Customer case: Family parties on the water in Amsterdam: enjoying an unforgettable tour together
Celebrate a birthday, an anniversary or a family reunion in a special location? A family party on the water in Amsterdam is a unique way to make memories together. While the historic canal houses, characteristic bridges and charming city centre pass by, you can enjoy a fully maintained private boating with family members.
At Event on the water We organize family parties on different types of boats in Amsterdam. From a pleasant cruise with a small family to an extensive anniversary party with dozens of guests: a suitable boat is available for almost every group size and opportunity.
The reason: organise a special family party in Amsterdam
For this example we take a family who wants to celebrate a 60th birthday. The family consists of about 35 people, including children, parents and grandparents. The wish is to organise a festive afternoon in which everyone can be together, without having to spread over different tables or spaces.
The main wishes are:
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A private boat exclusively for the family.
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A trip of about three hours through Amsterdam.
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A comfortable boat with seats and toilet.
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Unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks during the journey.
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An extensive lunch or drink with snacks.
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Possibilities for music and personal decoration.
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A central and easily accessible boarding location.
A traditional restaurant appears to be less well connected to these wishes. That's why the family chooses a family party on a private boat in the Amsterdam canals.
The solution: a private salon boat with catering and skipper
A comfortable salon boat with space for about 35 guests fits for this occasion. A salon boat combines the look of a classic Amsterdam cruise boat with the comfort of a private party location.
The family has its own boat with professional skipper during the sailing. This means that no one has to worry about the route or driving the boat.
A complete family arrangement
The proposed arrangement consists of:
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Private salon boat: exclusively available to the family.
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Professional skipper: takes care of the tour through Amsterdam.
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Drinks: beer, wine and soft drinks according to the chosen package.
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Catering: luxury snacks, lunch or an extensive buffet.
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Music: appropriate background music through the available sound system.
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Decoration: festive decoration suitable for the birthday.
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Flexible sailing route: adapted to the sailing possibilities, wishes and available time.
By pre-tuning the organisation and catering, the family can fully focus on being together during the party.
What do guests say about us?
Our customers
The family party: three hours of enjoying on the Amsterdam canals
2 p.m. - Reception on board
Guests will gather at a pre-arranged starting location in Amsterdam. On arrival they are welcomed on board.
While the first drinks are served, family members find each other. Some haven't seen each other in months. The relaxed atmosphere on board makes it easy to catch up with everyone.
2.30 p.m. tour of historic Amsterdam
The skipper sails along characteristic canal houses, historic bridges and famous Amsterdam sights.
Depending on the sailing route and the possibilities on the way, the family can enjoy among others:
- The Herengracht with its monumental canal houses.
- The Keizersgracht and the atmospheric city centre.
- The Prinsengracht with its historic bridges.
- The area of the Skinny Bridge over the Amstel.
- The unique architecture along the Amsterdam canals.
For family members who do not come regularly to Amsterdam, the cruise is a special acquaintance with the city.
3:00 A.M. Cozy drinks with the whole family
During the tour several snacks are served. The adults enjoy a drink, while the children admire the passing boats and bridges.
A family party on the water has an important advantage over many traditional party locations: all guests are in the same cozy environment, while the view constantly changes.
There will be room for conversations, family photo’s and joint moments.
4 p.m. A festive moment for the birthday boy
Halfway through the party, the birthday boy gets sunk. Family members give a short speech and hand over a joint gift.
With the Amsterdam canals as background, a special moment arises that is excellent for family photos’s.
5 p.m. Return and closure
After about three hours of sailing, the salon boat returns to the agreed docking site.
The family enjoyed an afternoon with good food, drinks, beautiful views and especially lots of cosiness.
Why a family party on the water in Amsterdam is so special
A family party on a boat offers various advantages over a traditional party location.
1. An exclusive location for the whole family
During a private boat ride you do not share the boat with unknown guests. This creates a personal and relaxed atmosphere in which everyone feels welcome.
2. Suitable for different ages
A family party often consists of several generations. From young children to grandparents: a comfortable cruise can be a fun activity for anyone.
Seats, sanitary facilities and accessibility can be taken into account when selecting a boat.
3. Catering entirely as desired
A cozy drink with snacks, extensive lunch, BBQ or festive dinner: different catering arrangements are possible depending on the boat.
Vegetarian, vegan and halal options and other dietary requirements can also be discussed in advance.
4. Amsterdam as unique decor
The Amsterdam canals are a special setting for a birthday, anniversary or family reunion. During the tour you will discover the city from a different perspective.
5. No worries about the organization
With a professional skipper, pre-arranged catering and a tailored program, a lot of organizational work is taken away.
What family parties can you organize on a boat in Amsterdam?
At Event on the Water, different types of family parties are possible.
| Opportunity | Options on board |
|---|---|
| Birthday | Private cruise with drinks, cake and snacks |
| 25-, 40- or 50-year marriage | Festive salon boat with lunch or dinner |
| Family meeting | Joint cruise with drink arrangement |
| 50th, 60th, 70th or 80th birthday | Comfortable boat with catering and music |
| Family day | Tour combined with food and drink |
| Baby shower | Atmospheric private boat with festive decoration |
| Anniversary | Extensive family party with entertainment |
Whether it's an intimate gathering or a big family party, the boat and the arrangement are tailored to the group's wishes.
Which boat is suitable for a family party in Amsterdam?
The choice of boat depends on the group size, season, desired comfort and type of party.
Open or covered boat
A sloop is ideal for an informal family meeting on the Amsterdam canals. In good weather the boat can open. Many boats can be covered and heated in less good weather.
Classic salonboat
A salon boat is particularly suitable for birthdays, anniversaries and family meetings where comfort is important. Thanks to the covered space, the party can also continue in less beautiful weather.
Passenger ship or event ship
For larger families and extensive anniversary parties, passenger ships and event ships are available. These usually offer more space for catering, entertainment and larger groups.
Tip: Please indicate how many children, adults and older people are present. So Event on the Water can help to select a suitable boat.
How much is a family party on the water in Amsterdam?
The cost of a family party on a boat in Amsterdam depends on several factors:
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The number of guests.
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The chosen boat type.
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The duration of the cruise.
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The catering and beverage arrangement.
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Any extra ’s such as entertainment or decoration.
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The desired date and availability.
A tour with drinks is usually more advantageous than an extensive family party with dinner and entertainment.
At Event op het Water you can apply for a free quote, so that you get an insight in the possibilities and total costs.
Organising Familibeest in Amsterdam: Event on the Water approach
Event at the Water has been active as a mediation platform for private sailing and group arrangements since 2017.
We help families to find a suitable boat and bring them into contact with professional shipping companies and providers.
Our method consists of four steps:
Step 1. Tell us your wishes
Please indicate the desired date, group size, sailing period and preferences for catering.
Step 2: Receive an appropriate proposal
Based on the request, you will find out which boats and arrangements match your requirements.
Step 3...
Discuss the starting location, catering, possible dietary requirements, decoration and additional possibilities.
Step 4: Enjoy the family party
On the scheduled day the boat is ready and the party can begin.
Frequently asked questions about family parties on the water in Amsterdam
What is a family party on the water in Amsterdam?
A family party on the water is a private meeting on a private boat in Amsterdam. Families can sail together, eat, drink and celebrate special occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries and family reunions.
How many people can attend a family party on a boat?
In Amsterdam, different types of boats are available for small and large companies. There are boats, salon boats and larger passenger and event ships. The maximum capacity varies by boat.
Can we rent a private boat for a family party?
Yes. At Event on the Water you can request a private boat that is exclusively available to your family. The boat is selected according to group size and wishes.
Is catering possible during a family party on a boat?
Yes. Depending on the ship, various catering options are available, including drinks, lunches, buffets, BBQ arrangements and dinners.
Can a family party on the water also take place in winter?
Yes. Covered and heated boats are available, so family parties can also be organised in autumn and winter. In extreme weather conditions, the possibilities are discussed with the provider.
Are the boats suitable for elderly and children?
Many boats are suitable for groups of different ages. Accessibility and facilities vary by ship. Report any mobility restrictions in advance so that they can be taken into account.
Is there a toilet on board?
The boats within the offer for cruises in Amsterdam have toilet facilities. The quotation can confirm which facilities the chosen boat has.
Can we arrange music and decoration ourselves?
Personal decoration is possible in consultation, as long as it does not cause damage and nothing gets in the water. Music possibilities depend on the boat and the sound rules in force.
Where can we leave for a family party in Amsterdam?
There are several starting locations in Amsterdam. An alternative public take-off location may be discussed, provided it is operationally suitable and permitted.
How long is a family party on the water?
For example, a family party can take two, three or four hours. The desired duration is tailored to the programme, catering and availability of the boat.
Questions or a tailor-made solution?
The advisors of Event op het Water are happy to answer your questions and offer free advice. Feel free to contact us, available 7 days a week.
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