals together.
    • Adjust the interpretation to the type of outing, from a relaxed family drink to a festive cruise with colleagues or friends.

    For which occasions is a drink boat suitable?

    A drinks boat is suitable for company Drinks, birthdays and group outings. You sail together on the Amsterdam canals and choose an arrangement that suits the moment. For example, a team outing is all about catching up outside the office. A birthday gets a festive touch with wine and refreshments on board.

    What types of boats are there in Amsterdam? You can choose from a saloon boat and an open sloop. A saloon boat has a covered area, while an open sloop brings the group closer to the outdoors. In addition, you can choose between a private cruise for your own company and a group cruise.

    For a drink boat in Amsterdam, a group size of 10 to 45 people applies as a practical guideline. Check in advance which minimum group size applies to the chosen drink boat. Therefore, first count the attendees and then see which boat capacity suits your number. This way you prevent the chosen layout from feeling too cramped or unnecessarily spacious.

    Capacity and layout vary by boat. With a larger group, think about seating, space to talk together, and the desired atmosphere. A covered boat can be pleasant for a business company; an open sloop is more suitable for an informal birthday on the water. Each private boat includes skipper and catering staff.

    What do you pay attention to when choosing a drink boat for a group, birthday or company outing? Start with the number of guests, the occasion and the desired atmosphere. Then decide whether you want to sail privately, which layout is pleasant and which package fits. For example, a company drink requires a different interpretation than a birthday with friends.

    • Choose private sailing when you want to be on board with your own company.
    • Choose a group tour when sailing together is more important than exclusive use.
    • Compare the boat layout with the number of people and the type of meeting.

    The price depends on the boat, group size, sailing time and chosen content. Therefore, do not just compare the amount, but also see what is included. With a private boat, the boat, skipper, catering staff and unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks are included.

    Make a reservation as soon as your date and group number are clear. For said private packages, free cancellation applies up to 12 hours in advance; a drink boat booking can be changed up to a maximum of 48 hours in advance. This way you can also take changes in the group into account when planning.

    With a suitable boat, the cruise becomes a shared moment, not just a trip on the water. For example, choose a covered private boat for a quieter company drink or an open sloop for an informal birthday. The company, The View and a suitable arrangement make the cruise a special occasion.

    Is there a toilet on board?

    Yes, all saloon boats have a toilet on board. Most boats on the Amsterdam canals also have a toilet and heating. That's nice when you sail with a company, especially on a longer trip or changeable weather. When choosing, consider the type of boat and the amenities so you know what the layout on board offers.

    Seating varies by vessel. For example, a boat lists 30 seats indoors and 15 outdoors. That can help you plan a cruise with guests who prefer to sit inside and people who like to enjoy the beautiful canals outside. Look not only at the total number of places, but also at the distribution. This way you know whether the seating area suits your group and the type of outing.

    Rain doesn't have to mess up a cruise right away. The Tour can continue in rainy or cold weather: the inner part is heated and umbrellas are available on the outer deck. A covered saloon boat offers shelter; an open deck gives a good view of the surroundings. When choosing, consider the season, the weather forecast, and how much time you want to spend outdoors.

    What packages, snacks and drinks do Amsterdam borrelboten offer? The mentioned borrelboot includes a Dutch bar with beer, wine and soft drinks. Snacks are not included as standard, but can be booked. So check in advance which drinks and snacks belong to the package and which parts you want to add separately.

    • Check if the boat has a toilet and if it belongs to your choice.
    • Compare indoor and outdoor seating with the composition of the company.
    • See what drinks are included and how to arrange snacks.
    • Be aware of rain, cold and shelter on deck.

    Safe and pleasant on board starts with clear agreements. Follow the directions of the skipper and keep walking space clear around seats and passageways. Put bags and loose items in a place where no one will trip over them. Also agree on where guests will gather and how everyone will board. So the cruise starts quietly and the company knows what to expect.

    An event like the Amsterdam Light Festival demands attention for visibility and comfort. A covered boat can provide shelter, while from the deck you can admire the works of light art. Choose a layout that suits your plans and discuss in advance which facilities are important. For a cruise with snacks and drinks, you can include the desired content in a request for quotation.

    Prices and sailing times

    When planning your cruise, three choices Count: duration, boat capacity and package. The standard cruise with the drink boat takes 1.5 hours; additional sailing time changes both the planning and the total costs.

    Duration and sailing times

    A standard cruise takes 1.5 hours. That gives you time to sail, catch up and enjoy the canals. Consider in advance whether that duration fits the purpose of your meeting. For a short drink, the standard duration may suffice; for a more extensive program, additional sailing time may fit.

    Adjust the start time to the rest of your schedule. Think about the time when guests arrive, any activities before departure and what you will do after sailing. At busy events it can be useful to incorporate the speed into your daily schedule. This leaves room to enjoy from the water without crowding out other appointments.

    Prices and surcharges

    The price depends on the boat, group size, sailing duration and chosen content. Therefore, do not only compare packages, but also see which drinks and eating options are included. A different boat or additional choice may change the total price. Request a free quote to see the costs for your plans.

    Additional sailing time can be offered in various extensions. See which option fits your program and include the additional costs in the total. A step outside the Amsterdam canal belt can also entail additional shipping costs. The boarding point is therefore a practical choice and a possible cost factor.

    Capacity varies by vessel. In Amsterdam there are examples of a saloon boat and an open sloop, each of which can accommodate up to 35 people. That maximum does not automatically say which boat is comfortable for you. Compare the group size with the available seating and movement space and consider whether you prefer to sail indoors or in the open air.

    For a price comparison, first make a short list of your choices:

    • The number of people and the desired boat capacity.
    • The standard duration of 1.5 hours or a longer cruise.
    • The desired drinks, snacks and other components.
    • The boarding location and possible advance.

    A cruise during the Amsterdam Light Festival requires a suitable place in your program. Also at a company drink or birthday, think about how much time you want to spend on board. By first determining the duration and group size, you can better compare packages and organize the cruise in a relaxed manner.

    Choose the perfect boat in Amsterdam: complete guide

    What is a drink boat in Amsterdam?

    A drink boat is a private cruise where you go out on the water with drinks. You sail with your own company, while a skipper controls the boat. This way no one has to navigate themselves and everyone can sail along relaxed. Choose the perfect boat in Amsterdam by starting with your company, the occasion and the atmosphere you are looking for.

    The skipper takes care of the sailing and knows the route. This is practical for a group that prefers to talk together rather than figure out the route themselves. Friends can catch up while colleagues enjoy an informal company drink. Discuss in advance what wishes you have for the cruise.

    Which boats in Amsterdam are the best rated? There is no independent ranking in this guide that designates one boat as top rated. When comparing, look at the points that count for you, such as the boat layout, the experience on board and the communication about the cruise.

    What boarding locations and routes are there for drinks boats? The boarding and alighting location are chosen in consultation. Discuss where you want to get off and what you would like to see from the water. Also take into account the place where you will continue afterwards.

    On a private cruise, the boat is for your own company. A group tour has a different design and is not automatically exclusive to your group. So first decide whether you want to sail together or especially look for a cruise through Amsterdam. That choice helps in choosing a suitable boat and filling.

    Make your wishes concrete before you book. For example, write down the desired boarding and alighting location, the atmosphere and any route preferences. For a birthday with friends, the emphasis can be on cozy drinks. At a company outing, space to catch up with colleagues may be important. Clear wishes make planning clearer.

    A route also determines what you see along the way. From the water you look out on bridges, quays and historic facades. Discuss whether you want to pass familiar places or prefer to sail quietly together. The route depends on the boarding and alighting location and the agreements with the skipper.

    Use these steps when planning:

    • Decide whether you want a private cruise or a group cruise.
    • Choose departure and arrival locations that suit the day.
    • Discuss route wishes and the desired atmosphere in advance.
    • Adjust the boat layout to your company.

    If you want to choose the perfect boat in Amsterdam, let your most important wishes be the guiding principle. With a skipper and catering staff on board, the group can focus on being together. Adjust the embarkation and disembarkation location and the content of the cruise to your plans.

    Drinks boat for company outings, family outings and bachelor parties

    A drinks boat gives different events a common place: the cruise itself. For a company outing, it is an informal setting to talk to colleagues outside the office. A family day is all about spending time together. A bachelorette party can get off to a festive start before you move on to the rest of the day.

    Start with the purpose of the meeting. Do you want to catch up with colleagues, bring relatives together or surprise the bride or groom-to-be? That answer determines the atmosphere, the desired drinks and any snacks. A business drink often requires space for conversation, while friends at a bachelorette party may prefer music and a festive program.

    After that, make one list of wishes of the group. For example, write down the desired atmosphere, the boarding location and what guests like to eat or drink. Also agree on who coordinates the planning. For events with multiple organizers, a single point of contact prevents the wishes from being spread across different messages.

    For a corporate outing, a simple layout will help. Start with a welcome moment, then plan time to have a drink together and close with a shared view from the water. This way, the group does not have to constantly change locations. A colleague who receives guests can share practical arrangements in advance, such as the meeting point and the schedule.

    With a family outing, expectations sometimes diverge. Some family members like to talk quietly, while others like to take pictures of places along the water. Therefore, discuss in advance which atmosphere suits the family. A relaxed program gives room for conversation and prevents every moment from being full of activities.

    A bachelorette party requires a different preparation. First, choose whether the boat is the main program or part of a larger day. After that, think about music, food and a surprise for the guest of Honor. At a festival or other event, it is wise to place the momentum in the day program. In this way, the boat trip and follow-up plans connect logically.

    The Amsterdam Light Festival can be a special setting for a group outing. During this period, the boat sails past more than 20 works of light art. Discuss how such speed suits your meeting and whether the group mainly wants to watch, drink or celebrate together. The wishes of the guests determine what emphasis the program will receive.

    Use these steps to make your plan concrete:

    • Decide on the goal: celebrate, catch up or go out together.
    • Collect wishes for atmosphere, snacks and drinks.
    • Choose one organizer as a point of contact for the group.
    • Adjust the cruise to any plans before and after the boat.

    A good choice does not start with the most beautiful boat, but with your opportunity. Put the most important wishes side by side and determine what the group agrees on. In this way, a company drink, family day or bachelor party gets a clear meaning, without the program becoming unnecessarily complicated.

    Event on the Water: Private Cruise

    Event on the Water helps you choose a private cruise that suits your plans. With the Private Cruise sail with your own company and a skipper. For a drink, the Borrelboot package fits; if you want to eat together, the BBQ boat package is a possible solution.

    Let the occasion and the wishes of your group be leading. A company drink may require space to catch up, while for a birthday you want to organize a festive cruise. When working out your plans, also think about the desired route and boarding location.

    Discuss your wishes for a private cruise with Event on the Water.

    Give your plans a place on the water

    A successful cruise starts with an idea that suits your group. Think about what atmosphere you want to create and use that as the basis for your plans. So you can choose the perfect drink boat in Amsterdam for a company outing, birthday or other special moment. With a private cruise, your company will experience the city together from the water.

    Event op het Water offers private cruises and various boat packages, including the cocktail boat arrangement en het BBQ Boot arrangement. Choose the interpretation that suits your occasion and work out the details step by step. Each private boat includes skipper and catering staff, with unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks.

    Make your next get-together a beautiful memory. Enjoy Amsterdam from the water.

    Frequently asked questions about the borrelboot

    How many people can go on a boat?

    That depends on the chosen vessel and the group classification. Event op het Water organizes private cruises for groups of 10 to 700 people on the total offer. That range does not apply to a single boat. Therefore, adjust the number of guests to the capacity of the boat and consider how much space you need to sit and move comfortably.

    Is the boarding and alighting location the same?

    The boarding and alighting location can be chosen in consultation; there is no fixed departure point or route. So you can discuss whether you want to end up in the same place or prefer to get off somewhere else. When choosing, take into account the rest of your planning, such as where guests will go next and how they will travel from the dock.

    Is there unlimited drinking on board?

    Yes, the private boat includes unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks. A skipper and catering staff are also present, so that your company can relax on board. When planning, take into account different preferences within the group. For guests who do not drink alcohol, soft drinks are included. The chosen content determines which other parts fit your cruise.

    Can a drink boat be combined with a buffet?

    You can combine a cruise with a meal filling via a suitable boat arrangement. The BBQ boat package is a concrete option if you want to eat together while sailing. A buffet is a specific form of catering, so base your choice on the dining content of the chosen package. This way you can adjust the food to the program and the wishes of the group.

    How much does it cost to rent a speedboat in Amsterdam per hour and per person?

    The price depends on the boat, group size, sailing time and chosen content. Request a free quote with the number of guests and the desired duration. Then compare the total amount and the parts of the package, such as unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks and the chosen meal filling.

    How many people can fit on a drinks boat in Amsterdam?

    Capacity varies by boat; so the number of people on the booking is not automatically the capacity of each vessel. When planning, provide the final group number and also take into account the desired seating area. For a group with different seating requirements, the layout is just as important as the number of people the chosen boat can take.

    What is included in the rental of a drink boat and what additional costs are there?

    A private boat includes skipper, catering staff and unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks. The total price depends on the boat, sailing time, group size and chosen package. Additional food filling or another arrangement choice can affect the total. Therefore, look at the full quote and compare which parts are included for your meeting.

    What rules apply to alcohol, sailing and your own food and drinks on board?

    The skipper controls the boat; follow his instructions during the cruise. Beer, wine and soft drinks are included with a private boat, but plan alcohol consumption responsibly and be considerate of the other guests. For food you can choose a suitable boat arrangement, such as the BBQ boat Arrangement. Do not automatically assume that your own food and drinks are part of the chosen content.

    Disclaimer

    Some images on this website are (partially) generated or edited using artificial intelligence (AI). These images serve solely for illustration and Atmospheric impression. The actual boats, locations, arrangements, facilities and performances may differ from what is shown in the image. No rights can be derived from AI-generated images.

    To contact us via [email protected] for more info.

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