Best boat types for your corporate party in Amsterdam

The largest boat is not automatically the best choice: the group size and desired atmosphere count just as well. A sloop is suitable for an informal cruise, while a covered saloon boat is pleasant for a business meeting or party in less good weather. For larger groups, a party boat can offer more room for a festive interpretation.

One corporate party on the water offers colleagues something other than a regular drink or meeting. At Event op het Water we ensure that the boat fits your plans and that the boarding place is practical for the guests. In this article you can read how to adjust the choice to the group size, the desired atmosphere and the trip to the jetty.

We compare sloops, saloon boats and party boats and explain which atmosphere and layout suit different company parties. You can also read what you pay attention to at the boarding point, so that you choose a boat in which your company is pleasant to get together and enjoy the cruise.

Accessibility and transport to the boarding point

Match the boarding location to the route, vessel, and way guests travel. For commercial sailing and party boats, the applicable sailing rules of the chosen sailing area apply. The route also determines which bridges and passages are relevant. Therefore, first record the point of departure, and then watch how guests reach the jetty.

Maximum dimensions and noise conditions may vary per sailing area and route. So don't just choose based on the atmosphere you want. Compare the boat with the passages on the planned route and with the space on the quay. This way you prevent the boat or party setup from not matching the trajectory.

Make the journey to the boarding point easy with a clear collection point. In the invitation, indicate the address of the jetty, the walking route from the nearest station and the time of collection. Think of colleagues who arrive by train and walk together to the quay. A recognizable point helps to avoid loose arrivals.

Part of the group comes with a coach, or smaller teams travel from the region together with Taxibus Utrecht? Then plan in advance where guests will get off and how they will walk to the jetty from there. Include the walking distance in the turntable and designate one contact person on shore. This way, guests know where to go, even if the group consists of several teams.

A private boarding location can be useful if the program starts at a conference room or office. The feasibility depends on the route, the accessibility of the Quay and the mooring site. Map those points before sending the invitation. Also take any bridges on the walking route to the boat.

At a boarding point outside the city center, the trip can become an additional part of the program. For example, compare the connection to public transport with the travel time from the location of your meeting. Choose one clear route and share it with all guests in advance. This prevents participants from waiting on different scaffolding.

Use these steps for an accessible step:

• First, choose the desired sailing area and departure point.
• Tune boat and route on bridges and passages.
• Plan the arrival by train, coach or other transport.
• Share the meeting point and walking route with the guests.

Match the boat and party design to the rules of the chosen sailing area. The conditions for dimensions and sound are related to the route and the passages along which the boat must pass.

For the city center, the boat must match the bridges and passages on the route and the space on the quay. Maximum dimensions and noise conditions vary per sailing area and route.

Capacity of boats on the Amsterdam canals

The capacity depends on the boat type, the group size and the desired layout. Therefore, look not only at the maximum number of guests, but also at the space that the program asks for. A drink, dinner and party with dancing each have different requirements for seating and space for movement.

Capacity per boat type

Small sloops can accommodate an average of 8 to 12 people. For a staff party, a sloop can accommodate from 2 to 40 people. That wide bandwidth makes it important to look at the capacity of the specific boat. Also pay attention to the layout: a group that wants to sit together needs a different space than guests who mainly want to walk around.

Salon boats for staff parties are called with a capacity of 12 to 90 people. In addition to that maximum, see how many seats there are and how they are distributed. For example, a drink with snacks may require a different setup than a meeting where everyone is sitting at the table. The group size alone does not tell whether the boat works well for your program.

Make an overview of the components of the event in advance. For example, record how many guests are sitting at the same time, whether space is needed for a speech, and whether guests move around during the cruise. Compare those wishes with the layout of the boat. This way you assess the capacity in relation to the program, not just as a number on paper.

Party ship capacity

A party ship with deck can accommodate about 40 to 250 guests. Event ships can accommodate approximately 150 to 700 guests. Party Ships can also be deployed for groups of up to about 500 people. These categories vary in size and design; therefore, see which ship suits the number of guests and the planned party.

At a business event with a large group, both seating and walking space are important. Think of a reception with conversations in small groups or a joint program component. The boat must provide space for those activities, not just for the number of people present. Therefore, make a classification of the most important moments in advance.

Use these steps to practically compare capacity:

• Count the guests who actually participate.
• Determine whether the program is mainly sitting, standing, or moving.
• Compare the required seating and walking space with the capacity of the boat.
• Tune the chosen boat to the desired sailing route.

For a party of 20 people, a smaller saloon boat may be appropriate; for 150 guests, an event ship is a category to view. Treat these numbers as starting points and then compare the layout with your plans. This way you make a targeted choice and you can request a quote for the desired speed.

How do you choose the right boat for your group?

A saloon boat provides shelter and an indoor saloon, while a sloop is open. With a tour boat, the route is central; a party boat goes with music and celebrations. Choose based on group size, program and required space.

Boat selection for large groups

With a large group, it is not only how many people fit on board that counts. Also consider seating, walking space and the direction of the program. For a served dinner, about 40 to 50 people is a comfortable group size. A walking dinner requires a different format, because guests move around and want to talk to each other.

For a company of 80 guests, the provider mentions two large saloon boats as a possible solution. Thus, the group can be divided, while both boats remain part of the same party. Discuss in advance how your guests move between the parts and where speeches or music take place. That makes the choice more concrete than just the maximum number of people.

Differences between boat types

A saloon boat is typically classic and covered, with large windows, an interior saloon, and often an open deck. For groups of 12 to 20 people, this can be more comfortable than a sloop. A classic saloon boat has 12 to 40 seats at tables and can accommodate about 40 guests. So see if the table layout suits your program.

A sloop is suitable for an informal cruise where the outdoors is part of the experience. A tour boat emphasizes sailing together and seeing the surroundings. A party boat is more obvious when music, dancing and a festive atmosphere are central. The difference is mainly in the design and purpose of the cruise.

Make the choice with these practical steps:

• Determine how many guests participate and how many of them are on board at the same time.
• Choose the main part, for example, a drink, walking dinner or party with music.
• Decide whether you want to sit, walk around, dance or experience the route.
• After that, compare the layout and number of seats of appropriate saloon boats.

For a medium-sized group, a saloon boat can provide the balance between shelter and togetherness. With a larger group, several boats or a larger party vessel help to keep the program workable. Put your group size and desired atmosphere side by side and request a quote for an appropriate corporate party on the water.

Party boats with dance floor and outdoor deck

A party boat combines an indoor space with opportunities to stand outside. Choose the layout according to the program, for example a drink, dancing or a wedding.

Outdoor spaces and open roof

A party ship with deck can accommodate about 40 to 250 guests. An outdoor deck gives guests space to gather outdoors, while an indoor hall provides space for parts that take place indoors. Think about the distribution in advance: where does the drinks start, where is the music and where can guests talk quietly?

An open roof or outdoor deck affects the layout of the program. For example, Plan a reception outside and a joint moment inside. At a corporate party, also take into account guests who prefer to stay seated. A practical layout offers options, without everyone having to use the same part of the boat.

The space for a dance floor varies by boat and layout. Therefore, first put the program components in order: reception, food, speeches and dances. After that, determine how much space each part requires. For example, at a party with a buffet, walking space is more important than when guests are mainly sitting at the table.

Catering, beverages and audiovisual facilities

Tailor catering, drinks, music and audiovisual facilities separately to the program and the chosen boat. For example, state in your application whether you are planning a drink, buffet or dance moment. This makes it clear which facilities are needed, without treating food, music and technology as one package.

A buffet requires space for guests walking past the dishes; a seated dinner requires a different layout. In music, the place of the speakers and the space for dancing count. For a presentation, a screen and understandable audio are important. Therefore, describe concretely what guests need to see, hear and do.

A party on the Eivissa in Amsterdam was organized for 500 guests. That example shows that big parties can take place on a party ship, but in itself says nothing about the layout of each ship. So compare the number of guests with the program and the available indoor and outdoor space.

Use these points of attention when composing your party:

• Determine whether the indoor hall, the outdoor deck, or both are central.
• Plan space for buffet, seating and any dance floor.
• Define the role of music and audiovisual facilities.
• Match the desired catering and drinks to the course of the evening.

So choose a party boat not only on appearance, but also on how guests will use the space. At a wedding, alternation between inside and outside can be pleasant; at a dance party, the layout for music and the space for movement are extra important.

Suitable boat for corporate parties

Make a reservation as soon as your date and group size are known. Availability for private staff parties is limited in the high season from May to september inclusive. Then choose a boat that suits the program, the atmosphere and the route. This way you organize a company party on the water with attention to both the cruise and the get-together.

Start with one main question: What should colleagues be able to do during the cruise? An informal drink is all about being together; in a presentation, seating and attention to the speaker are more important. A party with music requires space to move. List those wishes before comparing boats. This way you prevent a beautiful boat from not fitting the program.

A company party on a boat in Amsterdam usually lasts 3 to 4 hours. Divide that time in advance into recognizable moments, such as reception, sailing, food and a closing drink. A short program requires a different interpretation than a cruise with several parts. Also discuss whether the boat should offer the same atmosphere throughout the cruise, or whether there should be room for variety.

The group size helps to delimit the choice. Smaller groups may appreciate an intimate setting, while larger groups benefit more from space to spread out. Look not only at the number of people, but also at seats, walking routes and places to talk to each other. In speeches, a format in which everyone can see the speaker is practical.

Include the route in the planning. A trip through the Amsterdam city center leads, for example, along the Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht. The Amstel or the IJ offers a different environment and atmosphere. First decide whether you want to experience the city center or whether you are looking for open water and a wider view. Match that choice to the boarding location and program.

A successful corporate party also requires clear planning. Record who receives the guests, when the program starts and what moment is central. For example, agree that a short speech will take place before the drinks start. This way, colleagues know what is on the program during the cruise.

Use this order when choosing:

• Prick the date and determine the expected number of guests.
• Choose the main goal, such as networking, celebrating, or dining together.
• Adjust the route to the desired atmosphere in Amsterdam.
• Compare the format with the components of your program.

With these choices you can specifically apply for a boat that suits your party. Indicate the date, the number of guests, the desired route and the main parts of the program. This provides a clear starting point for the organization.

Make a reservation as soon as the date and group size are known. This is especially important in high season, when availability for private staff parties is limited.

Event on the Water: Private Cruise

Event op het Water helps you to connect a company party on the water with your group and desired atmosphere. With a private cruise you sail with your own company, a skipper and unlimited drinks. For an informal drink, the Borrelboot package fits; with the BBQ boat package you give the get-together a different interpretation.

Choose a cruise that suits your program: from relaxed get-togethers to a festive moment with colleagues. think about the group size, desired route and activities on board. In this way, the choice of boat matches the planning and the atmosphere you have in mind.

See the possibilities of Event on the Water and visit eventophetwater.nl to discuss your company party further.

Make your plans a party on the water

The choice of suitable boat types for corporate parties in Amsterdam city centre takes on meaning when it fits in with what you want to celebrate together. Determine what feeling your colleagues are allowed to bring home and use that as a starting point for the organization. In this way, the cruise becomes more than an activity on the program: a moment to make memories together.

Event op het Water offers private cruises and Amsterdam Cruises. For a festive interpretation, you can also look at the BBQ boat Arrangement. Choose the direction that suits your company and discuss how the speed fits in with your team's plans. A clear starting point makes it easier to take the next step.

Give you business party a place on the water and further develop the plans with Event on the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Party on the water?

Yes, you can organize a corporate party as a private cruise with your own company. For example, choose a cruise for a relaxed get-together, a drink boat for an informal meeting or a BBQ boat if food is part of the plan. First, determine the purpose and desired atmosphere. Then adjust the speed, boarding place and filling to each other.

Will the party continue in bad weather?

In less favorable weather, a covered saloon boat is an appropriate choice, as guests can gather indoors. When planning, consider the difference between an interior space and an open deck. For example, consider a program where the reception and speeches take place indoors. The route and execution of a cruise depend on the conditions on the water.

How many people can go with it?

This varies by vessel and sailing area. Small sloops have an average capacity for 8 to 12 people, while larger saloon boats and party ships can carry more guests. On the Amsterdam canals there is a maximum of 60 people per boat. Therefore, first make a final guest list and adjust it to the boat and the desired sailing route.

Which boat types are suitable for corporate parties on the Amsterdam canals?

A sloop suits a casual outing; a saloon boat provides a covered setting for conversation or a business meeting. A tour boat is suitable when sailing together and viewing the surroundings are central. For a party with music and space to dance, a party boat is a logical option. Choose based on what guests are going to do on board.

How many guests can fit on the different types of party boats in Amsterdam?

A salon boat for staff parties is called for 12 to 90 people. A party ship with a deck can accommodate around 40 to 250 guests; event ships can accommodate around 150 to 700 guests. These categories differ in space and layout. In addition to the number of guests, compare the required seats and space for the program.

How much does it cost to rent a boat for a corporate party in Amsterdam city centre?

The costs depend on the type of boat, the group size, the duration, the route and the chosen content. For example, a drink and a program with dinner require a different composition. Request a quote with your date, expected group size and wishes for the party.

Which boats are suitable for small and large groups?

For a party of up to 12 people, a sloop can suffice. For groups of 12 to 20 people, a saloon boat can be more comfortable, especially when you want shelter and seating. For larger groups, a party boat or event ship are options to view. Let the program also take into account: a dinner requires a different format than a standing drink.

Which Amsterdam pick-up locations are useful for corporate parties in the city centre?

The jetty at Oosterdokskade 8 is a 3-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station. Train, metro, tram and bus can also be reached within a 5-minute walk from a jetty. Choose a pick-up point based on your guests ' journey and agree on one clear meeting point. Send the walking route in advance with the invitation.